Every homeowner wants a beautiful pool deck that is comfortable and functional for outdoor activity when summer arrives. But what is the minimum walkway around a pool to keep swimmers safe?
In this guide, our pool deck resurfacing experts in Jacksonville by Classic Marcite provide professional recommendations to help create an elegant walking space around your pool compliant with state regulations.
How Much Walking Space Does a Swimming Pool Need?
A deck space around your pool can be great for hosting events or spending time with family, but it needs to adhere to building codes set by your city and state. For example, according to the Florida Building Code, all pool decks must have:
- Minimum width of four feet around a pool.
- Unobstructed space around the pool’s edge except for pool-related construction such as diving towers, ladders, handrails, slides
To ensure that you meet the requirement, measure the width of the deck from the edge of the pool. If there aren’t any unpaved surfaces within four feet, you have enough space for a minimum walkway around the pool.
Most people need at least 600 to 900 square feet to include pool furniture and have comfortable walking space around the pool’s perimeter. As long as the area meets the requirements for the minimum walkway around the pool, the pool deck can be large enough to accommodate everyone.
Pool Deck Requirements
Before designing the pool deck, you’ll need to know the safety guidelines.
- Every pool deck must consist of slip-resistant and non-abrasive material.
- Pool decks should be flush with the top of the pool wall.
- Pool owners should lower raised deck within four feet of the pool to ground level to adhere to state regulations.
Unlike the traditional rectangle pool, other pool types are exceptions to specific requirements. They include:
- Plunge pools
- Training pools
- Wave pools
- Spas
However, if you plan to build a pool and spa next to each other, they need to have a deck width of six feet between them.
Average Sizes for Pool Deck Features
Building a minimum walkway around the pool to complement your home’s decor and accommodate guests requires planning. Specific area arrangements will need ample space to function as leisure areas. For example:
- Conversation and dining areas for three to six people should be 10’ x 10’
- Dining areas for six to eight people should be 12’ x 12’
- Chaise lounge areas need to be between 4’ x 7’ and 7’ x 7’
- Patio furniture should be 30” from the pool’s edge
- All traffic areas need to be a minimum of three feet wide at all points
If the pool deck doesn’t have enough space, you can renovate it later to suit your needs.
Professionally Resurfacing Your Pool Deck
Learn whether to repair or resurface pool deck concrete by consulting Classic Marcite’s pool resurfacing guide to determine what works best for you.
If you’re looking to renovate your pool or build a minimum walkway around the pool, our pool deck resurfacing experts at Classic Marcite in Jacksonville, FL, are available to help. Call us at 903-448-4150 to build your dream pool!
