Decking Advice Needed

First-time poster about to become a first-time pool owner in Houston. The decision I'm struggling with the most (for now at least) is what to use as decking. My two main concerns (which I'm guessing are the same for most people) are slip-resistance and heat, in that order.

My wife loves the look of stamped concrete. While I also love the look, I realize that it will get pretty hot. I'm really concerned about the slip factor. I know that you can apply an anti-slip agent, but I don't have much information on how effective that really is.

I know that Kooldeck will satisfy both of my concerns, but my wife really doesn't like the aesthetics of it. Plus, I don't know much about its durability or stain-resistance. I understand that it is less expensive than stamped concrete.

I've heard about Sundek, but all I know is what I see on their website, and I've never seen it in person. From what I can tell, it's similar to Kooldeck as far as heat-resistance and can be patterned to look like stamped concrete. At first glance it seems to be the best of both worlds, but the fact that it doesn't seem to be very prevalent makes me wonder what's wrong with it. Is it slippery? Where does it fall on the cost scale?

I'm hoping that you friendly folks will give me some help with my specific questions, and maybe even give some some pros and cons of these surfaces beyond my main concerns, and if there is an alternative I'm not thinking of, please enlighten me.

Thanks in advance!

All these products are very good products. One of the most important factors when it comes to any surface wether it is concrete, stamped concrete, concrete pavers, Kooldeck (or Kooldeck like) or stone is the company installing the product. Sundeck is a good product but there are other thin coatings just as good. Do not know much about stamped concrete but I know they can put grit in the clear coat finish. I would think that the stamped concrete would be hotter than Kooldeck (or Kooldeck like) or concrete pavers. Hope this helps.

www.sundek.com
www.peacockpavers.com
www.gothicstone.com
www.artcrete.com
www.multicoat.com

Other reasonably priced alternatives would be exposed aggregate or tinted/stained concrete with a rock salt finish. Or you can go big and get flaystone. All have their pros/cons and the PB should be able to discuss them with you. Ask your PB to let you visit some real pools with different decking and take your shoes off to check the temp.

We have Sundeck on ours and it really does stay very cool, even in the heat of the day.

Thanks for all the responses so far.

jrouse, is the Sundek slippery at all? What kind of maintenance does it require?

My boss has Sundek, and it is fantastic. Not at all slippery, VERY classy looking, and very cool to the touch. We are beginning the construction of our new home this week, and we have hands-down decided to go with the Sundek.

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Originally Posted by Bearbacker

Thanks for all the responses so far.

jrouse, is the Sundek slippery at all? What kind of maintenance does it require?

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No, it's not slippery at all. It's very easy on your feet, too. This is our third summer in this house with the pool, and we just had the decking put in a few months ago. For the first time since we moved in, I don't wear flip flops or anything by the pool.

Maintenance is a piece of cake. Basically all you need is a broom and a hose.:D

Thanks! Sounds like Sundek may be exactly what I'm looking for.

How slippery is patterned/stamped concrete?

The heat is manageable with pool shoes and/or sandals (Kino Sandals - Key West, Florida - the greatest product ever manufactured!), but slippery is a deal breaker.

I am in the Dallas area. I have the exposed aggregate which eliminates the sip factor, but it is hot. I like the look of it so that is what we went with.

Our pool just has a concrete decking around it with a "broomed" finish. Stays very cool and non-slippery. This pool is in full sunlight at 90-100 degree days!!
The flatter the surface the hotter it will be. The broomed finish gives small ridges to the concrete which stay cool plus takes care of the slippery factor.