Pool Decking

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Pristine pool decking perfectly complements a gorgeous in-ground pool and makes your backyard look picture-perfect.

It doesn't matter if you’re building a new pool or remodeling your current one. But don't neglect your pool decking in the process!

This guide breaks down everything you need to know to improve your pool decking, from the best materials to essential maintenance services.

First, let's clarify the difference between pool decking and pool coping. Many people use these two words interchangeably, but they’re not the same.

Pool coping is a stone or concrete cap that runs along the edge of the pool. It's the top of the pool wall and is no bigger than 12 inches wide.

Pool decking, on the other hand, is the much larger area that extends past the coping and surrounds the pool. It's where you place lounge chairs, tables, etc.

Unlike pool coping, made only from stone or concrete, pool decking can be made from a wide range of materials. The following are some of the most popular options:

Concrete is a durable, water-resistant, and inexpensive pool decking material. It's also more versatile than many people realize. After it's poured, concrete can be brushed or stamped to enhance its appearance and give it a more stylized look.

Wood is another well-known and low-cost option. It has a nice, classic look, and you can choose from many different finishes to find one that works best with your backyard and personal aesthetic.

The biggest downside to wood is that it requires a great deal of preventative maintenance to protect it from moisture and avoid common issues like rot, color loss, cracks, and shrinkage.

Composite wood is an excellent alternative for those who like the look of wood but not the maintenance.

Composite wood is made from a combination of wood scraps, ground wood particles, plastic, and binding agents. However, it looks just like natural wood.

Composite is an excellent choice because it's highly durable and won't splinter, rot, or fade. It is more expensive than regular wood, though.

Stone is a popular and stylish pool decking material. They’re highly durable and require little maintenance. They also come in many sizes, shapes, and colors, so it's easy to use them to customize your pool deck. It's important to note that the more stylized your stone choices, the more expensive they’ll likely be.

Pavers are stone or concrete bricks arranged in an interlocking pattern around your pool—layer pavers on top of a stone or sand base.

Pavers are good alternatives to concrete because they’re less likely to crack or shift. They’re easier and less expensive to repair, too.

Travertine pool pavers are definitely a luxury material. Travertine pavers are popular for a variety of reasons. They’re simple to repair and reseal, and with proper care, they can last for decades.

Travertine is naturally textured, making it non-slip and suitable for poolside use. Because it is a porous stone, it dries quickly and drains well even when wet.

Last but not least is tile. Tiles come in various shapes, sizes, colors, and patterns. Some tiles even resemble brick, wood, or marble.

Many people choose tiles as their preferred decking material because they’re easy to install. Many have self-adhesive properties as well and can easily stick to multiple surfaces.

After you’ve chosen the material for your pool decking, the next step is to start planning the installation process and fine-tuning the design elements.

Here are some essential steps to take as you begin preparing to install new pool decking:

Don't jump the gun and start digging in your backyard before you first call the local utility companies. Placing a few calls won't take very long, and it ensures you don't encounter any buried lines while building or updating your pool decking.

Some communities have specific rules for pouring concrete in certain areas. Make sure you have proper approval to install or renovate your decking first. That way, you won't get hit with any fines halfway through the project.

A solid foundation is essential to a high-quality pool deck. Make sure you have an appropriate base that works with your desired material. Otherwise, you might end up with an uneven surface or other issues later.

Do you want a square or rectangular pool deck, or do you prefer a curved shape? Both options look great, but curved decking is usually more expensive than straight lines.

If you’re looking to save money, sticking with a straight deck is a more cost-effective choice.

Some pool materials — including concrete, brick, tile, and pavers — require a slight slope to ensure proper drainage.

If you’re using one of these materials, you’ll need a slope of approximately one-quarter inch per lineal foot. The slope should also direct water away from the pool, so dirty water and debris don't get washed back into it.

If you’re building a new pool deck or remodeling an existing one, you can invest in certain services that make it more enjoyable and increase its longevity.

The following services are great options to consider to make the most of your pool decking:

Don't want to burn your feet on the deck during the hot summer? Use a spray or cool deck coating to beat the heat.

As a bonus, you can also use these coatings to further enhance your deck's appearance.

One of the greatest threats to the life of a wood deck is water damage. Often this occurs below the surface where you cannot see or regularly apply protective coatings. One of the best preventative measures is to apply butyl tape to the bottom side of the deck boards. This will provide protection from moisture that gets trapped under your deck and add years to its life.

If you already have a concrete pool deck, you might have noticed that the concrete has started to dip or settle. When this happens, you end up with an uneven surface that presents a tripping hazard for you and your guests.

Concrete lifting and leveling can address this issue and smooth the pool decking surface. These processes also save you from having to start over from scratch.

Refreshed and revamped pool decking enhances your backyard and makes it the ultimate destination for spring and summer gatherings. Start planning your decking updates today, so your pool is ready to go when the weather warms up!

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Picture yourself in a state of pure relaxation, gently swaying on a floating oasis, completely immersed in the soothing embrace of water. With the Laze Hammock by Ledge Lounger, this dream becomes a reality. This remarkable hammock-style luxury pool float is designed to redefine your leisure experiences, whether at the poolside, on a boat trip, or during a beach vacation. The exceptional features of the Laze Hammock make it the epitome of mobile comfort and convenience.

The Laze Hammock offers a premium submerged lounging experience far more luxurious than a typical pool float or conventional loungers. Comprised of two buoyant pillows connected by a fabric sling, this hammock is ingeniously designed to offer maximum comfort and support. Its buoyant foam bead filling allows you to effortlessly float on the water's surface.

Available in a wide array of captivating colors, you can choose the one that perfectly complements your outdoor oasis.

Ledge Lounger fully understands the demands of various aquatic environments, and the Laze Hammock certainly rises to the occasion. Made with fade-resistant marine-grade fabrics, this pool float retains its vibrant colors, even after prolonged exposure to sunlight and pool chemicals.

Whether you prefer the chlorinated waters of a pool or the salty embrace of the sea, the Laze Hammock is up to the challenge. Its mold and mildew-resistant foam beads ensure a long-lasting, hygienic lounging experience.

Unlike cumbersome inflatables or loungers with complicated assembly instructions, the Laze Hammock arrives pre-filled with buoyant foam beads, ready to elevate your relaxation experience from the moment you unfold it. Its hassle-free design allows you to effortlessly roll it up and secure it with the built-in carrying strap. This convenient feature enables you to take your Laze Hammock on the go, whether it's a spontaneous trip to the pool, a boat excursion, or a beach getaway. Simply grab it and indulge in the ultimate relaxation wherever there's water.

Get to know Aiper's 2023 Robotic Pool Cleaners

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When it comes to pool maintenance, Aiper has been making waves in the industry with their line of robotic pool cleaners. Consumers have been impressed by the technology and quality, and let's face it, the price point. With a rapidly increasing base of customers, they have fast become a trusted brand with pool owners. We got to take a sneak peek of their new products earlier this year at the International Pool Spa Patio Expo in Las Vegas and then caught up again with them at CES. On both occasions, there was a line in front of their booth of folks waiting to see the latest products.

With their 2023 lineup of pool cleaners, Aiper continues to impress pool owners and professionals alike with cutting-edge technology and superior cleaning performance. We’ll take a look at what's new and delve into the exciting features of Aiper's 2023 products Seagull SE and Seagull Plus, as well as the Elite Pro and the Seagull Pro.

Let's start with the Seagull SE. This cleaner really is an above-ground pool owner's dream as it does quite a lot at a very attractive price point, consequently, it's become one of the best-selling above-ground cleaners on Amazon and is highly rated by consumers with 4/5 stars.

This cordless robotic pool cleaner eliminates the hassle of messy hoses and tangled cords. With a simple power-on and submerge, the Seagull SE automatically begins its cleaning process, giving you a hands-free experience. The increased battery life is a significant improvement, taking only 2.5 hours to fully charge and providing over 90 minutes of continuous cleaning.

The Seagull SE is ideal for above-ground pools or small in-ground with flat floors. Powerful dual-drive motors ensure a thorough cleaning by effortlessly tracking down and collecting various types of dirt and debris.

The self-parking feature brings an added touch of convenience as the cleaner automatically stops near the edge of your pool when the battery is low or the cleaning cycle is complete. With its LED indicator, you can easily keep track of the cleaner's status. The Seagull SE truly lets your robot do the dirty work, giving you back your weekends to enjoy your pool.

Next up, the Seagull Plus takes cleaning performance to the next level. This cordless pool vacuum boasts stronger power suction and an extended cleaning time of 110 minutes. Equipped with powerful dual-drive motors, the Seagull Plus effortlessly tackles all types of debris, from dirt to stones, providing you with a pristine pool.

The cordless design ensures easy setup with one-click activation, making it a hassle-free experience. With its longer battery life, the Seagull Plus is perfect for larger round above-ground pools or in-ground flat-floored pools.

Additionally, the sophisticated water release system drains the cleaner in seconds, allowing for easy retrieval and portability. The LED indicator keeps you informed about the cleaner's status, ensuring a worry-free cleaning experience. Let the Seagull Plus do the dirty work while you enjoy your free time.

For those looking to venture into the wall climber market, Aiper introduces the Elite Pro. This cordless robotic pool cleaner is designed to tackle not only the pool floor but also the pool walls, making it suitable for all pool types, including above ground and in-ground pools of any shape. With its dual motor system and large inlet, the Elite Pro excels in collecting and filtering more dirt and debris, saving you time and leaving you with a crystal-clear pool.

Despite its remarkable cleaning capabilities, the Elite Pro weighs only 10 pounds, making it ultra-portable and easy to handle. The quick water release feature ensures effortless storage. Fast charging and improved battery life are additional benefits, with a full charge taking only 2-2.5 hours and providing up to 120 minutes of cleaning time.

When the battery is low, the Elite Pro's self-parking ability automatically brings it near the pool's edge for easy retrieval. Coupled with a 2-year warranty and worry-free customer service, the Elite Pro is a great addition to Aiper's lineup.

Lastly, we have the Seagull Pro, Aiper's most advanced pool cleaner to date. This cordless robotic pool cleaner is a powerhouse that rivals more sophisticated wall climbers like the Polaris 9450 and the Dolphin Nautilus CC. Featuring the world's first quad-motor system and WavePath Navigation Technology, the Seagull Pro delivers maximum efficiency at a minimal cost.

With its four-wheel drive system, the Seagull Pro effortlessly climbs pool walls and effectively scrubs the waterline, providing a comprehensive cleaning experience. The quad-motor system utilizes up to 200W of power to filter 130 gallons of water per minute, ensuring superior suction and trapping even the smallest debris, from leaves to dirt, pebbles, and sticks. The Seagull Pro's cleaning modes allow you to target specific trouble spots in your pool, ensuring a thorough clean every time.

One of the standout features of the Seagull Pro is its WavePath Navigation, which enables the pool vacuum to work under a fixed pattern, unlike traditional random patterns. This advanced navigation system maximizes pool coverage while minimizing energy consumption, making it 10 times more energy-efficient compared to other pool cleaners. The cordless design eliminates the hassle of tangled cords and complicated accessories. Simply drop the Seagull Pro into the pool, and it will take care of the cleaning while you enjoy your leisure time.

With an impressive runtime of up to 180 minutes, the Seagull Pro offers 60% longer battery life compared to other pool cleaners. Thanks to the improved battery system, the built-in 9000mAh battery powers the Seagull Pro for extended cleaning sessions. And with a shortened charging time of just 90 minutes, you can get back to enjoying your pool sooner.

The Seagull Pro is designed to handle pools of all shapes, including in-ground and above-ground pools, and can clean pools up to 3200 square feet in size. Its versatility and power make it an ideal choice for pool owners seeking a high-performance pool cleaner that can tackle even the most challenging cleaning tasks.

Yes, there's plenty to be excited about and with this fresh lineup of products. Aiper has underscored that they plan to continue to refine and improve upon their product line.

As you gear up for the summer season, we hope this look at Aiper's 2023 lineup of pool cleaners has helped better educate you about their latest products and has given you some insights into the exciting features and capabilities of these innovative products. Get ready to make the most of your pool and have an Aiper cleaner do the hard work for you.

HydraPure (AOP) is a cutting-edge system that effectively eliminates harmful bacteria and algae, leaving your pool clear and sparkling.

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The future of pool sanitization is here and Hayward's HydraPure Advanced Oxidation System (AOP) is set to revolutionize the pool industry. The new system offers an all-in-one sanitization solution that keeps your pool sparkling clear and free from harmful bacteria and algae.

Pool owners know that keeping their pools clean and healthy is a top priority. However, traditional chlorine sanitization systems can be harsh on skin and hair, and often leave behind a chemical smell. The HydraPure system, on the other hand, uses an advanced oxidation process (AOP) that combines UV and ozone to form hydroxyl radicals, eliminating 99.9% of chlorine-resistant bacteria and viruses.

The benefits of the HydraPure system are numerous. First and foremost, it reduces the amount of chlorine required for effective sanitization, cutting chloramines by 50% to create softer, gentler water that is more pleasant to swim in. The system operates efficiently with low head loss at flow rates ranging from 10-120 GPM, making it a versatile option for pool owners. And, with an easy-to-use rotatable lid for access to the control panel, the system is simple to install and operate.

One of the key benefits of the HydraPure system is its eco-friendliness. By reducing the amount of chlorine required, the system helps to minimize the impact of pool chemicals on the environment. In addition, the system is easy to winterize, making it a low-maintenance option for pool owners.

The HydraPure system is also backed by a 3-year limited warranty and a 1-year limited warranty on UV and ozone lamps when purchased from a Totally Hayward Partner. This gives pool owners peace of mind knowing that their investment is protected.

But what sets the HydraPure system apart from other sanitization options on the market? The answer lies in its advanced oxidation process (AOP). The AOP technology used in the HydraPure system combines UV and ozone to form hydroxyl radicals. These radicals are incredibly effective at destroying bacteria and viruses, even those that are resistant to chlorine.

UV is a well-established technology for pool sanitization, as it is effective at killing bacteria and viruses that pass through the system. However, it has limitations, as it only kills organisms that are exposed to the UV light. Ozone, on the other hand, is a powerful oxidizer that is effective at destroying contaminants in the water. However, it can be difficult to control, and can be toxic in high concentrations.

The HydraPure system overcomes the limitations of both UV and ozone by combining them in a way that maximizes their effectiveness. The hydroxyl radicals that are formed by the combination of UV and ozone are incredibly reactive, and are able to destroy a wide range of contaminants in the water.

The HydraPure system also has the ability to reduce the amount of chlorine required for effective sanitization. This is because the hydroxyl radicals created by the system are able to destroy contaminants that would normally require higher levels of chlorine to eliminate. This not only makes the water more pleasant to swim in, but also reduces the impact of pool chemicals on the environment.

We’re excited about the HydraPure and it's a revolutionary advancement in pool sanitization. The system is easy to install and operate, and is eco-friendly, making it a great option for pool owners who want to keep their pools clean and healthy while minimizing their impact on the environment. With a 3-year limited warranty and a 1-year limited warranty on UV and ozone lamps when purchased from a Totally Hayward Partner, the HydraPure system is a smart investment for any pool owner looking for a better way to keep their pool clean and healthy.

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