Many people struggle to find the appropriate materials and decorative pieces to install around their pool, mostly because there are so many to choose from that it’s quite challenging to pinpoint the best one. The never-ending dilemma between installing natural or artificial stone is a burden for many homeowners, which is why we’ve made a list of the most used pool deck pavers that should give you a better insight into the advantages and shortcomings of different materials.
If you’re planning on renovating your pool or have perhaps bought a house with a poolside you don’t like, take a moment to check out some of the most used pavers for pool deck improvement we’ve covered, and we promise you’ll find some of them quite interesting.
The List of the Most Used Swimming Pool Pavers
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Travertine
If you’ve already done some research on the subject of pool decorations, chances are the first thing you’ve stumbled upon is travertine. It’s among the most popular materials out there, and there is a good reason for that.
Travertine is known to be quite resilient, durable, and easy to maintain. On top of that, it has an incredible ability to stay relatively cool to the touch, even when exposed to the harsh and unforgiving Florida sun.
One of the neatest advantages of this natural stone is its affordability, especially in comparison to other types of natural stone that can sometimes be quite cost-prohibitive. In essence, if you don’t want to get too deep into the subject and just want to beautify your pool, travertine is probably your safest bet.
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Limestone
Much like the above-mentioned travertine, limestone is one of the go-to materials when it comes to poolside pavers. Limestone is considered excellent for pools because it can withstand harsh conditions and is relatively easy to maintain. It’s also a quite cost-effective solution since it’s a top-level natural stone that will undoubtedly improve the overall quality and aesthetic appeal of your pool and area around it.
It comes in a variety of colors, allowing you to experiment with all kinds of different designs and shapes until you find the one that meets your taste the most.
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Marble
It’s no secret that marble is considered to be one of the most exotic, deluxe stones out there. It has been used for thousands of years, and some of the sculptures and monuments from ancient times stand tall and firm even to this day. So, there is little to no reason in explaining how durable, versatile, and extraordinary marble is.
Other than being extraordinarily beautiful, marble is also exceptionally heat-resistant, meaning it stays relatively cool even during hot Miami summers. It’s rather easy to maintain, and as long as it’s properly installed, it should last for years if not decades. The cost of marble varies depending on the type and thickness, but it’s safe to say that it can be considered affordable. In fact, marble is often less expensive than, for example, quartz or granite.
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Flagstone
Flagstone is an excellent material because of its non-slip moisture-resistant features. It’s also an incredibly durable stone that is guaranteed not to delaminate for at least 30 years. In other words, once you pave the area around your pool with flagstone, you won’t have to worry about renovating that particular space for at least three decades.
Flagstone pavers are available in a wide range of colors and shapes, making it an excellent paving material for people who like to experiment with different designs, shapes, thicknesses, and colors.
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Bluestone
Bluestone, as the majority of other materials we’ve mentioned, is a highly dense material that can withstand harsh weather and unforgiving temperatures. In essence, bluestone is an excellent alternative to flagstone with its rough natural texture, outstanding durability, and of course – mesmerizing beauty. Thanks to its texture, bluestone is among the safest options for poolside designs and is also an affordable option for people who struggle with a small budget.
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Concrete Pavers
Concrete is one of the most frequently used materials for paving because it’s easy to work with, and it offers a wide array of excellent advantages highlighted by its affordable price tag. One of the most significant upsides of concrete is its versatility and the fact that it comes in a variety of colors, finishes, and shapes. Since it’s relatively easy to work with, the customization options are virtually limitless.
If you’re looking for an easy and hassle-free solution, concrete pavers are your safest bet.
What Is the Best Material to Use Around a Pool?
Now that we’ve described several popular swimming pool pavers, it’s time to break down some of the critical factors you should keep in the back of your mind when making a decision. Bear in mind that this is a rather important step in the whole process because you don’t want to change your mind in the middle of a project and lose significant sums of money.
Here are some of the things you should look for:
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Heat Resistance and Reflectivity
What you want for your poolside is a heat-resistant type of material that has the ability to reflect solar radiation and stay relatively cool even under a scorching sun. No matter what kind of material or stone you opt for, make sure it’s heat resistant.
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Ease of Maintenance
Many people oversee the significance of maintenance when it comes to poolside decorations. While it will look amazing during the first couple of weeks, the area around your pool will, at some point, require some maintenance. The secret here is to choose the material that doesn’t require you to devote hours of your free time every few days in order to keep it in pristine condition.
For instance, concrete pavers take the win when it comes to low maintenance requirements, but the other types of materials we’ve covered in this article are also relatively easy to maintain.
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Slip Resistance
Similar to heat resistance, slip resistance is also one of the crucial factors when choosing the right materials. The significance is pretty self-explanatory – if you’re going to install a new type of material around your pool, it’s probably a good idea to pay attention to its slip resistance capabilities. If you opt for slippery materials, the safety factor drops to alarming levels, and it’s something you definitely do not want to risk. No matter how beautiful and breathtaking the design is, always make sure the safety of you and others is the priority.
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Budget and Costs
Another thing many people tend to oversee is the overall cost of the project. In fact, many people end up splitting the main project into a bunch of smaller ones, gradually finishing them as the budget allows. Pools tend to be major investments, so it’s always a good idea to put the numbers on paper and see whether you can afford the whole endeavor. In case you can’t, look for more affordable options or ways to get enough money. The worst thing you can do is start a project and never finish it because you can’t afford it.
If you’re looking for unique designs and talented crews that will turn your pool into a piece of art, call us, and we’ll gladly help you! In case you’re interested in learning more about proper materials, shapes, and designs, take a look at some of our other articles!
