Types of Stones You Can Consider for Your Pool Deck
Australian summers can be pretty hot and most Australians dream of having a pool in their backyard. It’s the best place to cool down, relax, and host parties. Is it your dream too? With a good deal of prefabricated fibreglass pool options available, that dream is not difficult to achieve.
Installing a pool and creating your dream pool are two different things. For most people, a pool is an item of leisure and luxury, but it is worth investing in. When you have a pool, you also need to plan the surrounding area carefully and choose the right materials. After you have considered the shape, size, and type of pool you would like to invest in, next comes the aesthetics of the deck and surrounding area. The poolside aesthetics and practicalities should go hand in hand. What kind of pavers are suitable, which is the best material for the deck, and what lighting options are appropriate, the list is long.
In case you want to keep it natural and cool, stones are among the best options for your poolscape. Natural stones can give your pool deck a superior look and an earthy feel, and play a major role in defining the pool and its owner’s personality. These eco-friendly materials are more durable than most man-made materials. They are matchless and champion in creating an elegant and aesthetic outdoor look.
Here is a list of natural stones that make the most amazing pool decks.
Travertine
Travertine, a form of terrestrial limestone, is a popular choice when it comes to luxury stone pool decks. This stone is well known for its non-slip characteristics. When it comes to pools, slipping and falling on the wet floor is a major concern. Travertine being a porous rock absorbs water and makes the surface virtually slip-free. At the same time, because the water is not accumulated on the surface, your feet and flip-flops stay dry. When you walk inside the house, water from your feet does not enter your home. This stone is an excellent choice for areas that receive a considerable amount of rain.
The hard-wearing travertine deck will restrict runoff and flooding. Additionally, travertine is cool to touch, that’s exactly what you need on hot summer days. Extreme temperatures and frequent temperature fluctuations are not a problem for this rock to handle. Travertine comes in several colours and textures. You can choose something that matches your pool and outdoor decor. The only downside of travertine is the natural pores of this stone. Over the years, these can gather dust and the stone may lose its natural beauty.
Granite
Granite is not always the first choice for pool decking but many people choose to go with this for its hardness, durability, classy look, and hypoallergenic qualities. Granite is less prone to harbouring bacteria and germs, keeping the pool area more hygienic. Granite comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, offering plenty of choices to pool owners to choose from. Granite looks elegant and has a natural shine and is water resistant. The downside of granite is its slippery nature when wet. This makes this high quartz-containing stone a tricky choice for the pool area.
Flagstone
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that’s durable and relatively slip-resistant due to its unique texture. It’s an excellent pool decking material due to its durability and versatility. Flagstones come in earthy colours and are also an excellent option for pavers. Due to their high-density formation, flagstones are low maintenance and last for decades. These stones are a practical choice for hotter and sunnier areas due to their low-porous nature. Flagstones can tolerate extreme heating and freezing, without breaking and cracking. With little maintenance, flagstone decks can look as good as new for years to come. Flagstone decks are easy to install and do not cost a fortune.
Limestone
Hardy, beautiful, and low-maintenance – limestone is a great choice for pool decks. These natural stones can retain their beauty for years despite harsh weather. Most limestones are light in colour, making them perfect for the sweltering summer seasons. Limestone is also resistant to mould and bacteria, which makes it an excellent choice for the outdoor pool area. Requiring very little maintenance, limestone stays in top condition for a lifetime when sealed properly.
Coral Stone
Coral stone is among the most durable natural stones that can withstand extreme temperatures, has minimal heat retention, and looks stunning. This hardy stone is capable of tolerating harsh pool chemicals, and salt water that’s bound to splash and come with the foot traffic. Decks made from this stone are easy to maintain when cleaned and sealed properly. The non-slip texture is an added advantage when you pave your poolside with this natural stone. These stones come in earthy colours and beautiful textures.
Marble
A marble pool deck may look grand but it surely comes with a price tag. Marble can dramatically elevate the elegance of any poolscape. Marble is easily available but not all marble finishes offer a non-slippery finish. Long-lasting, cool, and beautiful, marble decks may stain easily and react to pool cleaning chemicals.
Bluestone
Bluestone, as the name suggests, comes mostly in shades of blue-grey. This is a type of flagstone that’s ideal for outdoor use. This hardy stone is water-resistant and offers a non-slip surface. With different kinds of finishes, bluestones give a very smooth look and are an excellent choice for pool decks. Its salt-resistant nature makes it ideal for saltwater pools too.
Slate
If you are looking for a minimal maintenance option in a stone deck, slate can be the best choice. It’s a stone that can fit your budget and your style with a selection of earthy blue-grey tones. Long-lasting, anti-skid, and with an ability to handle climate adversities, slate decking is a wonderful choice for pool decks.
How to decide which stone is best for your pool deck?
It can be a tough decision to make while selecting the stone that’s right for your pool deck. Keeping certain things in mind can make your task simpler. Focus on these things while you compare natural stone decking for your swimming pool.
Style: Consider the overall appearance of your pool deck. Do you want an earthy look and make it more sophisticated and upbeat? Is it a rustic, straight-from-the-earth look you have in mind or need something grander like granite or marble?
Colour: Natural stones come in a wide range of colours. Sandstone, limestone, flagstone, and slate, have more earthy tones as compared to granite and marble which also come in unique colours.
Surface texture: Do you want to keep the surface ultra-smooth or do you like a rougher texture under your feet? The texture of the stone that you choose will also have a remarkable impact on the final look and feel of your pool deck.
Heat resistance: All stones do not heat up equally. When placed outdoors under the sun some stones can get hot. Before taking a pick, think about the summer months when people will be walking barefoot on stones.
Anti-slip: Poolside safety is of prime importance. Stones like travertine and flagstone are less slippery when wet compared to granite and marble. Keep this factor in mind before building a pool deck with natural stones.
In Conclusion
Building a pool is an investment and you definitely want what’s best for your home. It’s vital to choose a stone carefully that has the best durability, aesthetics, heat resistance, and texture, and matches the design and colour of your fibreglass swimming pool.
Types of Stones You Can Consider for Your Pool Deck
Australian summers can be pretty hot and most Australians dream of having a pool in their backyard. It’s the best place to cool down, relax, and host parties. Is it your dream too? With a good deal of prefabricated fibreglass pool options available, that dream is not difficult to achieve.
Installing a pool and creating your dream pool are two different things. For most people, a pool is an item of leisure and luxury, but it is worth investing in. When you have a pool, you also need to plan the surrounding area carefully and choose the right materials. After you have considered the shape, size, and type of pool you would like to invest in, next comes the aesthetics of the deck and surrounding area. The poolside aesthetics and practicalities should go hand in hand. What kind of pavers are suitable, which is the best material for the deck, and what lighting options are appropriate, the list is long.
In case you want to keep it natural and cool, stones are among the best options for your poolscape. Natural stones can give your pool deck a superior look and an earthy feel, and play a major role in defining the pool and its owner’s personality. These eco-friendly materials are more durable than most man-made materials. They are matchless and champion in creating an elegant and aesthetic outdoor look.
Here is a list of natural stones that make the most amazing pool decks.
Travertine
Travertine, a form of terrestrial limestone, is a popular choice when it comes to luxury stone pool decks. This stone is well known for its non-slip characteristics. When it comes to pools, slipping and falling on the wet floor is a major concern. Travertine being a porous rock absorbs water and makes the surface virtually slip-free. At the same time, because the water is not accumulated on the surface, your feet and flip-flops stay dry. When you walk inside the house, water from your feet does not enter your home. This stone is an excellent choice for areas that receive a considerable amount of rain.
The hard-wearing travertine deck will restrict runoff and flooding. Additionally, travertine is cool to touch, that’s exactly what you need on hot summer days. Extreme temperatures and frequent temperature fluctuations are not a problem for this rock to handle. Travertine comes in several colours and textures. You can choose something that matches your pool and outdoor decor. The only downside of travertine is the natural pores of this stone. Over the years, these can gather dust and the stone may lose its natural beauty.
Granite
Granite is not always the first choice for pool decking but many people choose to go with this for its hardness, durability, classy look, and hypoallergenic qualities. Granite is less prone to harbouring bacteria and germs, keeping the pool area more hygienic. Granite comes in a wide range of colours and patterns, offering plenty of choices to pool owners to choose from. Granite looks elegant and has a natural shine and is water resistant. The downside of granite is its slippery nature when wet. This makes this high quartz-containing stone a tricky choice for the pool area.
Flagstone
Flagstone is a sedimentary rock that’s durable and relatively slip-resistant due to its unique texture. It’s an excellent pool decking material due to its durability and versatility. Flagstones come in earthy colours and are also an excellent option for pavers. Due to their high-density formation, flagstones are low maintenance and last for decades. These stones are a practical choice for hotter and sunnier areas due to their low-porous nature. Flagstones can tolerate extreme heating and freezing, without breaking and cracking. With little maintenance, flagstone decks can look as good as new for years to come. Flagstone decks are easy to install and do not cost a fortune.
Limestone
Hardy, beautiful, and low-maintenance – limestone is a great choice for pool decks. These natural stones can retain their beauty for years despite harsh weather. Most limestones are light in colour, making them perfect for the sweltering summer seasons. Limestone is also resistant to mould and bacteria, which makes it an excellent choice for the outdoor pool area. Requiring very little maintenance, limestone stays in top condition for a lifetime when sealed properly.
Coral Stone
Coral stone is among the most durable natural stones that can withstand extreme temperatures, has minimal heat retention, and looks stunning. This hardy stone is capable of tolerating harsh pool chemicals, and salt water that’s bound to splash and come with the foot traffic. Decks made from this stone are easy to maintain when cleaned and sealed properly. The non-slip texture is an added advantage when you pave your poolside with this natural stone. These stones come in earthy colours and beautiful textures.
Marble
A marble pool deck may look grand but it surely comes with a price tag. Marble can dramatically elevate the elegance of any poolscape. Marble is easily available but not all marble finishes offer a non-slippery finish. Long-lasting, cool, and beautiful, marble decks may stain easily and react to pool cleaning chemicals.
Bluestone
Bluestone, as the name suggests, comes mostly in shades of blue-grey. This is a type of flagstone that’s ideal for outdoor use. This hardy stone is water-resistant and offers a non-slip surface. With different kinds of finishes, bluestones give a very smooth look and are an excellent choice for pool decks. Its salt-resistant nature makes it ideal for saltwater pools too.
Slate
If you are looking for a minimal maintenance option in a stone deck, slate can be the best choice. It’s a stone that can fit your budget and your style with a selection of earthy blue-grey tones. Long-lasting, anti-skid, and with an ability to handle climate adversities, slate decking is a wonderful choice for pool decks.
How to decide which stone is best for your pool deck?
It can be a tough decision to make while selecting the stone that’s right for your pool deck. Keeping certain things in mind can make your task simpler. Focus on these things while you compare natural stone decking for your swimming pool.
Style: Consider the overall appearance of your pool deck. Do you want an earthy look and make it more sophisticated and upbeat? Is it a rustic, straight-from-the-earth look you have in mind or need something grander like granite or marble?
Colour: Natural stones come in a wide range of colours. Sandstone, limestone, flagstone, and slate, have more earthy tones as compared to granite and marble which also come in unique colours.
Surface texture: Do you want to keep the surface ultra-smooth or do you like a rougher texture under your feet? The texture of the stone that you choose will also have a remarkable impact on the final look and feel of your pool deck.
Heat resistance: All stones do not heat up equally. When placed outdoors under the sun some stones can get hot. Before taking a pick, think about the summer months when people will be walking barefoot on stones.
Anti-slip: Poolside safety is of prime importance. Stones like travertine and flagstone are less slippery when wet compared to granite and marble. Keep this factor in mind before building a pool deck with natural stones.
In Conclusion
Building a pool is an investment and you definitely want what’s best for your home. It’s vital to choose a stone carefully that has the best durability, aesthetics, heat resistance, and texture, and matches the design and colour of your fibreglass swimming pool.
