Landscape Architect Articles

LASN PMBR July, 200307-01-03 | News

Decks Transform Pools into Paradise

By: Alva D. Logsdon

The lay of the pool can guide which type of stone is best for the design. A 12-inch square can be used for large pool decks, while 4???8-inch stones make a more intricate design.

The sun is setting on the days of plain concrete or pool decks. Concrete pave stones are increasing in popularity as homeowners discover the many choices in colors, shapes and sizes. The backyard outdoor living area can easily be transformed into an oasis with creative designed pool decking using decorative pave stones.

?EUR??,,????'??The homeowners acceptance and choice of pave stones in pool decks is growing,?EUR??,,????'?? said Dave Morris, owner, Pavers and More, Sacramento, Calif. ?EUR??,,????'??Customers like the aesthetics of the variety of colors, patterns, and textures. Pave stone manufacturers are also producing coping stones in matching colors, which can be used for pool coping and stair treads for terraced landscapes.?EUR??,,????'??

?EUR??,,????'??The fact that there are no forms to set nor concrete to pour allows the homeowner to use the pool as soon as possible,?EUR??,,????'?? explained Tex Mabalon, general manager, of Pavestone Company in Sacramento. Some pool companies promote pool completion in 30 days, which is a huge selling tool, and pave stone decks facilitate pool construction.?EUR??,,????'??

Designing a Pool Deck with Pave Stones

Like most landscape features, the chief force behind a design is the customer?EUR??,,????'???s taste. The contractor can assure customer satisfaction by showing the customer a variety of pave stone shapes and colors. Do they wish the pool to harmonize or contrast the colors of the house? The larger pavers, like a 12?EUR??,,????'???inch square, are best used for large commercial and residential pool decks, as they could otherwise overwhelm a smaller deck. There are many shapes and textures available in smaller pave stones, such as the standard 4???8?EUR??,,????'???inch pave stone which can create a beautiful design for small and large projects. The lay of the pool can also provide guidance for which stone is best suited for the design.

Because pools decks are often irregularly shaped, more cuts will be required, increasing the waste factor.

Traditionally, when most people think about pools they think tropical. This theme is still very popular with pool designs, however, a more natural approach has homeowners choosing softer colors, earth blends and tumbled coping and pave stones. These options lend a relaxed ambience to the design.

Considerations for Pave Stones Installation

Ray Clark, servintg Pavestone Company?EUR??,,????'???s Florida market, has worked extensively with contractors on pool deck installations and offers the following advice for contractors.

?EUR??,,????'??Elevation changes on a pool deck could cause an overabundance of water to run into the pool. It is best to have the elevation on the deck run away from the pool or to a deck drain (optional),?EUR??,,????'?? Clark said. ?EUR??,,????'??Also, existing soil conditions will dictate a thickness of aggregate base needed. Clay or silty soils require more base (4-6 inches) while sandy soils require less base (4 inches). It is always best to consult with a local geotechnical engineer if you are unsure what type of soil conditions are present.?EUR??,,????'??

Clark also recommends to ?EUR??,,????'??jet?EUR??,,????'??? water down into the base and sand around the inside perimeter of the pool deck to aid in the paver compaction process. More settling occurs around the inside perimeter of the deck and around the beam of the pool than anywhere else on a deck.

A common misconception about pavers is that sand will migrate into the pool. A paver joint stabilizer will prevent this from happening.

Irregular pool deck shapes may require more pave stone cuts than others, which can increase the percentage of waster factor needed. If in doubt, consult with your pave stone manufacturing representative to help you determine the waste percentage to factor in.

A common misconception about utilizing pave stones for pool decking is that sand will migrate from the joints of the pavers into the pool. While it?EUR??,,????'???s important to be aware of this during the installation phase, a paver joint stabilizer will assure that the sand stays in the joints.

Segmental retaining walls (SRWs) are also being used around pools as a cost effective alternative to increase landscape beauty while providing level areas for pool decks. The pool designer and contractor should work together addressing issues such as pool type, plumbing, drainage and wiring for fiber optic lights and pool accessories. Like pave stones, SRWs are growing in popularity for pools for their ease of construction, variety of available colors and textures, and increased performance in areas with freeze/thaw cycles.

Retaining walls can be used around pools as a completely free draining system.

Another benefit is that SRW walls allow for a completely free draining system. Water from rain and children splashing on the pool deck has to go someplace, with an SRW, the wall can release moisture through the face.

?EUR??,,????'??There are key considerations for building these walls,?EUR??,,????'?? said Alan Starling, commercial wall sales, Pavestone Company, Dallas/Ft. Worth, Texas. ?EUR??,,????'??When designing a wall around a pool it is critical to know if the pool walls are rigid or flexible. Rigid walls apply no load to the soil around the pool and will function properly if the pool is filled with water with no backfill around the pool whatsoever. If so, the retaining walls can be constructed as normal SRW walls designed and constructed in accordance with the NCMA criteria.?EUR??,,????'??

Most SRW walls over three feet will require geosynthetic reinforcement and many municipalities will require plans stamped by an engineer for walls over four feet. Many contractors find the Anchor Wall Systems Estimating Manual to be a very important tool to prepare bids. The manual tells you how many layers of geogrid to use and their length based on the surcharge and soil conditions.

Decorative concrete pave stones and SRWs provide the aesthetics, design flexibility and structural stability required to not only successfully complete pool projects, but to transform them into a beautiful paradise.