How to Pick the Best Material Around Your Pool

Your pool’s surrounding area, also called a pool deck, is an important factor to consider when building your dream pool. It’ll require the perfect balance of aesthetics and functionality to blend seamlessly with your pool while also creating a welcoming vibe. Depending on your preferences, you can choose to focus on something that lends more beauty to the pool or is utilitarian instead. 

What is the Best Material to Use Around a Pool?

Choosing the right material for the area around your pool is more than just a design choice. Pool decking affects safety, comfort, and the overall look of your backyard oasis. With so many options available today, it’s possible to find a solution that combines durability, style, and practicality without compromise. Let’s explore stone pavers, classic concrete pavers, and Artistic Pavers to help you determine the best deck material around your pool for your space and lifestyle.

Stone Pavers

Natural stone pavers like travertine are a wonderful option for your pool’s surround. Available in a wide variety of colors and sizes, this option provides an elevated look around your pool. Natural stone is a great option not only because of its durability but also because it is heat resistant, which is the perfect option for our hot Florida weather. 

While travertine is one of the more expensive options, you’re not only paying for longevity, but you’re also paying for aesthetic appeal. Travertine adds a gorgeous dimension to your poolscape, leaving you with a warm and welcoming vibe poolside.

Concrete Pavers

Pavers are always available in casted conditions. The casting is done beforehand in various designs and shapes. Pavers are generally made of concrete or stone. It takes careful planning and execution to get a paver decking done correctly, but the right pool company will have the experience to properly lay the pavers so they last without the worry of settling or erosion of the joints.

The pavers lend a unique look to the pool while retaining the benefits of using a concrete or stone material. It could lead to lesser repair costs because if one paver unit gets damaged, then only that damaged unit needs replacement/repair. This type of pool decking also requires periodic maintenance to avoid weeding in the paved junctions.

Pavers are a wonderful option for a number of reasons, including their safety and durability. Concrete pavers do not get slick from water, making for a more foot-friendly option. They are also chlorine and salt resistant, leaving pool owners without having to worry about their wear and tear from the pool water. Pavers are relatively easy to maintain, with regular maintenance consisting of sweeping and the occasional rinse off with a hose. 

Artistic Pavers

Artistic Pavers are another surround option that is sure to make your pool stand out. These pavers are available in a variety of styles and colors, making them the perfect complement to any style of inground poolscape. 

There are many benefits to the elegant, interlocking Artistic Pavers, including:

• Cool on your feet. Artistic Pavers are 30 percent cooler than other surround surfaces.
• Crack free. Artistic Pavers flex between pavers which helps avoid cracking. 
• Non-Porous. Their non-porous nature makes them resistant to algae and mildew, which is perfect for the Florida elements. 
• No deterioration. Salt-water pool owners rejoice as Artistic Pavers will not deteriorate over time due to any spillover from the saltwater. 
• Sealing optional. Due to the additives and high density of the pavers, sealing is actually optional. 

What is the Cheapest Material to Put Around a Pool?

If budget is a major factor in your pool design, there are several affordable options to consider. 

Concrete is often the most cost-effective choice for pool surrounds. It can be poured as a continuous slab or formed into stamped patterns that mimic more expensive decking materials like stone or brick. Concrete is durable, low-maintenance, and can be finished with textures or colors to improve aesthetics and slip resistance.

Another budget-friendly option is basic pavers, which are generally less expensive than natural stone or Artistic Pavers. They are easy to install, and if one paver gets damaged, it can be replaced individually without a full redo. While they may not have the same high-end look as travertine or custom Artistic Pavers, they still provide durability, safety, and a clean appearance around your pool.

For homeowners looking to save even more, gravel or crushed stone can be a temporary or semi-permanent solution. While less formal than pavers or concrete, these materials offer excellent drainage and can be topped with stepping stones to create a functional, low-cost pool surround.

How a Pool Builder Can Help You Decide

Picking the right deck material for your pool surround can be tricky with so many options out there. A professional pool builder can help by looking at your backyard, your budget, and your style preferences. They can suggest materials that are safe, durable, and comfortable in your climate, like pavers or stone that stay cool under the Florida sun.

A pool builder also makes sure everything is installed correctly, which can prevent problems like cracking or uneven surfaces down the line. With their guidance, you can have a pool area that looks great and lasts for years without constant maintenance.

Ready to Choose the Perfect Pool Deck Materials for Your Backyard?

When it comes to your backyard and perfectly designing your pool, your pool surround choice matters. Give the expert pool builders at Tampa Bay Pools a call today to learn more about the different decking options available when designing your pool, and we’ll work together to determine which paver best fits your needs. 

About Tampa Bay Pools

Tampa Bay Pools is a custom pool builder serving Tampa Bay, Brandon, Riverview, Lithia, Valrico, Odessa, Lutz, Plant City, Seffner, and the surrounding areas, that understands the importance and value of your own backyard escape. That’s why we build spectacular new inground swimming pools that are easy to maintain. 

We offer a wide variety of custom projects including residential or commercial swimming pool building, stunning custom features to customize your pool, outdoor enclosures for your backyard oasis, and custom spas. 

Our pools can be designed to fit any style or budget; we even offer swimming pool financing options.