A great backyard pool deserves a great deck to go with it. The pool surround is the space that wraps around your pool, designed to create an environment that's comfortable, welcoming, and safe. Getting it right means choosing the right materials and layout — whether you're building from scratch or renovating.
Here's everything you need to know about designing and building the perfect pool deck.
What to Know Before Choosing Your Pool Surround
The pool deck is one of the most important elements of pool landscaping. Before choosing yours, it helps to understand what it actually does — and what to look for.
Why You Need a Pool Surround
Also called a pool deck, the pool surround is the surface installed around the pool coping. Here's why it matters:
- It lets you move freely and safely around the pool and provides space for lounge chairs and outdoor furniture.
- It keeps your pool cleaner by acting as a barrier between the grass and the water — no grass tracked in from wet feet.
- It manages runoff, preventing rainwater from flowing directly into the pool.
- It improves safety with a flat, non-slip surface that reduces the risk of slipping.
- It adds style and can be fully customized to suit your outdoor aesthetic.
Key Criteria for Choosing a Pool Surround
When selecting your pool deck, consider: your budget, the landscaping style you want, your pool type, your pool house style (if applicable), and your terrain. Always prioritize non-slip surfaces to prevent accidents.
The 7 Main Types of Pool Decks
1 — Wood
A hugely popular choice, wood brings a warm, natural look to any pool area and adapts easily to a wide range of styles and color palettes. Easy to install, and plenty of pool décor ideas pair perfectly with it.
- Pros: Natural feel, wide variety of species to suit all tastes.
- Cons: Requires regular maintenance to stay looking good, and can splinter over time.
Learn more in our dedicated guides on wooden pool decks and above-ground pool decks.
2 — Tile
A timeless poolside classic, tile comes in endless colors, shapes, and layouts — straight or diagonal — for a fully personalized look.
- Pros: Works with any budget, easy to clean, huge variety of styles available.
- Cons: Pool deck tile can crack under impact and become slippery when smooth — always choose an anti-slip rating.
3 — Natural Stone
For a long-lasting, elegant pool surround, natural stone is hard to beat. Available in tones from rose granite to slate gray, it's more durable than tile and adds real character to any backyard.
- Pros: Long lifespan, easy to maintain, great range of colors.
- Cons: Dark tones can get very hot in direct sun. Smooth stone may need anti-slip treatment.
4 — Concrete
Concrete is widely used for pool decks and offers excellent customization options — colored, printed, or stamped finishes can look stunning.
- Pros: Highly customizable, versatile, and can be used as a standalone material for the whole deck.
- Cons: Installation can be complex, requires a resin protective coat, and costs vary depending on location and concrete type.
5 — Lawn / Synthetic Grass
For a natural, green look around your pool, synthetic grass is the way to go — it skips the maintenance hassle of natural grass and won't shed clippings into the water.
- Pros: Easy to install, gives the pool a fresh "green beach" feel.
- Cons: Can deteriorate quickly if low quality, and tends to trap dirt — making cleaning more frequent.
6 — Composite
Made from wood flour and resin, composite decking looks like natural wood without the splinter risk or heavy maintenance requirements.
- Pros: All the visual appeal of wood with minimal upkeep. Easy to maintain.
- Cons: Some composite products can have a slightly plastic appearance depending on the finish.
7 — Mobile / Sliding Deck
A growing trend in pool design, the sliding deck acts as both a safety cover and a functional outdoor surface. It operates on a rail system installed around the pool — sliding open like a gate.
- Pros: Protects against bad weather, keeps water clean, maintains temperature, limits evaporation, and provides a secure barrier when closed.
- Cons: Professional installation is usually required, cost per square foot is higher, and sufficient clearance space around the pool is needed.
When Is the Best Time to Build Your Pool Deck?
Timing matters. Material type and weather conditions both play a role. Concrete work requires temperatures between 41°F and 77°F — avoid winter freezes and extreme summer heat. Wood decking should be installed outside of rainy seasons, as moisture can warp or damage the planks. Tile and stone are more weather-tolerant but still benefit from dry conditions during installation.
Also keep in mind that larger or elevated decks may require a permit — always check local regulations before breaking ground.
Should You Hire a Professional?
While DIY installation is possible, a professional brings real expertise — especially for complex materials or elevated structures. A specialist can advise on the best surface for your pool setup, ensure the work is properly insured, and build to code.
Start by requesting a few quotes to get a clear picture of the budget for your pool surround project.
We hope this guide gives you everything you need to move forward with confidence. And if you want to add some fun and personality to your pool area, browse our full range of inflatable floats:
FAQ: Pool Terrace
What material should I choose for a pool terrace?
The most common materials for a pool terrace are: stamped concrete (affordable, customizable), natural stone (granite, slate, schist — elegant but expensive), wood-plastic composite (low maintenance, moisture-resistant), and anti-slip tiles. The top priorities are slip resistance (R11 rating minimum) and resistance to pool chemicals.
How wide should a pool terrace be?
Plan for at least 1.5 m wide all around the pool to move comfortably and place sun loungers. If space allows, 2 to 3 m is ideal. A wider terrace also improves safety (buffer zone before the pool edge) and comfort during swimming sessions.
Do I need planning permission for a pool terrace in France?
In France, a ground-level terrace (height < 0.60 m from the ground) under 20 m² generally requires no formalities. Between 20 and 40 m², a prior declaration may be required depending on the municipality. For raised or front-facing terraces, check with your local council before starting work.
How do I prevent my pool terrace from being slippery?
Choose materials with a slip resistance of at least R11. Avoid polished or smooth tiles. For an existing slippery terrace, apply an anti-slip treatment (grit resin, aluminium oxide application) or place anti-slip mats right at the pool edge.
What budget should I plan for a 30 m² pool terrace?
The cost of a pool terrace depends heavily on the material: stamped concrete (€50–100/m²), plain concrete slab (€30–60/m²), anti-slip outdoor tiles (€60–150/m²), natural stone (€100–250/m²), composite or treated wood (€80–180/m²). For 30 m², budget between €1,500 and €7,500, excluding labour.
