Paver pool surround - algae, lichen, etc growing, sand coming out of joints - what to do?

[stephenson]

Hi All,

Northwest Florida - hot and humid summers - fully caged.

Entering season four with this pool and surround. Season two we had the material between the pavers pressure washed out and new polymeric sand installed - big mess - looked good until the next season.

Season three I tried spaying chlorine on the pavers/joints to kill the algae/lichen growing - limited success. Tried again later in season with same limited result.

This season starting up have swept it thoroughly twice - and material from the what I think is dying mold/algae/whatever, plus sand, is a mess. I was considering starting to vacuum it ... would this work? Is there a chemical that will kill the biological growth? What have you tried?

I am considering just having it all torn out and replaced with textured concrete that can be painted.

 

[Texas Splash]

That does sound exhausting and frustrating. Can you share some pics of the pavers and organic material between the pavers?

 

[stephenson]

Sure ... here are couple of shots ... lichen is probably the term? Used the back of fingernail to push the material out of the top of the joint.

I think this is just a terrible weather area ... between the heat and humidity/rain, plus the lack of direct sun (perhaps the screen enclosure contributes) it probably creates a perfect opportunity for growth.

Tried using house vacuum with brushes turning yesterday ... works a bit, but not well. Will wait for a dry day and then squirt chlorine on as first step. Next is to try something like Wet and Forget.

 

[PoolStored]

The best way to do this correctly is to power wash the pavers and re-sand with grout or polymeric sand...it is a messy job, but if done correctly, will last for a few seasons.

Do you know if they were grouted or sanded originally?

 

[Bill1974]

Like PoolStored stated, getting rid of the organic material between the pavers and putting polymeric sand in is the best best. If you use a pressure washer, be careful to not damage the pavers or remove the material the pavers are set in.

The other methods to kill off the stuff is all not good for the pool or could possibly stain the pavers. You could use a torch to burn and kill it. after its killed off it still need to be removed. Check with some masonry supply stores to see if there is a polymeric sand that inhibits stuff growing on it or if it all basically the same stuff. Maybe they have cleaners that might make removing it easier.

 

[stephenson]

Right - as I noted initially this is second season with new poly sand - even season one was a letdown - I’ll keep working at it with chemicals, but would consider tearing it all out and pouring concrete - at least it would stay clean and could be painted.

 

[PoolStored]

Right - as I noted initially this is second season with new poly sand - even season one was a letdown - I’ll keep working at it with chemicals, but would consider tearing it all out and pouring concrete - at least it would stay clean and could be painted.

I had 4 nice paver areas...one a fire pit. I tore 3 out and went stamped. Firepit I redid.

I would caution against painting. It might work in florida, but you might replace the paver headache with paint chipping headache. Certainly wouldn't work here in the north with freeze thaw. YMMV

 

[Darin]

/lichen growing

have you tried getting a couple of reindeer?

 

[stephenson]

Darin,

Giggling - that is very creative!