Why PVC Decking is the Best Choice for Around Pools and Lakes

If you’ve ever spent time by a pool or at a lake, you know how important it is to have a sturdy, safe, and well built deck. Whether it’s a pool deck for swimming or a lakeside dock, the surface around water needs to be able to handle excessive moisture, hot sun, and a lot of traffic. One of the best materials for this job is PVC decking. At MKW, we’ve worked with a lot of clients who want a reliable, long-lasting deck around their pool, and we always recommend PVC. In this blog, we’ll explain why PVC decking is an ideal choice for wet areas, and why it might be the best option for your next deck project.

1. What is PVC Decking?

Before we dive into the benefits, let’s talk about what PVC decking actually is. PVC is short for polyvinyl chloride, which is a type of plastic. Unlike wood, PVC decking is made entirely from plastic, so it’s different from traditional wood decking, which can rot, warp, or splinter over time. PVC decking is made to look like wood, but it has a lot of advantages that real wood doesn’t. PVC decking contains ZERO organic components.

2. Waterproof and Moisture-Resistant

One of the biggest reasons PVC decking is the best choice around pools and lakes is because it’s waterproof. When you’re around water, decks are constantly exposed to moisture from splashing, rain, or even humidity. Traditional pressure treated wood decks can absorb water, which causes them to weaken, warp, or even rot over time. Not only does that look bad, but it can be dangerous—deteriorating wood can cause splinters, weak spots or even holes in the deck.

With PVC decking, water just sits on top or drains off—it doesn’t get absorbed. This makes it perfect for wet areas like poolsides or lakefronts, where there’s constant exposure to water. Whether it’s from people jumping in and out of the pool or the occasional splash from a boat or waves, PVC won’t absorb the moisture, so it stays strong and safe.

3. Slip-Resistant Surface

When you’re near a pool or lake, the decking can get slippery, especially if people are wet from swimming or walking on it with wet feet. Traditional pressure treated wood decks, even if they’re sealed, can become slick with water, creating a slipping hazard.

PVC decking, on the other hand, is designed with slip-resistant surfaces. Many types of PVC decking are made with texturing or patterns that help keep traction, so you’re less likely to slip when walking around the pool or lake. This is especially important for kids and adults who might be running or playing near water. With PVC, you can feel more confident that your deck is safer for everyone.

4. Low Maintenance

One of the best things about PVC decking is that it requires very little maintenance. Wood decks, especially around pools and lakes, need constant upkeep. They need to be sanded, sealed, and stained every few years to keep them looking nice and to protect them from the elements. That takes a lot of time and money. Even with all that care, wood can still deteriorate faster in wet environments.

With PVC, you don’t have to worry about sealing, staining, or painting. It’s naturally resistant to mould, mildew, and algae, which can grow on wet wood. If your PVC deck gets dirty, all you need to do is wash it down with soap and water. It’s really that simple! You could use a power washer, but its not necessary—a simple garden hose is more than sufficient. This makes PVC a much easier choice for homeowners who want a beautiful deck but don’t want to spend a lot of time or money on maintenance.

5. Durable and Long-Lasting

PVC decking is incredibly durable. Unlike wood, which can splinter or crack, PVC is designed to withstand the elements. Whether it’s the intense sun beating down on your deck or the cold winter temperatures, PVC decking will hold up over time. It won’t warp or crack from moisture exposure, and it won’t fade from the sun like some wood decks can.

This durability is especially important around pools and lakes, where decks are exposed to a lot of harsh conditions. The continual exposure to water, chlorine from pools, and UV rays from the sun can break down pressure treated decking over time, but PVC decking is designed to withstand these types of wear and tear. With warranties up to 50 years, you can expect your PVC deck to look as good as new for many years, without painting, staining or sealing, which makes it a great long term investment.

6. Aesthetic Appeal

PVC decking looks great! One of the reasons our clients love it is because it can mimic the look of wood, without all the downsides of natural wood. PVC decking comes in many colours, finishes, and textures, so you can choose a style that fits your taste and the look of your outdoor space.

Whether you prefer the rich, warm tones of wood or a more modern, sleek look, you’ll find PVC decking options that match. You can create a beautiful deck that enhances your pool or lakeside area and even make it feel like a resort.

7. Eco-Friendly Option

PVC decking is also a more environmentally-friendly option compared to traditional pressure treated wood. PVC deck boards are made from recycled materials, meaning more waste is being diverted from landfills. Most PVC deck boards contain 80-95% recycled content. Additionally, because PVC decking lasts longer and requires less maintenance, it can be a more sustainable choice in the long run.

While wood decks need to be replaced more often and require treatments that could harm the environment, PVC decking lasts much longer, which means less waste and fewer resources needed for maintenance. So, if you're looking for a deck that's both beautiful and eco friendly, PVC is a great option.

8. Resistant to Pests

FIf you’ve ever had issues with termites, ants, or other bugs invading your wood deck, you know how frustrating and costly it can be. Bugs love to chew on wood, especially around water, where they thrive. But with PVC decking, you don’t have to worry about pests.

PVC decking won’t attract termites or other insects. This helps keep your deck safe and in good condition, without the need for insect treatments or repairs. It’s one more reason why PVC is such a great choice for outdoor areas near water.

Conclusion: Why Choose PVC Decking?

If you’re planning to build a deck around a pool or lake, PVC decking is by far the best option. It’s waterproof, slip-resistant, low maintenance, and built to last. Whether you’re looking for a deck that’s safe for your family, easy to care for, looks amazing, or all of the above, PVC decking checks all the boxes.

At MKW, we know how important it is to have a deck that can withstand the elements while still looking beautiful. If you’re ready to create the perfect poolside or lakeside retreat, contact us today. We’ll help you design and install the best PVC decking for your needs, ensuring that your outdoor space will look great and stand up to whatever life throws at it!

Ready to build your dream deck? Get in touch with us for expert advice and installation!