Why You Need to Get a Non-Slip Treatment for Your Swimming Pool Deck

How Slippery Is Your Swimming Pool Deck?

Depending on the material, your deck may have a more slippery surface compared to others. Smooth materials such as concrete, marble, granite, and tiles are quite slippery.

Synthetic decking materials are also very slippery, especially after they become wet during a day of poolside play. Accordingly, you should contemplate the safety of deck materials if you’re having the area around your pool resurfaced. 

There are materials that you can choose that aren’t as slippery as others. Smooth concrete around pools, for example, is slippery.

Textured concrete, however, will provide you and your guests with more grip underfoot. Furthermore, it’s highly affordable and matches a range of deck designs.

Stone is another durable deck surface option for your swimming pool. You can install natural stone slabs, stone pavers, and other stone pool deck materials.

By adding textured concrete, you can provide more grip for pool-goers. For example, you can use aggregate to add texture to your pool deck. Aggregate materials are small stones, pebbles, or rocks that your contractor adds to concrete mix to provide texture and traction. 

By adding texture, you’ll give your deck more slip resistance. Brick is another flexible deck surface material. 

Brick isn’t necessarily the first material you think about when considering resurfacing your pool. However, it’s great for pools that are integrated into landscaping and gardens.

Furthermore, it’s low maintenance and provides exceptional traction. It’s also available in many styles and colors, so it’s as safe as it is aesthetically pleasing.

Pavers are another swimming pool deck surface option. These are made of brick-like stones that are shaped into a pattern and lock together to create a walking surface. You can find pavers made in concrete, brick or stone deck materials. 

Removing Slipperiness From Swimming Pools With Decking

Any wet decking presents a potential slip or fall hazard. This is unless it provides sufficient friction, according to standards outlined by the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).

The ADA measures slipperiness using a metric called the coefficient of friction. Ideally, you want your pool deck to have a coefficient of friction of at least .60.

Because they sit next to a body of water, pool decks are especially hazardous. No matter what kind of pool you have, it’s a good idea to treat it with an antiskid solution.

The ADA’s guideline is a good starting point for pool safety. However, a coefficient of friction of .75 or .85 is even better.

Make sure that you hire a skilled professional to treat your deck with antiskid solution. A professionally installed treatment can last up to 15 years. 

Preventing Slips and Falls on Pool Decks

Slippery pool decks can cause serious injuries for adults and children. Furthermore, a slippery deck exposes you to liability.

If a court finds that it’s your fault that someone was injured on your deck, you may have to pay for expensive medical treatments. By making sure the surface of your pool deck is safe, you can avoid this risk.

You should also have a swimming pool expert test the safety of any nearby ramps. You’ll also want to make sure that any stairs that lead into your pool are safe.

If you have your deck resurfaced with concrete, for instance, you can ask the contractor to use an abrasive pad on your deck to create texture. A skilled professional will make sure that the surface remains intact. They’ll also test the surface to make sure that it’s sufficiently slip-resistant.

Don’t forget to check the surfaces of other areas that guests and family members may need to access when they visit your pool. For example, have your contractor check the safety of changing rooms and shower areas.

Finally, discourage family members and guests from wearing un-treaded shoes. Shoes with treads offer an extra layer of safety. 

Exercise Caution Around Your Swimming Pool

In addition to making the deck of your pool safer, make sure someone takes charge of watching out for the safety of guests. By appointing a designated water watcher, you can make sure that children and adults remain safe when they use your pool. 

Often, friends and family members will make the mistake of thinking someone is watching out for pool safety because they’re in a comfortable environment. However, this false sense of security can result in a pool full of children with no one watching them. 

A water watcher has a single responsibility – making sure people are safe in the pool, especially children. You can help drive home the responsibility of the role of water watcher by making a physical Water Watcher card. Water watchers can pass the card from one attendant to another to make sure someone’s always responsible for pool safety. 

Super Safe Swimming Pool Decks Installed by Experts

Pools are made for fun, but safety is a top priority when it comes to your swimming pool deck. It’s important to remember not to forgo safety for fun. By treating or resurfacing your swimming pool deck, you can ensure summer after summer of fun – with no unforeseen incidents.

As a homeowner, you’re likely to have more questions about the safety of your pool deck. Make an appointment with a LayorCare Pool & Patio Protection expert to learn how to make your pool the safest recreation area in the neighborhood.