Splash down
Creating or refurbishing your own body of water isn’t a cheap exercise so get it right with foot-friendly pool pavers
Avoid slip-ups “For a super-durable, chlorine-resistant, non-slip paving option, I suggest a porcelain tile,” says Brett Ward of Brickworks Building Products. “For pavers or bricks around pools and wet areas, we recommend exposure-grade products,” says Amy Mancell of PGH Bricks. “Tested for strength, durability and slip-resistance, they provide textures, colours and sizes for those wanting something a bit di erent.” Matt Cantwell of Secret Gardens Landscaping loves natural stone. “Natural stones are porous and more slip-resistant, but make sure they are recommended around pools and won’t react adversely to chemicals.” According to landscape designer Ben Scott, “Natural stones that are dense and the least porous, such as granite or slate, are best, as the stone may not need sealing and is chlorinefriendly. But avoid honed stones, because they can be slippery.” Take your pool from wall lower to party central “Create an area to relax in, with additional paving or decking. Timber decking absorbs water and dries quickly,” says Matt. “Existing pools could be given an upgrade,” adds Ben. “Rendered pools could be re-rendered or painted in a new epoxy pool paint finish. Tiled pools could be re-tiled, but this would be expensive.” What’s the buzz with pools right now? “For a seamless look,” says Ben, “pools are being raised out of the ground with either an infinity edge or a planted moat so that the wall becomes a pool fence. Organic shapes are also being used for softer lines.” Rebecca Fox of Eco Outdoor says, “The days of sparkly blue pool tiles are gone. We’re o ering a muted palette of recycled mosaics resembling natural stone. With matt greys, whites and creams, the surface can be paired with stone paving.” Matt has the last word: “There are some wonderful retro-looking ceramics in a larger format, like 50mm x 50mm, and we are also seeing the pool coping – stone or ceramic tiles – taken into the pool.”
1 Austral natural stone pavers in Juparana and Co ee (middle), POA, UrbanStone. 2 Rock Salt Structured pavers in Danish Smoke, from $102 per sq m, Beaumont Tiles. 3 Bowral 76 dry pressed in Chillingham White, from $2390 per 1000, Bowral Bricks. 4 Bowral 76 dry pressed brick in Simmental Silver, from $2155 per 1000, Bowral Bricks. 5 Tuscan Path slip-resistant porcelain paver, $69 per sq m, Bunnings. 6 Tuscan Path slip-resistant sandstone paver, $79 per sq m, Bunnings. 7 Fiandre ‘Fragmenta’ porcelain tile in Greco, POA, Artedomus. 8 Fiandre ‘Fragmenta’ porcelain tile in Milano, POA, Artedomus.