Swimming pool deck is new, treated, still causing splinters. Is there a wood treatment/paint you use?
Not knowing the deck size or your budget, I’ll suggest, first of all that you will never stop the degradation of WOOD, no matter the “treatment” I do however, have a couple of suggestions. You allude to them in the Q. I’d go to a commercial Restaurant supplier and price kitchen mats. OR I have often used what looks like spun/extruded, vinyl, kinda woven mat. It allows drainage, allows drying, is easy to clean, does not hurt bare feet, and often comes in more than just Black. The product I used to use came in 6 ft wide rolls, and was easy to cut. The end result may be that your cost to cover will be close to replacing with a composite decking material. IE: the reason I suggest . Clearly define the high traffic areas, and look for mats that will be useable in those areas. Rev.
