The best pool deck pavers stay cooler underfoot, grip when wet, and hold up to chlorine, salt and sun. Light-colored travertine and textured concrete pavers are the two most common choices. Which is better depends on your budget, the look you want and how the deck is built and drained.
What makes a good pool deck paver?
•Heat: bare feet are the test, so lighter colors help.
•Slip resistance: a textured finish grips better when wet.
•Chemical and salt exposure: chlorine, salt water and cleaning products can wear on some surfaces.
•Drainage: water must move away from the pool and the house.
•Durability: pavers flex with the ground and can be reset if they settle.
Which pavers stay coolest?
Color and finish matter more than material. Light tans, creams and grays stay cooler in direct sun than dark colors. Travertine is popular around pools for this reason. Concrete pavers can also run cool if you pick a light color. Ask for samples and test them in midday sun, since the Lowcountry summer heat is real.
Travertine or concrete pavers?
Travertine pros: naturally light, comfortable on bare feet, and a soft, upscale look.
•Travertine cons: costs more, is porous and can stain or wear, and is often sealed. Polished or honed finishes can be slick when wet.
•Concrete pavers pros: cost less, come in many colors and textured finishes, and are easy to repair one piece at a time.
•Concrete pavers cons: color can fade over time, darker colors get hot, and some finishes need sealing.
Generally, a Classic material level uses quality concrete pavers and a Premium level moves up to travertine or other natural stone. We give three price points for the same scope so you can compare. Cost depends on size, material, site conditions and base work.
How do you keep a pool deck from being slippery?
Choose a textured or flamed finish rather than a polished one, and avoid smooth surfaces near the water. Keep the deck clean, since algae and mildew make any surface slick in a humid climate. Ask about the finish and test it wet if you can.
How do salt, chlorine and drainage affect the deck?
Chlorine and salt water can wear on some surfaces and stain porous stone, so sealing is often recommended. Rinse the deck now and then. Drainage matters most: the surface should slope away from the pool and house, and heavy rain and a high water table in North Charleston and the Lowcountry mean the base must be compacted and drained well. Slope and pool coping details vary with the pool and local codes, so check with your pool builder, building office and HOA.
What about coping and the pool edge?
Coping is the cap at the pool's edge, and the pavers need to meet it cleanly. Plan the transition early so heights, drainage and spacing line up. Coordinate with your pool builder so the deck and pool work together.
Frequently asked questions
Do pool pavers need sealing?
Often, especially for travertine, to limit stains. Sealing and other maintenance are separate services from installation.
Are dark pavers too hot for a pool deck?
They can be in full sun. Lighter colors are safer for bare feet.
Can I pour pavers around an existing pool?
Sometimes. It depends on the pool, coping and drainage, which we check on an on-site visit.
Planning a pool deck?
If you are thinking about a pool deck in North Charleston or the surrounding Lowcountry, we are happy to take a look. Every project starts with a free design and build estimate: an on-site visit, three price points for the same scope of work, and a custom 3D design once the project is booked. Every paver install includes a 10-year workmanship warranty. No pressure.