Most pool companies do not install more than the pool and coping, you will need to consider a plan and what materials you would like to continue your outdoor environment, so your backyard doesn’t look and feel lacking completion. We are here to help guide you with material options and 3D designs so you can enhance your environment. Let’s bring the idea to reality. First you must consider pool hardscape options.
The hardscape area outside of your swimming pool and coping goes by many names, but a few of the most common are deck, decking or some generally call it a patio. Any word you use to describe this hardscape, it is important to consult your landscape designer about material, shape, overall cost, pros and cons and see what best fits your need and budget. Typically pool decks are concrete, but there are several options with their own sets of benefits and aesthetics to choose from. Being involved with the selection of materials will further customize your outdoor living space to fit your family and your lifestyle. Let’s checkout the top three options for pool decking…
STAMPED CONCRETE
Stamped concrete is usually the most economical. This material offers many options in color, texture, and design, we consult and discuss details of design for the most cohesive selection for your home and property. Closely following slate, pavers, flagstone and more patterns, you will find that this low maintenance choice will easily enhance your environment while providing much needed poolside heat reflectivity. To ensure that the concrete is protected from pool chemicals, wear and from being slick, a sealer with an anti-skid agent should be applied before use and then every 2-3 years as maintenance. The one drawback of stamped concrete is that, yes, it is concrete and, yes, it will crack. While we will cut control joints into the patio to guide the cracks to happen where they want it to, this may not always prevent cracks from happening elsewhere. If you are looking for a pool hardscape that guarantees no cracks, you should consider other options.
Pavers
Though more of an investment than stamped concrete, pavers are a great poolside material that will add beauty and long term durability to your backyard hardscape. An advantage of concrete pavers is that they are engineered for long life and come in an immense variety of patterns, colors, sizes and textures to enhance your environment. High quality pavers have their color deeply embedded, so if a chip were to happen you would not see exposed aggregate as you would with stamped concrete. Over time you will not have to worry about wear or color fade, and contrary to stamped concrete, patio pavers should not crack when installed properly. Because concrete pavers are not a monolithic structure and have a different installation process, they can endure our freeze/thaw cycles and seasonal weather changes without major problems. Making it a great option for upstate New York.
As for paver installation around the swimming pool, there are several benefits to assist with your decision. Pavers are cool on the feet, they are known to be slip resistant and provide bountiful traction when wet; this is very pacifying to families with young children or older family members. Being low maintenance, very dense and nonporous, there is a strong resistance to the growth of algae and mildew, which is an immense benefit in an almost always wet environment! To conclude, pavers offer spot correction. If a paver happens to get damaged or a pool repair is ever needed, individual pavers can be removed and replaced when the underground issue has been resolved. The option to spot correct saves time and money over continuous hardscaped surfaces.
NATURAL STONE
The last pool hardscape option we install is natural stone. Natural stone as granite, bluestone, flagstone and more will require the largestt investment out of the options we mentioned, but they offer so much more. Providing a refined, luxurious, timeless and classic look to your poolscape, this material will enhance your environment and it won’t go out of style. Natural stone is not a manmade material, it is guaranteed to age, sustaining the elements and the test of time. Natural stone is low maintenance, durable, versatile, aesthetically pleasing, slip resistant, water and heat repellent, along with having the ability to be spot corrected in the same aspect as concrete pavers, it is understandable why more homeowners are opting to invest in this material for their forever homes. While natural stone hardscapes enhance the value of your home and property, you will notice that it also enhances your individual value and enjoyment of the environment as well. When personal taste calls for a material that enriches the atmosphere and a home calls for a material to match its significance, natural stone is worth considering and discussing a 3D design.
It also never hurts to think outside the box and explore mixed ideas to incorporate into a poolscape or outdoor living space! If you are looking to transform your backyard or your outdoor space needs your personal unique style! RJ Landscapes loves challenges and is always up to the task of providing custom outdoor solutions to make each individual family happy and every unique property stand out! Serving the finger lakes and the greater Rochester area. We would love to discuss all options to transform your outdoor dreams into your reality, from concept to completion, we guarantee you will fall in love with your home all over again!