The great Australian dream for many is having a swimming pool situated in the backyard. Choosing the right pavers for around your pool is not only important for the aesthetic aspect but it also ensures they are long-lasting and safe. Here is our guide to choosing the perfect pavers for around your swimming pool.
Choosing the right pavers for around your pool
The pavers surrounding your pool will be exposed to harsh conditions such as the sun, chemicals and constant moisture.
One things for sure, there is no shortage of options to choose from. Here are some things to consider when deciding on the perfect pavers for around your swimming pool:
Non-slip properties
The area around a pool will inevitably get wet and to prevent accidents, the pool pavers perth you choose must be slip-resistant. Safety must be the number one consideration when making your choice.
Choosing pavers that have a non-slip rating of P4 or P5 is strongly recommended. Pavers with less than this can be dangerous and are unlikely to provide sufficient grip when wet and can be a hazard.
The finish
The finish of your pavers is important because if they are rough, they won’t be nice to walk on barefoot. This can affect the overall comfort of the pool area. Your pool pavers should be smooth yet not polished to ensure they still provide ample grip for walking on when wet.
Resilient to relentless conditions
Pool pavers will be subjected to substances like salt, chlorine, and other types of pollutants. Therefore, you must purchase really durable pavers that are suited to this type of application for them to last. Not all pavers are created equal so it is worth investing in quality pavers over budget types. Some types of natural stone will wear at a rapid rate when in contact with moisture and chemicals regularly.
Pool pavers cannot simply be replaced periodically. Therefore, choosing ones that can resist their surroundings makes sense.
How much you are willing to spend on your pool pavers
Undoubtedly, choosing the right pavers for your pool area depends in part on your budget. Although, we advise against using price as the only criterion for judgement.
While low prices are alluring, you must consider other aspects when purchasing pool pavers. Having said that, there are plenty of affordable options that look great around a pool.
Aesthetics of the space
Pool pavers unquestionably play a significant role in the overall appeal and feel of the pool area so, it’s crucial to pick one that will elevate the aesthetics of your outside environment. Firstly, it’s a good idea to choose pavers that complement your pool.
Additionally, it must harmonise with other components of your landscape and outdoor area.
Cooling properties
Your pool will likely be exposed to the sun and living here in Australia means that the pavers will heat up a lot. You can avoid getting burnt feet by choosing the right type of pavers. When pavers get extremely hot they not only burn feet but can burn anything that comes into contact with them including hands and backsides. It can make your pool area uncomfortable, and you don’t want this as you’ll be spending a lot of time here when the weather warms up.
Dark-coloured pavers are never recommended for full sun spaces such as these. That’s because they become extremely hot as a result of heat absorption, which prevents you from walking barefoot on them. Very light pavers will keep cool however, they are susceptible to glare and this can make the swimming experience unenjoyable.
For pools that are continually exposed to the sun, many types of natural stones are the superior option. This is because several types don’t absorb heat but rather direct it into the ground or deflect it keeping them cool.
The Best Pool Pavers for Your Pool
Here are our top recommendations for your pool pavers:
Exposed aggregate pavers
Exposed aggregate pavers are readily available in a variety of colours and designs and are quite durable. They don’t get hot when the sun is blaring down on them. Furthermore, they can withstand salt, water, and chemicals. Their speckled finish creates contrast and interest in a pool area.
Limestone pavers
Limestone is used frequently for pool pavements due to its large range of colours and textures. Any outdoor space gains an air of sophistication and age thanks to the superb patina of the stone, which ranges in colour from greys to beiges. Limestone offers exceptional cooling properties making it a stand-out choice for around a swimming pool.
Travertine pavers
This paver is timeless and if you want to elevate the pool area with elegance, this may be the paver for you. They work with all types of pools and are extremely durable and non-slip. The only consideration that needs to be factored in when choosing travertine is that they are highly porous and they must be sealed with a high-quality impregnating sealer to prevent premature wear. Leaving them unsealed will see them erode due to exposure to the pool water and chemicals.
Marble pavers
Marble is ideal for those who prefer a minimalist yet striking aesthetic. The hues of marble reflect the majority of sunlight keeping them cool in the summer. There is no denying that any pool area would look luxurious and elegant with this stunning natural stone.
Ready to choose your pool area pavers?
The right pool pavers can make the biggest difference in how your pool area looks and how comfortable it is in the middle of summer. That is why we recommend investing in pavers that will not only tolerate poolside conditions for years to come but will create ambience in your pool area. With the right paver, you can create the ultimate pool area and even add value to your home.
We hope this post has given you an idea of some of the different types of pool pavers to help you decide which one may be suitable for you. If in doubt, speak to a professional. Our team at Bonita Stone are experts in all things paving and we can give you a hand if required. We are more than happy to answer any questions you have about pavers for your pool.