Tips for designing and building pool and spa surrounds

by Sally Bouorm | December 1, 2014 10:50 am

By Brent Gwatney

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As pool and spa professionals know, in some cases, homeowners spend more time beside the water than in it, which means a top-notch surround provides an ideal way to enhance customer satisfaction and gain referrals. With a bit of inspiration, installers can create a poolside deck or hot tub surround that will not only thrill customers, but also have their friends and neighbours ask who the contractor was. The following are seven building tips to add life to pool and spa surrounds using composite decking.

1. Get edgy

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To create deck edges with a clean, finished look, install boards along the edge that run perpendicular to the planks which make up the rest of the decked surface. Unlike trim pieces that drop below the deck’s surface, edge boards are part of the usable space, and clearly define the deck’s boundaries.

An edge board is especially important on the poolside of a deck as it provides a smooth, consistent surface for bathers to rest against or to grip when climbing out of the pool, compared to being faced with the narrow ends of numerous planks (deck boards).

Edge boards also make a great accent wherever a deck is adjacent to a building or fence. Similar to mouldings along the walls and ceilings of houses, edge boards used in this way offer a clean visual transition between horizontal and vertical surfaces.

2. Throw them a curve

A kidney shape or other uniquely designed pool provides a perfect opportunity to create a one-of-a-kind deck that showcases creativity and craftsmanship. The deck edges can mimic the pool’s shape for visual interest, or can even include free-flowing curves that create a playful, eye-catching [3]space to hang out by the pool.

Forming curved surrounds is straightforward with concrete patios, as thin form boards bend easily and can be readily staked to shape. Nevertheless, curved decks built with decking planks tend to capture greater attention than curved concrete surrounds as they are more unexpected.

Further, composite deck boards are much easier to shape into curves than traditional wood decking. When bending composites, though, the manufacturer’s specific guidelines should be followed. Keep in mind, these instructions can vary by brand and can also impact the warranty.

PERFORMANCES ADVANTAGES OF COMPOSITE DECKING
For pool and hot tub surrounds, an essential advantage composite decking offers over traditional wood decking is its moisture resistance. As surrounds are regularly exposed to water (i.e. splash out, or get wet when bathers climb out of the water or sit/lay on the deck in their wet bathing suits), the decking’s ability to resist moisture is crucial. Moisture absorption in decking can lead to rot, delamination, or other premature failures. Although some composite decking is specifically designed to resist moisture, not all are, so it is important to confirm this with the dealer or manufacturer.Water protection The most effective way to protect composite deck boards from water is to fully encapsulate the wood fibres in water-resistant plastic, such as polyethylene (PE). Full encapsulation defends against moisture to the board’s core, allowing the boards to be cut, drilled, ripped, routed, and fastened without creating compromised areas where water can enter. As it is difficult to achieve full encapsulation, many manufacturers have moved from composite-only boards to making decking with a composite core and a protective plastic cap (called ‘capped composites’ or ‘cap-stock decking’).Capped composites rely on a thin outer layer of polymer plastic to keep moisture away from the composite core. Caps can be an effective enhancement for deck boards; however, they are not sufficient on their own in preventing moisture damage when the core comprises a composite in which the wood fibres are not fully encapsulated.This is because: • Some only have a cap on three sides, leaving the bottom of the board vulnerable to moisture intrusion; • Typically, even with a cap on all four sides, both board ends remain unprotected; and • Installers breach the cap in many spots when fastening deck boards to the underlying structural supports.One product recently introduced combines the added durability of a cap with the moisture defense of a composite core that has fully encapsulated wood fibres. In this case, the cap is used for enhanced resistance to staining, fading, and scratching; it is not primarily for water protection since the composite core is already moisture-resistant.Bug protection In addition to moisture resistance, another performance advantage of composites over traditional wood decking is resistance to termites, carpenter ants, and other insects. This is important in any deck, and is an added consideration for pool and spa surrounds, since they are often in warm, moist climates where wood-destroying insects are prevalent. Composites, which are made of substantial amounts of inedible plastics, are impervious to insect attack and, therefore, do not require chemical treatment. This is an important selling point with homeowners, as they typically do not want decking with toxic chemicals near their pools, and which their wet, bare skin will contact.Splinter protection Another benefit is the absence of splinters. This is an important safety and comfort feature for any deck, and especially for pool and spa surrounds, as there is typically more direct bare skin contact with these surfaces—including bare feet, gripping the edge the deck to rest while in the pool, using the deck to climb out of the water, or while sunbathing.

3. Breakup the lines

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Altering the direction of deck boards can also help make large decked surfaces feel more inviting. A few options for variable board placements include:

• changing the plank direction, with some boards running horizontally and others vertically;
• creating inlaid patterns such as a diamond, a compass rose, or specialty shapes that reflect the homeowner’s interests; and
• setting numerous short boards in repeating, tight patterns such as herringbone, hounds tooth, or intricate parquet.

Changing the board direction requires more planning in terms of the substructure to ensure appropriate deck plank span limits, as well as more measuring and cutting of boards, but homeowners appreciate having a deck that stands out from what their neighbour might have. As with curved-deck elements, this design tip is another way to differentiate deck design from competitors.

[5]To reduce the number of individual cuts, along with the amount of scrap to dispose of, many repeating patterns have complementary angles where a flipped over cut-off will have the appropriate mitre cut. When building this type of deck, it is important to use reversible composite boards that have embossed wood grain patterns on both sides. This allows them to be used with either face up.

WORKING WITH COMPOSITE DECKING

Contractors can install composite decking with the same tools used to build traditional wood decks—no special tools or skills are needed. Additionally, composite decking is easily machined, including ripping and routing to form custom shapes. To minimize the chance for metal corrosion or staining on composites, stainless steel trim head screws can be used. If screws need to be hidden, it is simple to countersink them and then tap down the composite material that lifted in the process. For homeowners who prefer their pool and spa surrounds to have a clean, smooth surface, several composite decking brands are also available with side-grooved boards that can accommodate hidden fasteners. For design flexibility, composite decking and railings are available in numerous colours—ranging from rich earth tones to sleek modern greys, as well as variegated colours that look like exotic hardwoods. Some boards even have realistic embossed wood grain patterns, which provide the beauty and character of wood decking. Anecdotal reports indicate dark-coloured composite decking, when in direct sunlight (especially more dense products), can become uncomfortably hot for bare skin. A similar effect happens with dark wood decking. To mitigate this on installations where the decking will be in direct sunlight for extended periods, lighter colour composite deck boards such as greys or tans should be suggested as these colours do not absorb solar radiation as readily. In terms of maintenance, composite decking typically does not require preservative treatments, water sealing, or staining. However, all decking should be periodically cleaned according to the manufacturer’s recommendations to keep it looking good, while also preventing any build-up of mould and mildew. Commercially available deck cleaners are generally suitable.

4. Think vertical

When planning a deck for maximum visual impact and enjoyment, consider whether it will be a single-flat space or designed with multiple levels. Both styles can be used effectively; however, the choice is determined in large part by the backyard’s layout and the available space.

In large backyards, a sizable deck that is flush with the pool’s surface imparts a sense of spaciousness. Such decks provide ample room for amenities such as chaise lounges, potted plants, and outdoor kitchens.

For pool areas that are constrained by the house, fences, or topography, adding raised portions to the deck expands the usable space and makes it feel more inviting. A portion of the deck adjacent to the pool that is raised roughly 0.3 to 0.6 m (1 to 2 ft) above the water, with the substructure hidden by vertical boards, provides an ideal space for people to sunbathe or to sit poolside and dangle their feet in the water. If space allows, a small, raised platform is a great place to put seating or to install a backyard fire pit or water fountain.

5. Shine a light on the subject

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Similar to what happens in an art gallery or live action theatre, lighting can be used to add a dramatic effect in the design of pool and spa surrounds. Although the options are nearly endless, two simple types of lighting to consider are surface-mounted button lights and poolside accent lights.

Button lights installed on the deck’s surface, or on the topside of railings, can create visual interest. They can also enhance safety by providing deck users with important visual cues about the location of deck edges. When installed in the top surface of wide rails, button lights enhance visibility for people to use the rail as a resting place for drinks and plates of food—making the rail an ideal spot for nighttime socializing.

Well-placed poolside accent lights also help to create ambiance as they reflect off of the water’s rippling surface. A deck surround can serve as an effective platform for such lighting. For example, a deck that is extended several feet over a swimming pool, with a few feet of clearance above the water, can be used for nighttime artistry when lights are installed on the decking’s underside. For bathers in the pool, this creates an inviting lighted cove, while those relaxing poolside see a stunning contrast between the illuminated underside of the deck and the topside of the surround, which remains in shadow.

As with all poolside lighting, to prevent electric shocks, it is crucial to follow building codes and to install Underwriters Laboratories (UL)-approved waterproof fixtures.

6. Create drama

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With some imagination, focal points can be created on a pool or spa surround that are unique to most customers. This does not mean a new type of amenity has to be created, but rather finding new ways to make a standard amenity unusual.

A good example of this is designing a catch basin for an outdoor shower. Rather than being a mundane and solely functional part of the deck, by using a moisture-resistant brand of composite decking, a unique basin can be created. As seen in the photo, one such basin relies on multiple design features to stand out, including curved-edge boards to form a circle, deck boards cut into wedges which radiate outward from the basin’s centre, multi-colour button lights to accentuate the circle motif of the drain holes, and surrounding plants to soften the deck’s edge, while also adding a touch of nature.

Similar levels of creativity can be applied to a fire pit, planters, seating, storage boxes, or any other outdoor living feature.

7. Rail against the ordinary

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Railings present an opportunity to take a deck design to a whole new level. Posts, rails, and balusters that match the colour and style of the deck boards are functional and attractive, but might not pop in a way a customer will appreciate. Therefore, contrasting colours should be considered to create visual interest. For example, using white railing components for a deck with a surface comprising dark colour boards.

Additionally, non-traditional balusters, such as shaped metal or wrought iron, is a break from the ordinary, yet readily fit into commonly available top and bottom rails—both wood and composite options. For a high-end look that preserves visibility of the pool, tempered glass panels provide a safe and visually interesting alternative to balusters. Since railings are an important safety feature of the deck, it is imperative to confirm the design with a local code official.

Stack the deck

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There are numerous materials to choose from when building pool and spa surrounds; however, composite decking offers many advantages as it is durable, attractive, affordable, easy-to-work with, and splinter-free. Best of all, thanks to this flexibility in design, it can be used in many ways to create a one-of-a-kind deck.

 

Brent Gwatney is senior vice-president for sales and marketing for MoistureShield composite decking, and serves on the North American Deck and Railing Association (NADRA) board of directors. He has specialized in the building industry for more than 30 years, working with manufacturers, dealers, design professionals, contractors, and building officials. He can be contacted via e-mail at bgwatney@aert.com[10].

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