A swimming pool is a valuable addition to any Australian home. Whether to wash away the tiredness after a long day’s work, to host a pool party, or a BBQ with your friends and family, a swimming pool and its surrounds offer the perfect setting.
As a homeowner or contractor, choosing the right materials is crucial for safe and stylish pool areas. Since there are many different materials to choose from in the market, making the right choice can be quite difficult. In this blog, we list different pool paving materials for safe and stylish pool areas.
Read until the end to make an informed decision.
Concrete
One of the most popular choices for stylish pool areas, concrete is affordable and easy to install. However, it is common for concrete pool areas to crack under pressure due to extreme temperature changes. Here are some pros and cons of concrete pool areas:
Pros
- Cost effectiveness
- Versatility
- Durability
- Customizability
- Minimal maintenance
Cons
- Prone to cracks
- Gets too hot to walk on
- Prone to wear and tear
- Prone to slips
- Demands periodic sealing
Wood
One of the more organic and sustainable materials, wood is widely used around the pool to build decks and patios. Wood panelling effortlessly elevates the aesthetics of pool surrounds while still retaining the organic charm. Here are some pros and cons of using wood for safe and stylish pool areas:
Pros
- Natural aesthetic
- Underfoot comfort
- Slip resistant
- Sustainable
- Customisability
Cons
- High maintenance
- Susceptible to water damage
- Discolouration
- Fading
- Decay
Stone
A very impressive material that elevates pool surrounds, stones are highly sought after by homeowners in Australia. Sustainability and natural aesthetics are definitely factors that make stone the right material to improve the safety and style of pool surrounds. Here are some pros and cons of stone pool surrounds:
Pros
- Heat resistance
- Aesthetics
- Durability
- Slip resistance
- Elevates curb appeal
Cons
- Higher upfront cost
- Demands periodic sealing
- Porous surface
- Complex installation
- Requires careful material handling
Brick
If you are a fan of the chic and rustic, bricks are the perfect choice for pool surrounds. The strength and durability of bricks mean they do not demand frequent maintenance or repairs. The textured surface of bricks means they are slip-resistant and safe for homes with kids and senior citizens.
Pros
- Durability
- Exceptional drainage
- Minimal maintenance
- Timeless beauty
- Rustic charm
Cons
- Uneven surface
- Hard underfoot
- Weed growth
- Water damage
Tile Paver
Among the most popular flooring materials for safe and stylish pool areas, tile pavers are known for their durability and visual appeal. Tile pavers are generally made of concrete, porcelain, or stone and are generally 20 mm thick. The strength and durability of tile pavers make them skid-resistant and crack-resistant.
Pros
- Wide range of designs
- Durability
- Slip resistance
- Weather proof
- Low maintenance
- Easy replacement
Cons
- Higher initial cost
- Heat retention
- Hard underfoot
- Joint maintenance
Conclusion
While all the materials mentioned in the blog are quite popular, there is another superior alternative that surpasses everything else in terms of popularity and usability.
Pebblecrete from The Pebble Mix company in Bayswater, VIC, is one of the best options for resurfacing pool areas and surrounds.
Their team of experienced contractors use hand-trowelling technique to ensure flawless paving around swimming pool, patios, balconies, and driveways.
