Pool and spa decks can really be beautiful if properly designed.  After you have decided on an attractive and appropriate shape, material selection is important.  Non-splintering low maintenance plastic products are best.  Composite decking, in our opinion, ranks next and wood products adjacent to a spa or pool should be heavily coated with paint or stain to lessen splinters. Building code compliant gates must be included as well as all the other local and state code requirements for safety.