Coping
The first piece after the water. It must be non-slip, stay cool enough in the sun and have a rounded edge. Textured marble, cast stone and timber are the usual choices.

Timber or composite decking
Warm to look at, cool underfoot. Timber needs oiling every year; composite (wood fibre with polymer) almost nothing. Both sit on a frame that can hide pipes, a cover reel or even the plant room.

Stone, tile, grass
Stone slabs or outdoor tiles with an anti-slip finish suit island houses. Artificial grass up to the coping feels like a garden and does not turn muddy. Real lawn needs a gap, as it carries soil into the water.

Falls and drainage
The surround falls slightly away from the pool so rain and garden water stay out. In an overflow pool it is the opposite: the paving falls towards the grating.



