Creating a low-maintenance pool area with composite decking

As summer makes way for colder months it’s now the perfect time to revamp your pool area to something that’s more low-maintenance, durable and better accommodates year-round entertaining. If you’ve been considering upgrading your pool area, or even your outdoor decking space, here are some tips and trends to inspire your project.

WHY OPT FOR COMPOSITE DECKING?

The first thing to consider around any pool area is complementary decking that looks good and can withstand the elements, be it from the weather or the occasional cannonball into the pool. It’s worth considering a composite decking solution such as ResortDeck, which combines the performance of a composite deck with the look of natural timber, and just happens to be a more sustainable decking solution.

Not only does ResortDeck decking negate the need for painting, sealing and staining a deck, it also means that your pool deck will be termite- and splinter-proof, reducing the worry and costs of ongoing maintenance. Double-down on the low-maintenance factor with Outdure’s QwickBuild aluminum framing system and you can be confident that the only thing left to worry about is the menu for the next barbecue.

CHOOSE YOUR DECKING COLOUR WISELY

If you decide to update your entire decking area then colour will be an important part of that decision. As a rule of thumb, go as close as possible to the colour scheme in your interior space if you can – the indoor-outdoor flow will give the illusion of a much bigger space, and will be less jarring and distracting than decking in a completely different colour. ResortDeck is equipped with built-in UV protection which means it will stay true to its colour and eliminate the need for re-staining to keep a colour match. That said, ResortDeck comes in a multitude of go-with-anything shades, which makes it easier to mix up your furniture and bring in other quirky design elements.

GIVE YOUR POOL A ONCE-OVER

While your pool isn’t in frequent use during cooler months it’s a great opportunity to double-check the walls, filter and pumps and ensure they’re all in good working condition. Investing in a pool cover for winter will also help to keep organic material out of the water, reducing cleaning frequency. In summer, that same cover will also help to reduce evaporation, saving money on top-ups – win!

OPT FOR LOW-MAINTENANCE LANDSCAPING

An easy way to incorporate green onto your pool deck is to surround decking steps or main exit and entry pathways with low-lying shrubs, groundcovers or even artificial grass. Consider lining the pool with perennial plants and shrubs that can handle frost and heat, and require little maintenance. A couple of garden boxes with established trees such as yucca or dracaena as these owners have, adds instant green and are low-maintenance from the get-go.

BLEND ENTERTAINMENT SPACES TOGETHER

A pool and a barbecue area go together like cheese and crackers, and chances are your outdoor deck will be big enough to accommodate a dining area comfortably. However if your pool deck isn’t large enough for an adjacent outdoor kitchen and you’ve set that barbecue space up somewhere else in the yard, consider unifying the two separate spaces with cohesive design elements such as ResortDeck in the same shade or carry the same decor colour schemes throughout all spaces.

KEEP YOUR DECOR SIMPLE

Less is more when it comes to chic outdoor spaces (which also means less cleaning). Invest in a simple, timeless outdoor dining setting that’s made from non-corrosive material for durability, or UV-resistant rattan, which is enjoying something of a resurgence in recent times. As the seasons – and your preferred colour palette – change you can easily update the space with some new outdoor cushions and statement table settings for when guests come around.

Updating your pool area needn’t be complicated or drawn-out – a few careful considerations regarding sustainable materials and timeless colour schemes will mean you have a space you’ll enjoy for years to come. Read more on our projects page and follow us on Instagram for more design inspiration.