Which Natural Stone Pavers Are Best For Using Around A Pool?
For some people, only the look of natural stone will do when finishing the area around a beautiful backyard pool. However, not all stone products are equally tough when it comes to the demanding challenges of poolside installation. Discover which varieties work well for complementing the pool's design and resisting damage from the water and chemicals.
Travertine
This form of limestone is one of the most popular natural stones to install around a pool because of its durability. Most travertine slabs are also quite light and tend to run in shades of cream and tan, which results in a cooler surface during the summer when darker stone becomes uncomfortable for bare feet. The surface of the stone is also lightly pitted naturally, resulting in a higher friction level even after polishing. This reduces slipping and falls even when there is water standing on the surface.
Granite
For a tough pool deck that can handle dropped plates, big temperature changes between the seasons, and decades of use, choose granite. Again, stick to the lighter varieties with dramatic grain or speckle patterns instead of a dark color so that the summer sun doesn't bake your feet as you try to get in for a dip in the pool. The high amount of quartz in granite helps it resist the weathering effects of pool chemicals and water exposure, allowing it to last for a long time with minimal maintenance.
Sandstone
Go for the natural oasis style with slightly rough and warm colored sandstone pavers and slabs. While this stone contains quartz just like granite, it forms into tiny grains in this variety to give the stone its namesake granular surface. That roughness is perfect for keeping kids from slipping while they're playing around the pool and allows for fast water absorption to prevent puddles. Many homeowners also find the warm colors a good contrast against the cool blue colors of the pool for a more dynamic outdoor water feature.
Coral Stone
Finally, consider a stone that has already been exposed to sea water for centuries before being used around your pool. Coral stone combines limestone, sand, and tiny shells to create a unique paving option that is as attractive as it is durable. Since the stone already formed under difficult conditions in the ocean, it's already perfectly suited to the challenges of a pool environment. It's also a great way to make the pool look more interesting thanks to the intricate patterns formed by the shells and impressions left by tiny sea life.
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