Pool Deck Options: Pavers, Travertine, Concrete & More

Why the deck material matters

Your pool deck sets the look of the whole backyard, and it has to handle strong sun, heavy rain, salt air and bare feet. The wrong choice can be too hot, too slippery or constantly cracking. The right one can look good for many years. EDX Pools works with marble and travertine decks, pavers, concrete slabs and deck drainage, and removes old pavers when a deck needs to be redone. See pool decks.

Costs below are described in general terms. They depend on the area, the pattern, the base and the stone you pick. EDX quotes free on site.

Travertine

Travertine is a natural stone that is widely used around South Florida pools. It tends to stay comfortable underfoot and offers good grip with a tumbled or brushed finish.

Pros

• Stays cooler in the sun than most concrete surfaces.
• Good traction with the right finish.
• A timeless look that suits many house styles.
• Comes in a range of colors, such as ivory, walnut and silver.
• Individual pavers can be replaced if one cracks.

Cons

• Typically costs more than concrete or standard pavers.
• Can stain if not sealed, especially in light colors.
• Needs periodic resealing.
• It is natural stone, so color varies from piece to piece.

Marble

Marble is a premium stone. EDX has installed large marble decks, including a deck of about 1,600 square feet. It looks refined and stays cool, but it needs careful sealing and maintenance, and a finish that gives enough traction when wet. Like travertine, it is natural stone with variation.

Brick (concrete) pavers

Interlocking concrete pavers come in many colors, shapes and patterns.

Pros

• Lots of styles, including stone-look patterns.
• The interlocking design flexes with the ground instead of cracking.
• Easy to repair or replace in sections.
• Generally more affordable than natural stone.

Cons

• Darker colors can get hot in direct sun.
• Weeds and ants can show up in joints without maintenance.
• Can shift or settle if the base was poorly prepared.
• Sealing helps color and stain resistance.

Stamped concrete

Stamped concrete is poured and imprinted to look like stone or brick. It is a lower-cost way to get a decorative surface.

Pros

• Lower cost than stone.
• Seamless look with no joints.
• Many patterns and colors.

Cons

• Can crack as soil moves, and cracks are hard to hide.
• Gets hot in the sun.
• Can be slippery when wet unless a non-slip additive is used.
• Color fades over time and needs resealing.

Cool deck (Kool Deck)

A spray-on coating over concrete that creates a cooler, textured surface. It has been common in South Florida for a long time.

Pros

• Cooler than plain concrete.
• Lower cost, and it can go over existing concrete.
• Textured grip.

Cons

• Cracks and stains over time.
• The rough texture can be hard on bare skin.
• Patches tend to show.
• Looks dated to some buyers.

Heat matters in South Florida

Surface temperature varies a lot by material and color. As a rule, dark concrete and dark pavers run hottest in direct sun, light-colored pavers run cooler, and natural stone like travertine and marble tends to be the most comfortable. If your family walks barefoot, test samples in the sun before you decide.

Drainage and base

Water has to go somewhere. Good decks include slope and drains. EDX installs trench and linear deck drains. Poor drainage or a weak base causes pavers to settle and stone to crack, no matter the material. Installation quality matters more than the product.

Maintenance

Pressure wash the deck once or twice a year and reseal pavers and stone as the manufacturer or installer recommends. If you have a salt system, rinse and seal to limit salt splash effects. See saltwater vs. chlorine.

If you are planning a deck in Fort Lauderdale, Boca Raton or nearby, request a free on-site estimate. You can also pair a new deck with pool tile and coping.