The structure must withstand constant water exposure, temperature fluctuations, and chemical treatments when building a deck around your swim spa or pool. At Back To Nature, we focus on deck construction that delivers reliability, safety, and durability. Our expert deck contractors in Oreland, PA, have the specialized knowledge to design and install swim spa decks and pool decks that meet the specific needs of your outdoor space.
Why Choose a Professional Deck Contractor for Your Pool or Spa Deck?
Building a deck around a pool or swim spa isn’t just about aesthetics—it’s about selecting the right materials, ensuring proper installation, and understanding the environmental factors at play. Here’s why hiring a professional deck company like Back To Nature is essential:
- Expertise in Material Selection: Not all materials are suited for wet environments. As experienced deck installers, we know which materials, such as composite decking, PVC decking, and pressure-treated wood, can withstand water exposure. These materials are durable, low-maintenance, and resistant to moisture damage.
- Proper Installation Techniques: Professional deck contractors use advanced techniques to ensure adequate drainage, level framing, and secure fastening, preventing problems like water pooling or shifting over time.
- Safety Standards: When designing swim spa decks or pool decks, safety is a top priority. We adhere to local codes and regulations regarding railings, steps, and overall structure, ensuring a safe and functional deck.
What to Consider When Building a Deck Around Your Swim Spa or Pool
Designing and building a swim spa deck requires more than just framing a space around the unit. It’s crucial to consider moisture, safety, and long-term durability. Here’s how we approach deck construction for your pool or swim spa:
Moisture Management
Water is a constant presence around pools and spas, so proper moisture management is essential for preserving the longevity of your deck. Here’s what we do:
- Proper Slope and Drainage: We design your deck around the swim spa or pool with a slight slope to direct water away from the structure. This helps prevent pooling and water damage, maintaining the deck’s integrity over time.
- Waterproof Materials: We use PVC decking and composite decking, inherently resistant to water damage. These materials won’t absorb moisture, reducing the risk of mold, mildew, or rotting.
Slip Resistance: Safe Deck Surfaces for Your Pool or Spa
Decks around pools and spas are often wet, so ensuring slip resistance is critical. Here’s how Back To Nature ensures your deck stays safe:
- Non-Slip Materials: Composite decking and PVC decking are used for their slip-resistant properties, even when wet.
- Surface Profiles: Textured and embossed surfaces, like TimberTech Edge Prime+ and Trex Transcend, provide enhanced grip.
- Slip-Resistant Inserts: Textured strips are installed on stairs and high-traffic areas to boost traction.
- Safety Compliance: All designs meet local and national safety standards, including ADA guidelines for slip resistance.
Structural Integrity: Strong and Durable Decks
A pool or spa deck must be structurally sound to handle water, foot traffic, and the elements. Here’s how Back To Nature ensures long-lasting stability:
- Reinforced Framing: Pressure-treated lumber or galvanized steel is used for framing, with posts, beams, and joists anchored securely.
- Load-Bearing Capacity: The deck is designed to support the weight of water, the pool, and foot traffic, with reinforced beams and heavy-duty footings.
- Moisture-Resistant Materials: Composite decking and mineral-based composites resist moisture and require minimal maintenance.
- Drainage Planning: The deck is built with a slope to ensure water flows away from the structure, and hidden fasteners prevent water accumulation.
- Expansion Management: Proper spacing is allowed between boards to accommodate natural expansion and contraction with temperature changes.
- Routine Inspections: Regular checks for loose fasteners, cracks, and other issues ensure the deck remains stable and durable.
Pool Deck Materials: Choosing the Right Option for Your Home
Choosing the right material for your pool deck or swim spa deck is crucial for the deck’s performance, appearance, and safety. Below are the most common materials we recommend for different needs:
PVC Decking (Best for High Moisture Exposure)
- Why It’s Ideal: PVC decking is completely waterproof, durable, and resistant to fading or mold growth. It is perfect for high-moisture areas like pools and spas.
- What to Consider: PVC decking can be more expensive upfront than other materials. It also tends to heat up in direct sunlight, so choosing lighter colors is better.
Composite Decking (A Balanced Option)
- Why It’s Ideal: Composite decking combines wood fibers with plastic, offering a natural look while resisting moisture, rot, and insects. It’s a great middle ground between wood and plastic decking.
- What to Consider: While low-maintenance, composite decks still require occasional cleaning to maintain their appearance. They are less prone to fading than PVC.
Pressure-Treated Wood (Budget-Friendly Option)
- Why It’s Ideal: Pressure-treated wood is an affordable option for deck construction, and it’s easy to work with for custom designs. It’s perfect if you’re on a budget.
- What to Consider: Wood requires regular maintenance, including sealing, staining, and occasional repairs. It can also warp or crack over time when exposed to moisture, so it’s not ideal near the pool’s edge.
Mineral-Based Composite Decking (Long-Lasting, Low Maintenance)
- Why It’s Ideal: This material is resistant to moisture, heat, and fading, making it an excellent choice for poolside and spa decks that will experience frequent exposure to the elements.
- What to Consider: The upfront cost is higher, but it offers minimal maintenance over the deck’s lifespan, making it a solid investment.
Seasonal Deck Features for Year-Round Enjoyment
Your pool deck or swim spa deck should be usable year-round. Here’s how we design pool decks to handle Orleand’s changing seasons:
Season | Feature | Benefit |
Spring | Drainage planning + low-voltage lights | Prevents water buildup from spring rains and keeps the deck illuminated at night. |
Summer | Pergola or umbrella shading | Keeps the area shaded and cool, providing relief from the sun’s heat while you enjoy your pool. |
Fall | Privacy screens + infrared heaters | Extends your outdoor enjoyment with added privacy and warmth during cooler months. |
Winter | Non-slip PVC decking + recessed lighting | Keeps your deck safe and visible during off-season maintenance, even in cold or icy conditions. |
Recommendations for Pool & Spa Deck Builders – What to Do and What to Avoid
What to Do:
- Plan for Future Access: Building your deck with easy access points is essential if your pool or spa has equipment that may need servicing. We plan for these details during the deck construction phase to avoid future issues.
- Use Durable Materials: Avoid using untreated wood near the pool, as it’s prone to rot and water damage. Instead, use composite or PVC decking for areas with constant water exposure.
- Follow Local Building Codes: As licensed deck contractors, we ensure every project adheres to local codes and regulations, ensuring that your pool deck or spa deck is safe and compliant with building standards.
What to Avoid:
- Using Untreated Wood Near the Pool: Even with sealing, untreated wood near a pool or spa is prone to rot and premature deterioration. Choose more durable materials like composite or PVC instead.
- Ignoring Local Codes: Following safety codes when installing your pool deck is essential. Failing to do so could result in fines, delays, or safety issues.
- Not Planning for Expansion: Pool decks, especially those made with PVC or composite decking, must allow for expansion and contraction due to temperature changes. Ensure your deck construction accounts for this natural movement.
Why Homeowners Trust Back To Nature for Pool and Swim Spa Deck Installation in Oreland, PA
At Back To Nature, we build pool decks and swim spa decks that are made to last. Here’s why homeowners choose us for their deck construction:
- Stable Framing: Every post, beam, and joist is secured with the correct fasteners and footings to ensure the deck remains stable, even in areas with high water tables or freeze-thaw conditions.
- Precision Drainage: We ensure the deck has the correct slope and spacing to direct water away from the structure and protect the foundation of your pool or spa.
- Certified Expertise: Our experienced deck contractors use proven construction methods to ensure your pool deck or swim spa deck is built to meet the highest safety and durability standards.
- Custom Designs: We work with you to design a deck that suits your needs and fits your home’s style. Every deck is tailored to your preferences, from layout to materials.
- Dependable Service: Back To Nature handles every installation step from consultation to clean-up. We focus on delivering professional service on time and with attention to detail.
- Local & Reliable: As a trusted deck company in Oreland, PA, and the surrounding areas, Back To Nature has earned a solid reputation for quality pool deck and swim spa deck construction.
- Clear Pricing and Timelines: We provide a detailed quote and timeline before starting any project, so you know exactly what to expect—no surprises.
Warranties & Guarantees
At Back to Nature, we stand by the quality of our work and the materials we use. Our pool decks and swim spa decks are built to last, and we offer comprehensive warranties on both craftsmanship and materials:
- Materials Warranty: We offer up to 25-50 years of coverage on the materials used for your deck, protecting against issues like rotting, fading, and warping.
- Craftsmanship Guarantee: Our work is backed by a craftsmanship guarantee. If any issues arise from our installation, we’ll resolve them at no extra cost.
For more details on our warranties and guarantees, please visit: btndecks.com/warranties-gaurantees/
Areas We Serve
Back to Nature proudly serves Oreland, PA, and the surrounding Philadelphia suburbs, including Abington, Ambler, Blue Bell, Fort Washington, Elkins Park, Huntington Valley, Glenside, Maple Glen, and more. If your area isn’t listed, reach out to us—we’re happy to discuss how we can bring expert deck building and remodeling services to your location.
Let’s Build Your Ideal Swim Spa or Pool Deck Today!
Your perfect outdoor space is just a call away. At Back To Nature, we specialize in designing and constructing custom swim spa decks and pool decks tailored to your needs. Contact our experienced deck contractors for a free consultation, and we’ll help you turn your vision into reality. Contact us now to start building a deck that’s as durable as beautiful!