I know it’s the end of December and most pools are closed - but that doesn’t mean we can’t start planning for pool season now! Today’s topic - the best concrete choice for pool decks! Many of the ideas shared here can also be applied to water feature splash pads as well. Broom finished concrete has been a tried and true finish for years. My grandpa and my dad placed many broom finish concrete installations, and they are wonderful and have held up the test of time. Even a nice swirl finish is popular for many pool decks because it adds some multi-direction to the finish. However, my personal favorite finish for any area that will have water and bare feet is a sand finish exposed aggregate. This may go by many names, but at the end of the day, it’s a traditional exposed aggregate finish, but only exposing the the sand level of the concrete (not to the coarser aggregates - which could leave some bloody knees when someone falls, or have some sharp edges with the rocks jabbing into bare feet! Ouch!).
Why do I like sand finish so much? Here are a few reasons:
Sand finish concrete is beautiful. When working next to a beautiful material like water, why not have concrete that reflects a similar natural beauty? Sand finish exposes the natural beauty of concrete, while not going too deep into the rocks in the mix. It provides a nice balance of nature and functionality.
Sand finish concrete provides great traction. Broom finish is functional, but it has a couple of problems when there are bare feet running around on wet surfaces… it provides some traction, but that traction is directional. If you happen to slip in the same direction the broom is going (not perpendicular to it), you’re going to keep slipping. And, broom finishes often wear down over time - losing the broom texture on the surface.
Sand finish concrete is customizable. In addition to changing up the integral colors for the concrete mix, specialty rocks and glass can be added to it as well - creating a unique (and sometimes shimmering) appearance! You can go as natural and organic as you want, or can jazz it up with some really high-end additives. The sky is the limit! To learn more about many of the options, visit www.miraconcrete.com
It doesn’t provide too much traction. As mentioned earlier, the more traditional “exposed aggregate” concrete is much too rough for most pool and water feature applications. It definitely can provide traction, but at a to bare feet and knees. Sand finish is a gentle finish that provides traction without the harshness of exposing larger, more angular rocks in the concrete mix.
In addition to the concrete pool deck. The coping and surrounding features (curbs, walls, etc) can also be installed in the same or similar colors and finishes - completing the natural yet beautiful oasis.
