Pool Decking & Hardscape Tips for Installing Pavers Around a Pool

There’s a lot to consider when you’re planning your pool decking — like what surface will keep you from slipping and tumbling in as you stroll past with that tray of pesto shrimp appetizers.

Should you install pavers around a pool? How to choose pool pavers? What about plain concrete — is that cheaper than pavers? Is it just as good?

Yes, pavers are great for pool decking, for lots of reasons. They’re versatile. They’re not slippery. If one chips or cracks, you can easily replace it. You can install pavers right over your current concrete pool deck. The design options are astounding.

Ground Source landscape designer Eric Frisch shares some pool paver wisdom and paver pool decking tips.

Let’s dive in.

Learn more about:

Do Pavers Make a Good Pool Deck?

Do Landscaping Companies Install Pavers Around a Pool?

Can You Install Pool Pavers Over a Concrete Pool Deck?

Concrete Pavers Vs. Natural Stone

Is Poured Concrete Cheaper Than Pool Paver Decking?

Paver Pool Decking Tips

Do Pavers Make a Good Pool Deck?

We think so. Here's why:

Pavers come in a huge array of colors and styles, making it easy to create a custom, unique pool deck.

Unlike solid slabs of concrete, pavers flex and move as they shift, which means they don’t crack.

Are there trees near your pool? When tree roots grow underneath concrete, they push and lift it up, crumbling it into pieces. But you can pick pool pavers up, take out the offending tree roots, and replace the pavers.

If a paver gets chipped or damaged, it can be replaced. Save a few from your original installation.

When it’s done, it’s done. No waiting, like you have to do with concrete installation. Go ahead and put on your swimsuit.

Do Landscaping Companies Install Pavers Around a Pool?

Usually, the pool company that installs your pool will also install the pool decking at the same time, Frisch says.

But maybe you had concrete decking installed originally and you want to upgrade to pool pavers. Or maybe you want to expand your paver pool decking to make it bigger.

“We can make that happen,” he says.

Can You Install Pool Pavers Over a Concrete Pool Deck?

Yes! Pool decks just get foot traffic, not heavy vehicle traffic like a driveway, so this pool deck solution works.

But there are a few considerations to keep in mind:

Be sure your concrete pool decking is in good condition. If it’s badly cracked or crumbling you can’t just cover it with pool pavers and pretend everything is fine.

Adding pavers over concrete will make your surface as much as three inches higher.

Consider using remodeling pavers for your paver pool decking. These thinner pavers are half the thickness of standard pavers — 30 millimeters instead of 60. That means they don’t raise the height as much.

Concrete Pavers Vs. Natural Stone Pavers

“Each has its ups and downs,” Frisch says.

Concrete pool pavers offer a lot more color and style options and are cheaper than natural stone pavers, he says.

Natural stone pavers like travertine tend to be available in one-size-only options, Frisch says, or the French pattern option. French pattern is a distinctive style of paver or tile installation that uses four different sizes of pavers to create a more intriguing, less monotonous look.

Natural stone pavers are typically only one inch thick, Frisch says, which is thinner than concrete pavers. That means they’re not ideal for use over a regular paver crushed concrete base since they can shift around a lot easier and settle unevenly.

If a customer wants to expand a natural stone pool deck, adding more stone pool pavers, it’s possible, he says. But the thinner stone pavers work better if installed over an existing poured concrete pool deck.

Is Poured Concrete Cheaper Than Paver Pool Decking?

Concrete is cheaper than pavers, which is its top selling point.

Concrete usually starts at about $4 per square foot.

The typical paver installation costs about $7.50 a square foot in Central Florida. That’s for an average project of standard pavers without complications.

But there’s a huge range in the cost of paver pool decking, from size to shape to the type of pavers you choose.  Some other factors that affect the cost:

• Access. We need to get our heavy equipment back to your pool. Some backyards are more easily accessible than others. Any complications will boost the cost.
• Irrigation system issues. If we have to relocate any irrigation components that are in the way, that adds to the cost.
• Intricate patterns. Inlay patterns look stunning, but the more intricate the pattern, the more laborious cutting is needed. That boosts the cost of paver pool decking.
• Style upgrades. Tumbled pavers, thicker pavers, or a unique stamping pattern all cost more, sometimes a dollar or two more per square foot.
• Curves. That means more cutting, which costs more.

Paver Pool Decking Tips

Frisch shares some pool deck wisdom:

Think Light Colors

Opt for lighter paver colors, Frisch says — darker pavers are hotter on bare feet.

Prevent Slips with the Right Sealer

“Never use glossy sealer around a pool,” Frisch says.  Slip city. “Normal matte sealer will not be slick when wet.”

Travertine, marble, or other natural stone pavers are generally given a honed finish, Frisch says, so they’re not slippery the way inside stone tiles often are when wet.

Get Creative with Pool Decking Ideas

Frisch replaced a ho-hum pool deck of concrete squares with a stunning lattice pattern created from 24-inch travertine squares and emerald green synthetic turf.

The artistic area adds a sense of pattern, a soft place for bare feet to land, and a piece of poolside art, built right in.

Ready for Innovative Pool Decking Ideas? Trust Ground Source

Puzzled by pool pavers? There’s a lot to consider when it comes to pavers and paver pool decking in Central Florida.

Leave the pool landscaping to us. You just grab your suit and sunglasses.

We’re pool paver experts, but our skills don’t stop there. We’re with you every step of the way as you plan your perfect outdoor space.

Sod, irrigation, landscape design: Let us transform your yard from an embarrassing eyesore to a place you spend every spare minute.

Are you ready to enjoy the vibrant, impressive yard you've always wanted? Request a quote today! We’ll help you review your options and then transform your property.