Wondering what the safest surface is around a pool? Choosing the right deck material directly impacts slip resistance, comfort, and overall pool safety for you and your family. With various materials available, understanding which options provide the best combination of safety, durability, and comfort ensures your pool area remains both beautiful and secure.
In this blog post, pool expert Jay Taylor discusses what the safest surface is around a pool.
Travertine is considered one of the safest surfaces around a pool, due to its natural slip resistance, ability to stay cool underfoot, and porous structure that helps absorb water and reduce puddling. This natural stone provides excellent traction even when wet, making it the top choice for families prioritizing safety around their pools.
Key Takeaways
- Travertine offers the best combination of slip resistance, comfort, and cooling.
- Salt finish concrete provides good safety when properly textured and maintained.
- Pavers can be safe, but vary significantly based on material and texture.
- Turf offers decent slip resistance, but may heat up in direct sunlight.
- Proper drainage and regular maintenance are crucial for all deck materials.
What Factors Should You Evaluate When Choosing a Surface Material?
Pool deck safety involves multiple factors that work together to prevent accidents and injuries. These factors include:
- Slip resistance
- Heat retention
- Drainage capabilities
- Durability under constant exposure to water and chemicals
When evaluating deck materials, consider how each option performs in wet conditions, during hot TX summers, and with regular pool use.
Pool expert Jay Taylor from Custom Pools of Lubbock states,
“The safest pool deck material is one that provides consistent traction whether wet or dry, stays comfortable to walk on during hot weather, and requires minimal maintenance to retain its safety properties.”
For custom gunite pools, the best choice is any deck material that can handle constant moisture exposure while maintaining its safety characteristics.
The deck surface should provide adequate grip for bare feet, resist becoming slippery when wet, and remain cool enough for comfortable walking, even during peak summer temperatures.
What Is the Safest Surface Around a Pool? – 4 Options
1. Travertine
Travertine is one of the safest pool deck materials due to its unique natural properties. This sedimentary rock forms with a naturally porous surface that provides excellent slip resistance while allowing water to drain effectively.
The stone’s light color and porous structure also help it stay cooler than other materials, even under direct sunlight. Its natural texture of travertine provides grip for bare feet, making it incredibly safe when wet.
In addition, travertine doesn’t require special treatments or coatings to maintain its slip resistance. It naturally resists damage from pool chemicals and freeze-thaw cycles common in Lubbock.
2. Salt Finish Concrete
Salt finish concrete is a more budget-friendly option that can provide good safety when properly installed and maintained.
The texture created during the salt finishing process provides grip points that help maintain traction when the surface is wet. However, the effectiveness depends on the depth and consistency of the texture applied during installation.
Jay Taylor notes,
“Salt finish concrete can be a great choice for pool decks when properly textured and sealed, but it requires more maintenance than natural stone options to maintain its slip-resistant properties.”
Regular sealing and maintenance are essential for salt finish concrete to maintain its safety characteristics. Over time, the texture can wear down, and the surface may become more susceptible to algae growth if not properly maintained. Pool owners should plan for periodic resealing and cleaning to preserve the safety benefits.
3. Pavers
The effectiveness of pavers varies based on the specific material, texture, and installation quality. Some paver materials provide good slip resistance, while others can become quite slippery when wet.
The key is selecting pavers with appropriate texture and ensuring proper installation for adequate drainage.
Textured pavers made from materials like textured concrete or certain natural stones can provide good traction. However, smooth pavers or those with glossy finishes may become dangerous when wet. The joints between pavers can also create trip hazards if not properly installed and maintained.
Heat retention is another consideration with pavers. Some materials, particularly darker colors or dense stones, can heat up during summer months.
4. Turf
Artificial turf offers slip resistance when properly installed and maintained, but can vary in performance depending on material quality and installation. The synthetic fibers create a textured surface that provides good traction even when wet. This material is especially popular for pool areas where children play frequently.
However, turf has some limitations for pool deck applications. In direct sunlight, artificial turf can become extremely hot, potentially causing discomfort. The material also requires regular cleaning to prevent bacterial growth and maintain its appearance, especially in the humid environment around pools.
Drainage is also particularly crucial with turf installations. Proper base preparation and drainage systems are essential to prevent water from pooling beneath the turf, which can lead to mold, mildew, and unpleasant odors.
Quality installation and regular maintenance are key to maintaining both safety and hygiene with turf pool decks.
What Factors Affect Pool Deck Safety?
Beyond material choice, several installation and maintenance factors significantly impact pool deck safety:
- Proper drainage prevents water accumulation that can increase slip hazards. The deck should slope away from the pool and house to encourage water runoff and prevent standing water.
- Regular maintenance plays a crucial role in maintaining deck safety. This includes cleaning to remove algae, mold, and debris that can create slippery conditions. Different materials require different maintenance approaches. However, they all benefit from regular cleaning and inspection for damage or wear that could compromise safety.
- Deck layout and design also impact safety. Adequate lighting for evening use, proper placement of furniture and equipment, and consideration of traffic patterns all contribute to overall pool area safety.
Working with experienced pool designers like our team at Custom Pools of Lubbock ensures these factors are properly addressed during the planning phase.
How Can You Make the Right Choice for Your Pool?
| Surface | Slip Resistance | Comfort (Heat) | Considerations |
| Salt Finish Concrete | Great (if textured/sealed) | Can get hot | Prone to getting slippery if not maintained |
| Pavers | Great (depends on material/texture) | Can get hot | Can heat up quickly in direct sun |
| Travertine | Excellent | Stays cool | Naturally slip-resistant, cool, and durable |
| Turf | Excellent | Can get hot | May heat up in direct sun and isn’t as durable for heavy use |
Selecting the safest pool deck material depends on your specific needs, budget, and preferences.
For families prioritizing maximum safety and minimal maintenance, travertine offers the best overall performance. Its natural slip resistance, cooling properties, and durability make it worth the investment for long-term safety and comfort.
Budget-conscious homeowners can achieve good safety with salt finish concrete, provided they’re willing to invest in proper installation and ongoing maintenance.
Consider your local climate, pool usage patterns, and maintenance preferences when making your decision.
Why Choose Custom Pools of Lubbock for Your Pool Deck Project
Custom Pools of Lubbock specializes in creating safe, beautiful pool environments that families can enjoy for years to come. Our expertise in pool deck materials and installation ensures your deck not only looks stunning, but also provides the safety and comfort your family deserves. We understand the unique challenges of TX weather and can recommend the best materials for your specific situation and budget.
This business is owned and operated by Jay & Hillary Taylor
Jay Taylor is a TX Tech School of Business graduate who brings extensive experience in custom pool design and construction to every project. Together with his wife and business partner Hillary Taylor, they founded Custom Pools of Lubbock to fill a need in the Lubbock community for quality, unique, custom in-ground gunite swimming pools. As longtime members of the Lubbock community, they are committed to providing top-notch service and one-of-a-kind pool design and construction.
Our Expertise
This content reflects our team’s knowledge gained through:
- Years of successful custom pool installations throughout Lubbock
- Continuous professional development and industry best practices
- Direct field experience with regional conditions, materials, and construction challenges
- Owner-operated and supervised projects, ensuring quality control
Why Trust Us
At Custom Pools of Lubbock, our reputation speaks for itself:
- 3D Design Renderings: We provide detailed 3D design renderings to ensure you’re satisfied with the pool design before construction begins
- Superior Workmanship: We pride ourselves on attention to detail and excellent craftsmanship in every project
- Owner-Operated: All projects are personally supervised by Jay Taylor, ensuring consistent quality and communication
- Industry-Leading Satisfaction: Our mission is to provide industry-leading customer satisfaction through exceptional service
- Strong Communication: We believe strong customer communication is one of the keys to a successful project
- Professional Staff: We maintain a highly professional staff that understands and responds to customers’ needs in a friendly, personal manner
We’re committed to creating a “sense of place” — an environment where you and your family can entertain, play, or simply relax. Our goal is to complete your installation on time and with minimal inconvenience while turning your dreams of a backyard oasis into reality.
Have questions about your next pool project? We’re here to help!
Get In Touch
- Address: Custom Pools of Lubbock, 11702 Frankford Ave, Lubbock, TX 79424
- Phone: 806-260-7665
- Serving: Lubbock and surrounding areas
Call us today for a free, no-obligation consultation where you will work one-on-one with our pool designer. Our designer will learn about your vision, your backyard space, your budget, and your timeline. Then we will create a unique 3D plan to make your dream a reality.
