The demand for swimming pools in Ankeny, IA has skyrocketed in recent years. Families are looking to create "staycation" destinations in their own backyards. But a pool is just a hole filled with water until you design the space around it. The pool deck is where the actual living happens—sunbathing, dining, and supervising the kids. Choosing the right hardscaping for your pool surround is critical for safety, durability, and aesthetics.

Why Pavers Outperform Concrete
For decades, poured concrete was the default choice for pool decks. It was cheap and easy. However, in the Ankeny, IA climate, concrete has major flaws. The freeze-thaw cycle causes the ground to heave, leading to inevitable cracking. Concrete is also slippery when wet and hot on bare feet. Interlocking pavers are the superior solution.

·   Non-Slip Texture: Modern pavers are manufactured with surface textures designed to provide grip even when wet, reducing slip-and-fall accidents.
·   Repairability: If a pipe beneath the deck breaks, you can lift the pavers, fix the pipe, and reinstall the pavers seamlessly. With concrete, you have to jackhammer and patch.
·   Cool-Touch Technology: Some pavers are specifically designed to reflect heat, staying comfortable for bare feet even on 90-degree Iowa days.

Creating Functional Zones
A great pool deck isn't just a border; it's a series of "rooms." Professional design creates zones for different activities.
·   The Sun Zone: South-facing areas for lounge chairs.
·   The Splash Zone: Durable areas near the steps or slide for high traffic.
·   The Shade Zone: A pergola or pavilion set back from the water for dining and relief from the sun. In Ankeny, IA, where summer storms can pop up quickly, having a covered structure near the pool ensures the party doesn't have to move inside at the first drop of rain.

Coping: The Finishing Touch
"Coping" is the stone that caps the edge of the pool shell. It is the visual transition between the water and the deck.
·   Bullnose Coping: Rounded edges are soft and safe, perfect for kids climbing in and out.
·   Cantilevered Edge: A modern, square edge that extends slightly over the water for a sleek, contemporary look. Matching the coping to the pavers creates a cohesive, high-end resort feel right in your Ankeny, IA backyard.

Softscaping for Privacy
Swimming requires privacy. In the dense subdivisions of Ankeny, IA, you don't want the neighbors watching your pool party. Strategic planting is key. We use "living walls" of Arborvitae or ornamental grasses to screen the pool area without creating a mess. We avoid messy trees (like Sycamores or Cottonwoods) that drop leaves and seeds into the filter, focusing instead on clean, structural plants that enhance the tropical vibe.

Lighting the Night
A pool is a beautiful feature at night if lit properly. Lighting extends the swimming hours and adds safety.
·    Deck Lights: Flush-mounted lights in the pavers mark the edge of the pool.
·    Structure Lights: Highlighting the pergola or retaining walls adds depth. This transforms the black void of a pool at night into a glowing centerpiece for evening entertainment.

Conclusion
Investing in a pool is a major decision. Don't compromise the project with a cheap concrete deck that will crack in two years. By choosing custom pavers and professional design, you ensure your pool area is safe, durable, and beautiful. For homeowners in Ankeny, IA, Larkin Landscape & Design builds poolside retreats that rival the best vacation spots.