5 Types of Pool Decks Your Pool Company Should Offer

When designing a backyard pool, the deck is just as important as the water it surrounds. The right deck can add safety, comfort, and style to your outdoor space. But with so many types of pool decks to choose from, travertine, concrete, flagstone, pavers, and more. It’s not always easy to know which material is best for your home.

In this guide, we’ll break down five popular types of pool decks, their benefits, and how to decide which one fits your style, budget, and lifestyle.

1. Artistic Pavers

Unlike plain poured concrete, artistic pavers add a distinct touch of elegance to the overall look of a pool space. Artistic pavers can be manufactured with a variety of looks and finishes, such as stone, coral, seashell, and tumbled finishes to mimic the look of many types of natural rock for a fraction of the cost. Besides their pleasing appearance and overall aesthetic versatility, artistic pavers have a huge durability advantage over concrete as they rarely develop cracks. Artistic pavers are generally more expensive than basic concrete initially, but their durability spreads that extra investment across a longer period. Artistic pavers also have the advantage over concrete of being slip-resistant when wet. They also tend to stay cooler than concrete.

2. Travertine Pavers

Travertine, a type of limestone, has been used as a building material since ancient times. Not every pool company offers travertine as an option, but it happens to be a superior choice for a pool deck. Travertine pavers come in many different sizes, patterns, and hues. They are often distinguished by their pitted holes and wavy patterns that resemble those of marble. The different-sized pavers available allow pool companies to create unique decorative tiling patterns. Many pool owners prefer travertine for its classic look of sophistication, just as much as its durability and resistance to many different types of weather. Travertine nicely complements custom “natural” yard features like waterfalls and boulders. The material is also slip-resistant and stays cooler to the touch than many other options.

3. Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are manufactured in a variety of shapes and sizes and can be made to look like stone or brick. These types of pavers are made to interlock without grout in the joints, so they are water-permeable and thus a great choice for pool decks. The sheer variety of sizes, colors, and textures means that concrete pavers look good with nearly any type or shape of pool. Concrete pavers are a smart choice for buyers who want something with a classier look than poured concrete but whose budget may not allow for the higher cost of natural stone pavers.

4. Acrylic-topped Concrete

Concrete is probably the most common material used to create pool decks, but its two main drawbacks are its tendency to crack over time and the fact that it absorbs and radiates heat so readily. Acrylic topping offers a solution to both of those problems. It’s applied as a liquid to the hardened concrete, and when it dries it forms a protective coating that makes the underlying concrete more resistant to cracking and heat. Acrylic coating also offers better wet traction than basic concrete, so it makes concrete pool decks safer for walking. Acrylic can be applied by a pool company to your existing concrete, requiring no demolition, so it’s a great choice for remodeling an older pool deck on a budget and in a much shorter time.

5. Flagstone

Flagstone is a soft, porous rock that is another excellent choice for pool decking. It absorbs water and dries faster than most other deck materials in use today. Because of those characteristics, as well as its semi-rough texture, it is also one of the most slip-resistant options. Flagstone is very low maintenance and extremely durable. Flagstone can be cut into tiles to complement a formal or traditional deck design. It can also be set in natural slabs to complete the quintessential look of an oasis-style pool area.

Each of these types of pool decks offers unique benefits, from timeless stone to budget-friendly concrete. The best choice depends on your style and budget. To explore these decking materials in person, stop by one of California Pools & Landscape’s Arizona showrooms, where our experts can guide you in selecting the perfect fit for your backyard.