Concrete Pool Decks or Paver Pool Decks Which is Right for Your Backyard?
- mike
- Dec 9, 2025
- 5 min read
POOL DECKS
Choosing the right material for your pool deck can transform your backyard into a safe, attractive, and comfortable space. Two popular options are concrete pool decks and paver pool decks. Each offers unique benefits and drawbacks that affect durability, appearance, maintenance, and cost. In this guide we will breakdown the pros and cons of both to better help you decide which is best for your pool project.
PROS & CONS OF CONCRETE POOL DECKS
There are basically 2 types of concrete generally used as pool decks. The first is broom finished concrete and the 2nd is stamped concrete. Both have their own unique attributes and come with their own sets of pros and cons. Lets dive into broom finished concrete first.
BROOM FINISHED CONCRETE
Broom Finished Concrete is your average run of the mill concrete that you see on sidewalks, driveways, roads, etc. The concrete had a finish that is applied with a broom to provide a textured surface. Broom finished can be colored at the time of installation or you can add stain to it at a later time to give it a fresh unique look. Broom finished concrete is versatile and can be formed up in modern designs that can break up the monotone look of larger patio spaces.
COST
Broom finished concrete is the lowest cost pool deck option and can range from $18 to $22.00 per square foot. It may be higher or may be lower based on your location and who you hire to pour your concrete.
DRAWBACKS
Broom finished concrete gets a bad rap from time to time for its low cost and plain jane look. Which I completely understand. Staring at a large open area of broom finished concrete is not always aesthetically appealing. Which is one of the reasons some pool owners shy away from it. Lastly, like all concrete there will only be 2 guarantees with your concrete pool deck. The first is that the concrete will get hard and the second guarantee is that your concrete will crack. Proper control joint placement will reduce the likelihood that cracks will occur outside of the control joints but concrete is unpredictable and can or may crack randomly in concrete.
ADVANTAGES
There are a few advantages to using broom finished concrete for your pool deck. First and foremost, the cost if a great option. With the right pool designer a broom finished pool deck can be set up to create unique pools decks that can break up that large visually unappealing feel. This is where an experienced pool designer can take something basic and make it look like a premium product. Not only that but the proper placement of patio furniture, outdoor rugs, potted plants and other poolside accessories can really eliminate the basic or unappealing look of broom finished concrete. The cost savings of using broom finished concrete may allow you to go with a larger pool or add some additional features that you may not be able to with a paver pool deck.
STAMPED CONCRETE
Stamped Concrete is concrete that has a texture stamped into the face of the concrete. The patterns range from wood planks to brick to natural stone. Stamped concrete is typically sealed with a high gloss sealer that is slippery when wet and at Pool Pros we recommend that you dont use this around a pool. Its a recipe for injury near a pool. While glossy stamped concrete looks amazing it just shouldn't be used near a pool. What Pool Pros recommends for stamped concrete around a pool is an unsealed standard gray stamped concrete. This can still give you an upgraded look and texture of stone without the glossy sealer that can lead to slips and injuries around a pool.
COST
Stamped concrete can cost anywhere from $25.00 per square foot to $35.00 per square foot
DRAWBACKS
Stamped Concrete is a mid grade cost option and can pose some safety concerns around a pool. If a high gloss sealer is applied the stamped concrete gets very slick and can lead to slips and falls and injuries if used near a pool. The cost of stamped concrete is approaching the cost of a paver patio and like all concrete it can crack.
ADVANTAGES
For a little extra money you can add a more refined detail to your pool deck with stamped concrete. Stamped concrete can be designed in the same manner as broom finished concrete. Stamped concrete is more aesthetically appealing in larger patio pours, the texture and pattern break up large pool decks and provide a more refined look.
PROS AND CONS OF PAVER POOL DECKS
PAVER POOL DECKS
Paver pool decks are made of small to large format concrete pavers that are hand laid in place to create a pool deck. The joints between the pavers are typically filled with the use of polymeric sand to help close the joints of the pavers. Paver pool decks often consist of the main course of paver that takes up the majority of the pool deck and then an accent border or soldier course that is a different paver that accents the outside and or inside edge of the paver pool deck. Paver pool decks can also have inlay areas that have another type of paver inlaid into an area to create an accent piece of to help divide the pool patio area.
COST
Paver pool decks can run from $45.00 per square foot up to and beyond $85.00 per square foot pending on type, size and overall scope of the project.
DRAWBACK
Cost and time to install are the 2 big drawbacks to install paver patios. Paver patios are the most expensive option for a pool deck and that is partially due to the added labor to manually install the pavers. It can take 2-3 weeks to install a paver patio versus 2-3 day to pour a concrete pool deck.
ADVANTAGES
The look. To me nothing looks nicer than a well designed and installed paver patio. A paver pool deck adds a level of sophistication that simply cant be achieved with concrete. Sorry my bias is showing here. The biggest upside for pavers is that they simply wont crack unlike broom finished concrete or stamped concrete. If there is any movement in a paver pool deck it can be fixed relatively easily by lifting up the pavers and resetting the bed and paver to its original position. This cannot be said with concrete of any kind. A paver patio will give also give you a warranty form the manufacturer of the paver. There are no warranties with concrete. While the cost is higher pavers are a more premium option that come with a warranty and are easily repaired if needed.
FINAL THOUGHTS ON CHOOSING YOUR POOL DECK
Both concrete and paver pool decks offer strong benefits. Concrete provides a smooth, durable, and cost-effective surface that suits many styles. Pavers bring natural beauty, better drainage, and easier repairs but at a higher initial cost.
Consider your backyard’s style, how you use your pool, safety needs, and budget. Visiting local showrooms or viewing completed projects can help you visualize each option. Consulting with a professional pool designer will ensure your choice fits not only your budget but the vision you have for your overall pool project.
SHAMELESS CALL TO ACTION
Pool Pros team of in house pool designers is ready to help you create the backyard of your dreams. Call our office anytime @ 920-771-0107 to start a conversation about your pool project.
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