Pool Progress – Decking

It’s been a little while since I’ve given you a pool update. Today I’m sharing some pool progress and talking about the process for the decking.

First of all, I want to tell you how much we’re enjoying watching the pool come together. I’ve had so many emails and messages on Instagram from you all who are enjoying the process as much as we are. If you’re local, I can’t recommend South Shore Gunite Pools enough. They have been great and service all of New England.

When putting in a pool deck or patio in your yard there are so many options out there. There’s aggregate, stamped concrete, blue stone pavers, brick etc. All are so beautiful. For our pool decking we decided to go with aggregate for a few reasons. It’s durable. It’s not as slippery when wet. It will hold up to snow and ice. The big reason is it was included with our pool package. There were many options to choose from for the aggregate decking but we decided to go with this one (bottom sample in the photo):

The color is “Twilight” and we decided on this one because of all the coastal colors – you can see the cooler tones in it – dark and light grays, blacks and some blues. You all know I gravitate to cool colors in my decor and with the she shed being gray and the weathered cedar shingles on our home, we thought this sample was a good option.

Okay, now I’m going to share the step by step process of our pool company installing our decking, it is a three part process.

It really was fun to watch, so much so that I decided to make a video which is at the end of the post.

Pool Progress – Decking

Part 1 – Deck Forms

Step 1 – deck forms were put down in order to pour the concrete into, this included a foam for the edge of the pool and wood framing.

Step 2 – Wire mesh was added to the deck to reinforce it.

The deck forms took one day for installation.

Step 3 – once the guys were finished the wire mesh needed to be grounded and inspected.

You will see that the deck sweeps out at the shallow end. We decided to add extra decking here because we plan on having a dining area and a lounging area. Over in the deep end, you’ll see that the decking stops in a straight edge. The shed will be moved to that edge to create another seating area and the shed will become a pool house.

Part 2 – Decking

Once the steel forms were bonded and inspected, it was time for our pool decking to go in. It took a little time to set up but was AMAZING to watch how quickly the crew worked. There were 9 guys here plus the readymix truck.

Step 1 – Concrete was poured using a small vehicle and guys would smooth it out and make sure it was level.

Step 2 – While the concrete was still wet, tiny rocks were shoveled onto the cement and mixed. These tiny rocks were the color of rocks we selected in the sample.

Step 3 – This whole process was repeated around the entire pool.

Expansion joints were added in various section of the deck. Concrete expands and contracts with varying temperatures so these joints will control where the concrete cracks.

The deck was left for four days so it could cure.

Part 3 – Acid Wash

Step 1 – After the aggregate deck fully cured. The wooden frame was removed.

Step 2 – An acid wash was applied to the overall deck.

The acid wash really brought out the colors of the stones.

You can see the video here:

Building a pool is such an art form. We feel truly lucky having such skilled artisans turning a part of our yard into an area I know we will get so much enjoyment as a family and also with friends.

I hope you enjoy seeing the pool patio being made. It really feels like summer, and our pool, is almost here!

YOU CAN READ MORE POOL POSTS HERE:

Inspiration

Digging and Plumbing

Rebar

Gunite