Best Pool Patio Materials for Long Island Homes

Your pool patio isn’t just a surface to walk on. It’s where your family spends summer afternoons, where you entertain guests, and where you relax after a long day. Choosing the right material for your pool deck matters because the area around a pool faces unique challenges: constant water exposure, bare feet, direct sunlight, pool chemicals, and Long Island’s freeze-thaw winters. Here are the five best pool patio materials and what you need to know about each one.

1. Travertine Pavers

Travertine is a natural limestone that has become one of the most popular pool patio materials on Long Island, and for good reason.

Pros:

• Stays cool underfoot. Travertine’s natural density and light color reflect heat rather than absorbing it. On a 90-degree Long Island summer day, travertine stays noticeably cooler than most other materials, which matters when you’re walking barefoot around the pool.
• Naturally slip-resistant. The stone’s slightly textured, tumbled surface provides excellent traction even when wet.
• Beautiful and timeless. Travertine has an elegant, natural look that complements virtually any pool design and landscaping style.
• Durable. Quality travertine handles freeze-thaw cycles well and resists cracking.

Cons:

• Higher cost. Travertine pavers typically run $18 to $35 per square foot installed, making it one of the more expensive options.
• Porous surface. Travertine can stain if not sealed. Pool chemicals, food, and drinks can leave marks on unsealed stone.
• Requires periodic sealing. Plan on resealing every 2 to 3 years to maintain appearance and protect against staining.

Best for: Homeowners who want a premium, elegant look and are willing to invest in a material that stays cool and performs well around water.

2. Concrete Pavers

Concrete pavers are the most versatile and widely used pool patio material across Long Island. They’re manufactured in a huge range of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures.

Pros:

• Affordable. Concrete pavers typically cost $15 to $25 per square foot installed, offering excellent value for the quality.
• Enormous variety. You can find pavers that mimic natural stone, brick, or contemporary designs. Colors, patterns, and laying styles are nearly limitless.
• Easy to repair. Individual pavers can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the rest of the patio. This is a major advantage around pools where settling or damage can occur.
• Excellent freeze-thaw performance. The interlocking, sand-set installation allows slight movement without cracking.
• Slip-resistant options. Many manufacturers offer pavers with textured surfaces specifically designed for pool surrounds.

Cons:

• Color can fade over time. Lower-quality pavers may lose some color intensity after years of sun exposure. Premium “through-body” pavers hold their color much better.
• Weed growth between joints. Without polymeric sand, weeds and grass can grow between pavers. We always recommend polymeric sand for pool patio installations.
• Can shift if base isn’t properly prepared. This is an installation quality issue, not a material problem. Proper base preparation prevents shifting.

Best for: Homeowners who want a balance of cost, design flexibility, durability, and easy maintenance. Concrete pavers are the go-to choice for the majority of Long Island pool patios.

We install paver pool decks as part of our masonry and stonework services.

3. Bluestone

Natural bluestone is a Long Island classic. Its rich blue-gray tones and natural cleft surface have graced homes across Nassau and Suffolk County for generations.

Pros:

• Stunning natural beauty. Bluestone has a distinctive, natural appearance that’s hard to replicate with manufactured materials.
• Extremely durable. Bluestone is one of the hardest natural stones available and handles heavy foot traffic with ease.
• Good slip resistance. Natural cleft (irregular surface) bluestone provides excellent traction when wet.
• Long-lasting. Properly installed bluestone patios can last 50+ years.

Cons:

• Can get hot in direct sun. Darker bluestone absorbs more heat than lighter materials like travertine. This can be uncomfortable on bare feet during peak summer.
• Higher cost. Full-thickness bluestone runs $20 to $40 per square foot installed. Thermal (smooth-cut) bluestone costs even more.
• Can be slippery when smooth-cut. Thermal or honed bluestone is smoother and can be slick when wet. Natural cleft is the better choice around pools.
• Irregular thickness. Natural bluestone varies in thickness, requiring more skilled installation to create a level surface.

Best for: Homeowners who love the natural stone aesthetic, want extreme durability, and prefer the classic Long Island look. Choose natural cleft over thermal finish for pool areas.

4. Stamped Concrete

Stamped concrete provides the look of natural stone or brick in a single poured slab. It’s a popular option for homeowners who want a high-end look at a lower price point.

Pros:

• Lower cost. Stamped concrete typically costs $12 to $22 per square foot, making it the most affordable option that still delivers a decorative look.
• Seamless surface. No joints means no weeds, no shifting pavers, and a clean, continuous appearance.
• Wide range of patterns and colors. You can replicate the look of slate, flagstone, brick, or tile.
• Quick installation. A stamped concrete pool deck can be poured and finished faster than setting individual pavers or stone.

Cons:

• Can be slippery when wet. Sealed stamped concrete can become slick around pools. Non-slip additives in the sealer are essential for pool surrounds.
• Cracking. As a rigid slab, stamped concrete will eventually crack, especially with Long Island’s freeze-thaw cycles. Cracks in stamped concrete are difficult to repair invisibly.
• Requires resealing. The surface needs resealing every 2 to 3 years to maintain color and slip resistance.
• Heat absorption. Darker colored stamped concrete can get uncomfortably hot in summer sun.

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners who want a decorative look and understand the trade-offs in terms of long-term maintenance and repair. If you choose stamped concrete around a pool, make sure your contractor adds non-slip texture and uses light colors.

For more on stamped concrete options, visit our concrete and foundations page.

5. Brick

Classic clay brick has been used for patios and walkways for centuries. Around pools, it offers a warm, traditional aesthetic.

Pros:

• Timeless look. Brick has a warm, traditional appearance that suits colonial, cape, and farmhouse-style Long Island homes.
• Good slip resistance. The naturally rough texture of clay brick provides decent traction when wet.
• Durable. Quality clay brick lasts decades and handles freeze-thaw well.
• Color doesn’t fade. Unlike concrete pavers, clay brick color is baked in and won’t fade from UV exposure.

Cons:

• Limited color range. Brick comes primarily in earth tones: reds, browns, and tans. If you want grays, blues, or contemporary colors, brick isn’t the right choice.
• Can grow algae and moss. Brick’s porous surface in shaded, wet areas around pools can develop moss and algae, which creates a slip hazard. Regular cleaning helps prevent this.
• Rougher on bare feet. The textured surface that provides grip can also feel rough underfoot compared to smoother materials like travertine or thermal bluestone.
• Moderate cost. Brick pavers typically run $15 to $30 per square foot installed, putting them in the mid-range.

Best for: Homeowners who want a classic, traditional look and have a pool area with good sun exposure (to limit algae growth). Works especially well as an accent material combined with another primary patio material.

What to Avoid Around Pools

A few materials and finishes should be avoided or used carefully around pool areas:

• Polished or smooth natural stone. Any highly polished surface becomes a slip hazard when wet.
• Dark-colored materials. Dark surfaces absorb heat and can become painfully hot in summer.
• Untreated wood. Wood decking around pools requires constant maintenance and can become dangerously slippery when wet. Composite decking is a better alternative if you want the wood look.
• Loose gravel or pebble surfaces. These get tracked into the pool and are uncomfortable underfoot.

Making Your Decision

The right pool patio material depends on your budget, aesthetic preferences, and how much maintenance you’re willing to do. For most Long Island homeowners, concrete pavers and travertine offer the best combination of performance, beauty, and value around pools. Bluestone is the premium choice for those who want a timeless natural stone look.

Get a Free Pool Patio Estimate

JZ Development installs pool patios across Long Island using all of the materials discussed above. We’ll visit your property, review your pool layout, discuss your style and budget, and recommend the best material for your specific situation. Call (631) 605-9851 for a free estimate, or contact us online to schedule a consultation.