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Of all hardscape elements, pools are probably the most popular ones. Often the centerpieces of many projects, pools have been a staple of the industry for decades. Today, we want to take our time to talk about a very specific element that makes them so special: white pool pavers.

The reason for it is that white pavers are the choice for the majority of projects involving pools. We see many homeowners having the same questions about materials and maintenance.

For today’s article, our goal is to talk about the options of materials you have for white pool pavers and how to properly maintain them over time, so they can last a lifetime. So let’s get right to it.

White Pool Pavers

White Pool Pavers: Best Materials

To start, let’s make clear what are our criteria for the evaluation of the pavers we are going to talk about.

  • The first one is purely aesthetic: how white are the pavers?
  • The second one is functionality. Are the pavers slippery? Are they difficult to clean and protect?
  • The third one is longevity.
  • And the last one is price – and here we need to make something clear. When we compare the costs of pavers, we are not comparing the upfront price. That’s actually kinda irrelevant. Pavers are an investment, so all that matters is their cost-benefit over time. That’s what we compare.

If we take into consideration all these criteria, we are left with four types of pavers: travertine, porcelain, concrete, and marble. We’ll go over each of them separately, from best to worst.

Travertine Pavers

Travertine pavers are undeniably the best pavers you can have for a pool project. They are completely non-slippery, they don’t get hot under the sun, and on top of that are extremely easy to clean.

Given that they are natural stones, they might be a little more expensive than concrete pavers, but they are very much worth it as they can last a lifetime under proper care and maintenance.

You can find them in very white tones, with both smooth and textured surfaces.

Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are relatively new on the market when compared to the other options. But you won’t find better pavers available. They are even able to rival concrete pavers, considered the go-to choice for decades now.

You see, porcelain pavers are extremely resistant. However, their best quality is, by far, that they are non-porous, so they don’t need to be sealed (more on sealing later).

In short, that saves you a ton in maintenance and compensates for the hefty price you must pay upfront. Just don’t forget that you need to pick a porcelain paver with a traditional non-slippery finish.

As for the color, you probably won’t find any paver that can match its whiteness and pristine quality.

Concrete Pavers

Is there anything concrete pavers can’t do? We honestly don’t think so. They have everything you could ask for from a paver: strength, versatility, fair price, and longevity.

If we have to be picky, we would say that finding a perfectly white piece of concrete might not be the easiest thing to do – that’s why it’s placed third here.

Marble Pavers

The most luxurious of all pavers, marble is undeniably the original white paver, used for cultures across the globe for centuries.

Like travertine, it is a form of natural stone. Unlike travertine, it has a really salty upfront price – and, to be honest, marble is a much softer material, so it can be damaged much easier than travertine.

Still, marble is marble. The visual impact you’ll achieve on your project with marble is unbeatable, and if you take your time to develop the proper maintenance techniques, it can actually last for decades.

White Pool Pavers Maintenance

Maintenance of pavers is really easy, but there are some aspects we want to remember when it comes to poolside pavers.

Pool water usually contains some light chemical, like chlorine, to help keep it clean. Evidently, the pavers around a pool will be constantly submitted to splashes of said water.

That’s why sealing is such an important aspect of pool pavers. Aside from porcelain, all pavers need to be sealed with a penetrating sealer. These particular sealers won’t leave a film on the surface, preserving the paver’s non-slippery characteristic and also protecting it from water absorption.

Apart from sealing, a regular sweep to keep debris out of the pavers and pressure washing them every six months or so is already more than enough. Sealing, by the way, should be applied every two years.

Professional Help Choosing White Pool Pavers

White Pool Pavers

All these materials can be wonderful picks when used in the correct setting. But how can we know what the current setting is, exactly? Well, that should better be left for professionals to decide.

Every installation is unique. Your setting, goal, and environment can greatly change things for your project. Choosing the wrong material can be catastrophic for an installation.

We here at SS Pavers have seen it happen one too many many times. Over our 12 years of activity, we have worked on some restorations that had everything to turn out alright, but whose details were not properly taken into account and ended up ruining the entire project.

That’s why we always recommend finding a professional in your area you can trust. And if you are around the Sarasota and Manatee counties, in Florida, why not give us a call to help you?

You can contact us at 941-773-3098 or email us at sales@sspavers.com. We would be happy to hear from you!

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