Winter is the ideal time to plan a pool deck renovation so that your pool is in full swing for a busy, fun-filled summer. Choosing the right pavers takes planning so that you’re happy with the results. Here’s a quick guide on how to choose the perfect patio pavers for your pool deck in Harrisburg, PA.
Function and Practicality
While many concrete pavers can be used around pools, certain types are better than others for use around pools or hot tubs. Here’s what to look for:
Poolside pavers feature a non-slip texture that remains safe even when wet, and even without pronounced textures. Some pavers are nearly as smooth as bathroom tiles, yet they remain slip-proof even when the kids splash half of the pool water onto the pool deck.
Choose a texture that is barefoot- and swimsuit-friendly. Some pavers feature a subtle pebbled or even nearly smooth surface that won’t snag swimsuits.
Choose lighter colors that will keep the surface comfortable on hot days, even though concrete pavers are cooler to the touch because the joints between them allow heat to escape. Keep in mind that paver colors darken when wet, so make sure to see your final choices both wet and dry.
Choose pavers with a penetrating or surface finish that resists staining from pool chemicals, algae, and food and beverage spills; maintains color-fastness; and protects the pavers from scratching from patio furniture or umbrellas. Poolside pavers need resealing every 3-5 years to extend their longevity and maintain their great looks.
Choose quality concrete pavers with a warranty that will protect your investment.
Beauty
Once you have narrowed your choices to pavers that meet these functional considerations, it’s time for the fun of choosing pavers for their looks. Concrete pavers come in an astonishing array of design options: colors, shapes, sizes, textures, finishes, and custom options for a pool area that’s uniquely yours.
Colors: Choose lighter colors that will still complement your home and any existing patio. You don’t have to match the colors or even style exactly; the pool deck is its own entity, and deserves its own presence. You can use different materials on your patio and pool deck, and you can tie these outdoor living areas together with accents and borders.
Shapes: With so many options, you can go for a trendy plank-like style, a modern large-format square, or stick to more traditional square or rectangular shapes. Some pavers are available in random bundles of three sizes, which allow for laying patterns that will complement your home’s architectural style and your design aesthetic.
Sizes: Large format pavers give your pool deck a sleek spa-like appeal, while smaller pavers help break up a large space and add to the visual interest of the space. While it may seem that small pavers require more effort in installation, it’s not always the case. Large pavers must be laid with even greater precision because even the slightest imperfection like a tilt or crooked joints will be much more noticeable.
Textures: Choose smooth textures for a sophisticated look and textured pavers (such as flagstone) for a more casual vibe.
Finishes: While any poolside paver will need to be refinished over time, you can make your life easier by choosing pavers impregnated with sealants that minimize cleanup, help retain color, and extend the lifespan of the paver.
While many pavers offer a wide variety of aesthetic choices, sometimes you’ll need a custom option, such as color or finish to get the optimal result. Let us know if this is the case and we’ll point you in the right direction to a manufacturer that lets you expand your horizons.
For inspiration or to get started on a new pool deck, let our friendly experts help!