Few things beat the class of a beautiful pool as centerpiece of a hardscape project. As important as the pool itself is the patio that will surround it. So what are the best options when it comes to paving slabs for swimming pools?
Not every paver option would be appropriate to be used on a pool patio. For starters, the pavers need to be slip resistant to avoid any kind of accidents. Also, to prevent future maintenance problems, they need to have at least some degree of non absorption.
So let’s talk about what are the best pavers options you can use for a pool patio, as well as give you some maintenance tips along the way.
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Paving Slabs for Swimming Pools: What to Consider?
When taking into consideration all the characteristics paving slabs for swimming pools must have, there are six materials we can safely recommend: Travertine, Concrete, Marble, Bluestone, Limestone and Granite.
But what exactly are those characteristics?
Well, let’s talk about them.
Appearance
One of the most important aspects, and often a determining factor for people, is the appearance of the project. So we opted for materials that present a good and consistent aesthetic look, as well as several options to choose from.
Durability
Pavers for pool patios need to be resistant not only to shock, but also to the many chemicals used to keep the pool and water clean, as well as the water itself. Materials that stain easily and don’t handle water very well were discarded.
Non-Slip Factor
Safety must always be considered, especially around a poolside. Dangerous slipping accidents can happen around a pool due to the constant splashes of water. This is on top of the list when choosing paving slabs for swimming pools.
Cost
Once the paver checks all other boxes, it is time to see the price tag. And, depending on what it says, you might feel inclined to look for another option. However, there’s something you need to be mindful of.
Pavers are an investment. The right set of pavers can add tremendous value to your property, whereas the wrong one can give you huge headaches in the future. Trust us, is an area where you want the best possible product you can afford.
So we choose only option that present the best cost benefit overall, considering both upfront investment, installation costs, and future possible maintenance services.
Best Paving Slabs for Swimming Pools
So now that we talked about what to look for in paving slabs for swimming pools, let’s talk about each option more in depth.
Travertine
Travertine delivers very well on the appearance aspect, with its classical and smooth look. You will usually find it in warmer tones that easily fit any project. Travertine pavers typically cost around $50 – $90 per square foot.
Concrete
Concrete pavers, as always, are one of the most reliable and versatile pavers out there. They can be specially ordered with a non-slippery finish to perfectly function as pool side pavers, can come in many sizes and colors, and are by far the cheapest option, without sacrificing functionality.
Marble
Marble requires no presentation. A stable of the paver industry for many years, marble has a pristine light colored look and is incredibly resistant. Another advantage is that marble does not absorb heat, so it will remain cool on hot summer days. The prince range of marble stays around $60 – $90 per square foot.
Bluestone
Also known as basalt, bluestone’s main characteristic is its incredible resistance. It is a very dense material, but without compromising in the looks department. It comes in many shapes and sizes and is an impressive and versatile choice. As for the price, bluestone usually stays around $40 – $70 per square foot.
Limestone
Limestone has the wider variety of options available, ranging from gray to beige. It is incredibly resistant to weather conditions and foot traffic, being one of the most popular options for pool pavers. Limestone prices are around $50 – $80 per square foot.
Granite
Granite is one of the best options due to its natural non-slippery finish. Its gray shades add elegance to any setting. It can be easily cleaned if any spills occur, and it is also very resistant. Granite costs around $40 – $80 per square foot.
Maintenance of Pool Paving Slabs
The first maintenance aspect we need to talk about is sealing.
Yes. Paving slabs for swimming pools need to be sealed.
This is very important to ensure the long last quality of your installation, as well as to prevent any stains from the water and the chemicals in it. This is a step that we don’t recommend you skip it. Investing in a good sealer with a non-slippery finish can prevent a lot of future headaches.
When it comes to cleaning, there’s not much difference from regular pavers. A regular sweep to prevent the accumulation of leaves and other biological materials and a deeper cleaning with the help of a power wash once a month will suffice.
If you have any doubt about what cleaning products can be use, this article can help you with that.
Professional Help With Paving Slabs for Swimming Pools
Pools can add up to 8% of value to your house. Therefore, they are considered to be an investment that needs to be paired with a good poolside patio.
You can see how choosing the right set of pavers can be important under these conditions, so working with qualified hardscape professionals is always the best course of action.
And here at JS Brick we have some of the best professionals available in the market. We have helped countless customers reach their hardscape vision during our 20 years of activity around the Sarasota and Manatee Counties.
So if you happen to be around that area, don’t hesitate to give us a call anytime at +1 941 586 9140 or email us at [email protected]. We would be happy to hear from you.