We just got our first (sort of ) bid. This pb just goes over everything over the phone first. I really like them as their basic package already comes with swg, automation, variable speed pump, 3 led lights etc. Some things that bother me is that they only do concrete or concrete cantilever concrete coping and concrete decking. If we want pavers we need to contact a seperate landscaper. Is this normal? I get if it is subbed out but am surprised they don’t do it. They do give you landscaper recommendations. I guess.. I’m just really wanting a pretty design and think we can get the look we are going for more if the landscaper and pb were designing and doing it together. Thoughts?
Did your pb also do your pavers or retaining wall?
- Thread starter ivparker
- Start date
Pavers can be a royal pita if not done properly, miniumum of 10” of substrate, don’t let them try the ole 6” is recommended. Polymeric sand will last a bit long. Rarely do they look good down the road.
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,282
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
It is not unusual at all for owners to contract separately for hardscape. If you have them subcontract, you are just adding a cost layer. The two should absolutely meet though, along with you, to coordinate and plan the project. I would interview hardscape folks the same as I would a PB, then take your choice and get the parties together. That is of course, if your PB will not do the type of decking you want. Our situation was different. Our PB was a landscape contractor, who built pools using a one-man PB, but the contract was all handled by the landscape guy. We needed extensive hardscape above and below the pool site.
Though I don't disagree with Pool_Medic above. Pavers in freeze areas aren't as simple. And although polymeric sand will last a little longer, the repeated daily drenchings with water will cause it to wash away faster than if it was in a non-pool environment. This shouldn't discourage you from doing them, but do it right and know they will require some upkeep, whereas unfinished concrete only needs an occasional powerwashing. It will crack some but will last for a LONG time with just the powerwashing.
We have about 1500 SF of pavers completely separate from the pool area with polymeric sand, in a freeze environment (though not MI). It has an 8-20" base of stone dust depending on the location. I can see that is rises and falls about 1" in some areas over the winter due to frozen ground. I see it primarily where I pile snow and in that area the snow cover keeps the pavers colder. Allowing the ground to thaw more slowly. Once that snow melts, that area is usually humped up some until the ground there thaws also. As a result, I'm sure this also causes the polymeric sand to get loosened and come out over time. It also has created some very slightly unevenness afterwards. The main body of pavers that is fully and evenly out in the sun doesn't seem to have that issue. It may raise some too but it's not identifiable. I'm not an expert by any means, just sharing some personal experience from our 10 years of pavers here.
Our pool deck is concrete that I'm letting go natural. It was stained originally. It has some cracks, which showed up on about day 2 of installation (sun unexpectedly made a strong appearance during the pour and the mix was made too dry). But other than that, I do nothing to it. It's also smoother to walk on than our pavers if you have sensitive feet. Though some pavers are smoother than others.
Though I don't disagree with Pool_Medic above. Pavers in freeze areas aren't as simple. And although polymeric sand will last a little longer, the repeated daily drenchings with water will cause it to wash away faster than if it was in a non-pool environment. This shouldn't discourage you from doing them, but do it right and know they will require some upkeep, whereas unfinished concrete only needs an occasional powerwashing. It will crack some but will last for a LONG time with just the powerwashing.
We have about 1500 SF of pavers completely separate from the pool area with polymeric sand, in a freeze environment (though not MI). It has an 8-20" base of stone dust depending on the location. I can see that is rises and falls about 1" in some areas over the winter due to frozen ground. I see it primarily where I pile snow and in that area the snow cover keeps the pavers colder. Allowing the ground to thaw more slowly. Once that snow melts, that area is usually humped up some until the ground there thaws also. As a result, I'm sure this also causes the polymeric sand to get loosened and come out over time. It also has created some very slightly unevenness afterwards. The main body of pavers that is fully and evenly out in the sun doesn't seem to have that issue. It may raise some too but it's not identifiable. I'm not an expert by any means, just sharing some personal experience from our 10 years of pavers here.
Our pool deck is concrete that I'm letting go natural. It was stained originally. It has some cracks, which showed up on about day 2 of installation (sun unexpectedly made a strong appearance during the pour and the mix was made too dry). But other than that, I do nothing to it. It's also smoother to walk on than our pavers if you have sensitive feet. Though some pavers are smoother than others.
Hmm. So pavers may not be the best idea. From being on here and seeing everyone's beautiful pools, I seem to see lots of pavers but maybe its just stamped concrete. I dont love the look of stamped concrete. I really wanted a very modern look. When I think of concrete, it seems old looking right away. Mabye there is an additive to keep it from looking like it has small pits all over it? I also just recently had our back patio be done with a product from a company called Garage Force. THey have a patio series but its the finish concrete floors you see in garages. (We literally decided to put a pool in a week after we had the patio done...wish we would have waited so we can design our backyard cohesively) It looks really good, though, but I thought I could find pavers to coordinate but now I'm wondering if I should just have them put the stuff all around the pool concrete. I know they have done it and it has a lifetime warranty and not too bad of a price. Much cheaper then pavers at least. I could probably also wait a few years to do it...when the concrete starts looking warn.
- Jun 11, 2019
- 203
- Pool Size
- 14000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Might just be a regional thing.. Most pool builders down here do pavers for decking without issues.
- Jul 16, 2012
- 7,282
- Pool Size
- 27000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Agreed. My emphasis was for areas where the ground freezes to some decent depth.
It’s the dreaded freeze thaw cycle, once a crack in the polymeric sand appears, the surface water works its way down, starting to erode the base, don't even get me started on weeds. The best looking pools I have, are brushed concrete that were done properly with expansion joints properly done. A lot of pools in my area are now foregoing brick pavers or concrete and are going artificial decking. I’m very impressed so far with its results.