POOL DECKS: HOW STONES SET THE VIBE
Those first few steps onto a pool deck are a sensory experience. Most people are first visually drawn to the dazzling blue of the water’s surface: rippling, refreshing, and welcoming. However, the focus quickly shifts downward to the textural surface of the stone surrounding the pool. Using the right stone not only helps to set the mood of the pool area but must also function properly in the environment.
Before determining the best stone for your design, review the following four keys to choosing the right stone for a pool deck:
1. Type: Beyond the typical stone
When it comes to selecting a stone type for pool decks, we’ve seen it all. More often than not, we see requests for granite or bluestone—two of the most commonly used stones for pool decks, and for good reason. They’re beautiful and they’re durable, but that doesn’t mean you or your clients should settle for what’s been done before.
If you are looking to really create impact, we suggest considering hard limestone, an option with a spa-like aesthetic that offers:
- High durability plus low water absorption
- Granite-like density with a soft, lived-in feel
- A wide range of colors and textures
We’ve curated a large selection of limestones that are perfect for pool decks, including options that are more appropriate for freeze-thaw environments and more resistant to salt and chemical stains.
Bavarian Gray Limestone P613
2. Shape, Size & Scale:
As with any design, how the materials fit in the space really matters. For pool decks, different shapes and sizes of stones, and their scale in relation to the environment, evoke different feelings.
For example, small stones may make a pool deck cozier but also visually busier. Large-scale stones can create a grand, dramatic look yet may crowd a smaller yard. It’s all a matter of perspective—literally.
Similarly, there’s a discernible difference between small rectangles and large squares, or irregular shapes and straight edges. The choice of shape impacts the pool deck pattern, from a simple grid to a dynamic herringbone to a more complex mosaic. Ultimately, it all comes to your design and your client’s preferences.
Mystic Mountain Natural Granite P122
Footworn Granite Planks P195
Veneto Olivo Limestone M1011
3. Surface:
- Rough-split, brushed, or sawn stones with worn surfaces and edges
- Non-slip textures and finishes that occur naturally or can be added
- Natural surfaces with indentations and irregularities for better grip
- Wider joints to produce a slip-resistant grass/stone feel
In many ways, the visual feel of a stone pool deck is secondary to the tactile experience. If your clients and their guests are slipping on a wet surface or hopping around to avoid hot stones, even the most breathtaking design gets forgotten.
- Color: Darker grays and blacks will absorb heat more than lighter tans and whites, making them hotter.
- Reflectivity: More reflective stones don’t get as hot yet may be more slippery—so striking a balance is key.
- Location: Consider the property’s geographical location as well as where the pool deck sits. How many hours of sun does it get every day? How direct is the sunlight? Is the space shaded?
Our Pool Pick: The new-to-market Pietra Italia stone, which provides a natural, irregular look, and features a lighter surface that doesn’t heat up quickly.
Pietra Italia Gneiss M819
4. Design Harmony: Where form meets function
The stone and materials you choose for your next pool deck should match the mood and specifications of the site and the pool itself. Questions and considerations abound:
- Is the property’s altitude exceptionally high or low? Does it receive direct sun for two hours or 12 hours every day? Are freeze-thaw cycles common
- Do your clients want a saltwater pool? Will they use more chemicals due to environmental factors? Will a stone sealant be needed?
- How will the pool primarily be used—casual poolside dinner parties or family gatherings with lots of running children?
The answers to these questions will impact your stone selection—granite versus limestone, strong versus porous, light versus dark, non-slip versus easy-to-clean—and that’s exactly where an expert like Stone Curators is most helpful.
Classimo Sky Limestone P734
Your partner in stone
Stone Curators discovers the world’s most extraordinary stones, and we’re here to guide you through all the options, concerns, and considerations for your next pool deck project. Start with our Pool & Patio Visualizer tool or our Pool Inspiration Boards and then contact us when you’re read to turn your bold vision into a lasting legacy in stone.
