Pool Paving Ideas That Will Step Up Your Pool Game

You may swim in your pool, lounge around it, or just look at it as a pleasing water feature. Whatever purpose your pool serves, having functional hardscaping around it is key to an enjoyable summer. Before we share the best pool paving ideas, we’ll tell you why pavers are a game-changer for your backyard pool.

Why pavers?

Pavers are a solid choice to incorporate into your pool area for many reasons. There are three very popular benefits to using pavers around a pool. These include anti-slipping, aesthetically pleasing, and climate-tolerant.

No-slip!

Your safety is of the utmost importance when you’re near a pool. This is why pavers have the upper hand in pool landscaping. They’re slip-resistant because they’re not slick. 

Paving stones have a natural texture to them; plus, it’s easy to add even more texture to their surface if you wish. As a result, they mitigate the risk of slipping and injuring oneself on a wet pool deck.

Aesthetics

Pool paving designs are undoubtedly the most attractive hardscaping. You just can’t beat natural and handcrafted stone. There are endless options of colors, textures, and designs for paving stones. So, you can get creative and use colors and patterns that give your backyard aesthetics a boost.

Climate-tolerant

Any pool paving idea has the ability to stand up to harsh weather. Paving stones work well in climates that have freeze and thaw cycles, which are most common in the midwest. So, you won’t have to worry about having to redo your pool deck after winter or manage breaks and cracks in surfaces.

The best materials for pool paving ideas

There are many different types of pavers out there. But, three very popular materials for pavers are concrete, brick, and stone.

Concrete

Concrete pavers are an ideal hardscaping material around a pool. This is because they’re cheap to buy yet have the elegant look of natural stone. Concrete also isn’t prone to breaking but can be easily sealed if cracks do occur.

Brick

Brick pavers add a rustic look to any pool area. So, they’re especially appealing for historic homes. They’re also durable and weather-resistant.

However, it’s important to note that bricks have a reputation for getting very hot in the summertime. This is because they retain heat very well. Thus, if your pool sits in direct sunlight, you may want to opt for concrete or stone pavers.

Stone

Ah, the timeless, natural stone pavers. Pool decks made from stones are a favorite option for many landscape designers. This is because they add an Old-World richness. Some great stone choices are bluestone, flagstone, and travertine. These materials won’t get hot and hurt your feet on those intense summer days.

A natural stone pool deck will be more expensive than brick or concrete, but its charming look is worth it for many homeowners.

The best patterns for pool paving ideas

There are endless patterns you can make with paving around a swimming pool. So, we’ve narrowed them down to our favorite three to make your pool deck pop this summer!

Herringbone

You can achieve a herringbone pattern by setting rectangular paving stones at 90-degree angles. This will give you that “fishbone” or zig-zag look.

Geometric

Pool paving ideas that use geometric shapes make exciting designs that can trick the eye! This is due to the movement effect created by geometric patterns. They produce the illusion that your deck has a sense of movement, which pairs well with the moving water in your pool.

Stacked bond

The stacked bond pattern results from using either square or rectangular pavers that are identically sized. When you place them in evenly spaced rows and columns, they give a minimalistic, clean look. You can also set them diagonally for an attractive design that still rings simplicity.

The best colors for pool paving ideas

There are a plethora of color options for pool pavers, which can make it hard to come up with a solid idea. Thus, we’ll give you our top two favorite colors for hardscaping pool designs.

White

White has become a recent trend as a design color for pools. Using white swimming pool paving stones adds a contemporary tone to your landscaping. Also, the color white deflects rays from the sun. This means your feet won’t burn when you’re walking around barefoot on hot summer days.

Beige

Beige, natural tan, or any other light brown shade can create a beachy feel. For this reason, it’s always been a pretty popular pool paving idea. As these tones mimic the color of natural sand, they’ll complement the turquoise water of your swimming pool. You’ll feel like you’re at the beach without having to leave the comfort of your backyard!

What if I have an above-ground pool?

Above-ground pools are a classic choice in backyards across North America. They’re functional, practical, and economical. As a result, they make a unique option for a relaxing water feature.

But, homeowners may feel stunted when it comes to hardscaping ideas for their elevated pool. This is because above-ground pools take up space and steal focus from backyard landscaping. So, a great tip is to make use of your pool walls by covering them with concrete stones or tile pavers. You could even install glass for your pool wall to create a fishbowl look!

Another idea for pavers around an above-ground pool is to add an adjacent patio or built-in deck. You can build a deck with pavers that sits at your pool level to make your pool less isolated.

Can I use sandstone pavers around my pool?

The infamous sandstone! Sandstone has a beautiful, natural look to it that makes it a very appealing pool paving idea. But, it’s the number one hardscaping material to avoid around pools. Let us explain…

Sandstone is a sedimentary rock that’s composed of sand particles. It’s extremely porous and vulnerable to salt and acid. Meaning that it can’t withstand harsh chemicals and minerals that inevitably splash out from pools. Any form of acid that touches sandstone will cause it to dissolve, thus, turning it into sand.

So, it should be crossed off your list of ideas for pavers around a pool.

But I love sandstone! What can I do?

Alright, so if you’re in love with the idea of sandstone around your pool, we get it. It’s a beautiful and unique material. Here’s a way to get around its porous and vulnerable state.

You can use porcelain pavers that mimic the look of sandstone. Porcelain paving stones are only 0.5% porous, so you won’t have to worry about them deteriorating.

Also, while real sandstone pavers are tough to clean, porcelain pavers don’t permanently stain. So, your summer daiquiri and piña colada spills will be easy to wipe away!

Factors to consider for pool paving ideas

There are three very important factors to look at before purchasing your pool pavers. These include making sure the pavers are resistant to chemicals, heat, and slipping.

Chemically-tested

Make sure you check that the paving stone you want to use will be able to resist pool chemicals and salt. This is because the deterioration of any paving material produces irreversible effects. So, your money and efforts will just go down the drain the second chlorine splashes on your paving design.

Heat-resistant

Nothing’s worse than scorching hot feet when you’re trying to cool down on a summer day. As most people are barefoot when they hang out by a pool, you’ll want to ensure the pavers around your pool don’t absorb heat.

Non-slip

Adults may be able to practice caution and avoid slipping near a pool. But, for kids, this is not the case. Making sure your pavers are slip-resistant before installing them is critical to ensuring their safety for all ages.

Depending on your vision for your pool paving idea, it may require extra work that you don’t have time for. So, consult with one of our landscaping professionals that has an eye for design today!