Key Considerations When Paving Your Pool

Planning to refresh your pool area and looking for simple ideas to transform it into a more efficient and appealing space? Our simple guide will help you make informed choices, avoid simple mistakes and add appeal to your home.

DESIGN AND PLANNING

A common design mistake is not starting with a master plan.
With an overall design plan you will ensure a step by step process, visualise the end result and budget accordingly.

SOURCING AN INSTALLER

When planning to pave your pool area, attention to detail is a must. Using only highly qualified, reputable landscapers and pool tilers will ensure that you will achieve the ultimate result. Contact us for a list of recommended local installers.

STONE POOL PAVING

When selecting the stone for your pool area, we recommend thoroughly researching, to ensure an appropriate material is selected. A helpful tip is to follow your favourite pool companies and landscapers on Instagram, browse magazines, or try a pinterest board to create a collection of your favourite pool designs and landscapes.

Size:
Size matters. Larger tiles can offer a luxurious look and feel to the space that you are creating. However, in a more restricted, or confined paved area, selecting a smaller tile is often more suitable.  Having a variety of sizes, or different shaped pavers within the design is common. Select a size that flows with your space and talk to your installer about laying costs as the size could potentially impact the price.

Thickness:
Commonly most materials are available in 12, 20 and 30mm. Be sure to consult your installer about the most suitable tile, and more importantly, the most appropriate substrate for your project. The quality and longevity of your paving is often dictated by the strength and quality of your substrate, or base.

Texture:
There is a range of textures, or finishes available in most stones. Flamed, Sawn, or Sandblasted finishes are ideal for around pools as they have a higher slip rating and more grip under foot. Honed surfaces can become slippery when wet. Consider whether this is appropriate for your desired application.

Colour:
When selecting your pavers, take into account the colours and materials of the surrounding space. Lighter colours create the illusion of space, while darker colours can fill larger spaces and make them seem more intimate and inviting. Lighter colours generally are cooler under foot, however require a bit more maintenance to keep clean. Darker colours such as Bluestone will show less dirt and stains, however can hold more heat on those hot summer days.

Material:
With so many outdoor paving materials on the market, you are certainly spoilt for choice.
 Bluestone and Granite are a popular choice of paving in Melbourne, as they are hard wearing, easy to clean and offer a modern appearance.

Extremely popular, durable and stylish,Travertine offers an earthy, European style alternative. It is cool under foot and available in many variations in pattern and colour.

Marble and Limestone both offer soft lighter tones which can add an upscale feel to any pool area, transforming it into a sophisticated retreat.

STONE POOL COPING

 Pool coping, also known as pool edging or pool edge pavers,  is the capping or edging that sits along the top rim of a swimming pool.

Types of Coping Profiles

Drop Edge Coping:

Drop face pool coping is a style of pool coping where the edge “drops” over into the pool at a right angle, giving the illusion that the coping tile is one solid piece of stone.  As a result, your pool appears more sleek and modern.

Square Edge Coping:

This is also installed to the top of the pool wall but its installation is flat. In this type of coping, the edge of the stone is square with a small arris running along the top and bottom of the coping tile.

Bullnose Coping:
This style of pool coping refers to the rounded leading edge. Instead of a sharp or square edge, bullnose gives you a softer, curved edge.The rounded shape has safety benefits, as well as offers you a smoother look and texture for your pool.

FINISHING TOUCHES

Grout Colour:

Selecting the correct coloured grout is essential in achieving a finished appearance to your pool paving project. For instance, if using a light coloured paver eg Travertine, you may want to use a matching coloured grout to blend seamlessly with the stone. We suggest checking out Mapei’s Coloured Grout Range for more information.

Skimmer Lids, Drain covers and Access covers: 

Plastic pool skimmer box lids are a big blemish on a luxury investment and can be quickly improved by adding a HIDE Skimmer Lids with stone insert to seamelssly blend in with your paving. Hide offer a wide range of inlay lids for skimmers, drain and access points which have revolutionised landscaping options – transforming those traditional eyesore spots into hidden no-shows. Contact us for prices and further information.

Cleaning and Sealing

Cleaning your paving is a vital part to ensuring your tiles look bright and fresh. In general, swimming pool pavers should be cleaned and maintained with non acidic products. This is to be done after your grout has dried and prior to sealing.

Sealing your tiles prevents and reduces staining.

We offer GUARD IT SOLUTIONS range of cleaners and sealers which are readily biodegradable, breaking down safely and quickly by natural processes.

DELIVERY OF MATERIAL

eStone Direct uses reliable and affordable freight companies which deliver directly to your home or local freight depot. Alternatively you can collect direct from our warehouse in Ringwood during business hours.

For further helpful tips and tricks please contact our team at eStone Direct.