With a pool in the garden, swimming fun in summer is guaranteed. But you also always like to stay at the edge of the pool. Be it to relax on a sun lounger or enjoy an iced tea in the lounge area. It is all the more important that the pool surround is designed to be functional and visually appealing. In today's article we will explain to you what you should consider when building a pool surround made of decking.
Foto: Shutterstock / stock_SK
The wooden border is a functional addition to the pool area
A wooden pool surround is much more than just a visual eye-catcher. It is also a functional addition to the pool area:
- It is non-slip and allows for safe running, jumping andEntering from the pool. This way you can avoid tripping accidents for people and pets.
- It improves the overall stability of the structure. Weight is distributed evenly and the forces acting on the swimming pool are absorbed.
- The decking boards dry out quickly. This means you don't have to constantly walk through muddy lawns.
- Wood stays pleasantly warm even during long periods of heat. In comparison, natural stone gets hot quickly and can only be walked on with shoes on hot summer days. If you want to enjoy your pool area barefoot, you should opt for wooden floorboards.
- If treated correctly, the material is extremely easy to care for and long-lasting. It is important to regularly use patio oil with UV protection to avoid discoloration and deformation.
This should be taken into account when building
Foto: Shutterstock / stock_SK
To ensure that the new border retains its shape and color for a long time, you should pay attention to a few things during construction. This includes the right surface and choosing the right oneType of wood and the assembly of the decking.
The underground
The preparation of the subsurface is similar to that for building a terrace. First you have to compact the area. There are different variants, depending on whether it is a lawn or the surface is concrete or paved.
Photo: Shutterstock / Luis Viegas
- Lawns, meadows and garden soil:these areas have loose soil and the structure could later sink. The lower layer of garden soil should also be as permeable to water as possible. This will prevent rainwater from collecting under and around the edge of the pool later. If necessary, sand is added to the soil first. Next you need a root barrier - this ensures that no grass grows in the gaps between the wooden floorboards. Therefore, you bring out gravel and lay a garden fleece on top. The last thing you have to do is pour strip foundations or create exposed concrete slabs.
- Is theSubsoil concrete or already paved, you can save yourself time-consuming work. All you have to do is check whether the rainwater can drain away without any problems. If moss and weeds have spread on the concrete floor, you need to lay fleece.
The decking boards are then attached and, depending on the manufacturer's specifications, screwed on with a little overhang. It is important to leave expansion joints and ensure that the substructure is really load-bearing.
Choose the right type of wood
Foto: Shutterstock / shine.graphics
When it comes to the type of wood, you have numerous options. Siberian larch, an extremely durable and robust wood, is particularly popular. The larch wood can easily withstand wind and rain, is pest-resistant and is rarely affected by mold. Douglas fir is also a dimensionally stable, resilient wood. To ensure that it retains its beautiful color for a long time, proper care is crucial.
Exotic woods such as bangkirai and bamboo are extremely robust and easy to care for, and are therefore very popular.
Assembly of the decking
The assembly of the decking takes place in several simple steps:
- Create a sketch with a laying plan.
- Lay rubber pads, set up pedestals, adjust the height of the substructure and screw the elements together.
- If desired, pull in the cable for lighting around the pool edge.
- Cut the decking boards to size, sand the interfaces and attach the decking boards.
