Porcelain pavers on Pool Decks

Safety first, and porcelain pavers by European Paver Company meet or exceed both European and North American code requirements and suggested slip resistance ratings. With that covered, let’s move on to the creative ways you can enhance the visual appeal of your pool deck and pool surround while eliminating problems inherent in traditional pool deck paving - mold, mildew, fading, staining, sealers, maintenance, longevity.

In European countries the most commonly understood method of testing the slip resistance of an exterior paver is the DIN51130 ramp test which generates an R-Value ranging from R9 - R13. In addition, DIN 51097 is a slip test conducted barefoot on wet paver surfaces, which generates are rating of A through C, showing appropriate usage of a tile or paver in settings ranging from residential kitchens and bathrooms to commercial swimming pools.

Porcelain pavers by European Paver Company have a Slip Resistance Rating of R11 C, categorized as ‘Anti-slip’, making them suitable for residential and commercial pool decks.

While the above test methods are widely recognized in North America, another common test in the USA is ANSI A326.3 American National Standard Test Method for Measuring Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF) of Hard Surface Flooring Materials. This test requires pavers to achieve a rating of >0.40. Porcelain pavers by European Paver Company rate >0.42, once again making them suitable for residential and commercial swimming pools.

Porcelain pavers for pool decks and pool surrounds can be installed directly on concrete substrates using thinset and grout. Should there be a need to elevate them slightly, hard rubber paver pads are an ideal solution, popular for those seeking a fast, clean install not requiring mortar. Paver pads have built in spacer tabs for maintaining a consistent 1/8” gap between pavers, allowing for efficient water drainage off the paver surface to the concrete slab below. In cases where pavers need elevated higher than 1/2”, European Paver Company’s height adjustable pedestal system should be used.

In settings where the pool is not surrounded by concrete, porcelain pavers can be installed in compacted gravel beds, sand beds, and grass, either directly on the surface or slightly counter-sunk into the soil.

Unlike concrete, brick and stone pavers, porcelain pavers will not need a regular maintenance program to keep them power washed and sealed to resist fading, remove stains, and rid them of mold and mildew build up resulting from the wet environment. Non-porous porcelain pavers are maintenance free, giving more time to use the pool for its intended purpose which is relaxing, not cleaning.

With over 200 paver colors to choose from, in styles that perfectly mimic travertine, stone in many varieties, quartzite, granite, marble, even wood, give your existing pool a facelift or new pool a much more attractive look than bland brick or concrete.

A range of pool trim pieces is available in most colors, including rectified and bullnose pool coping, steps and slotted drains. The availability of these items differs by manufacturer so please check with European Paver Company regarding your chosen paver colors.