Hello, I just signed up recently and learning a LOT from this forum. I'm planning on getting an inground pool next year. I've been leaning towards fiberglass, probably 16x35ish. Most of the pool companies I've researched indicate they come with 4 ft or so of concrete around the perimeter of the pool included in the price. I really prefer the look of pavers but the lower maintenance/installation of concrete is tempting too. Looking to find a middle ground. Let's say concrete is $7/sf installed and it's 6 inches thick. Would it be realistic or even possible to have it laid at 3 inches thick, reducing the coverage cost to $3.50/sf? At that point, I would love to diy travertine or some kind of stone paver on top. My thinking behind this is that the base, leveling/sloping, etc are done and solid. No worries about weeds growing through stones because of concrete underneath. Just easier maintenance and the look I want. I would imagine installation would be a breeze doing it directly on top of concrete. Has anyone done anything like this before or have an idea on how much you could cut back on concrete thickness without worrying about long term issues? Thanks!
Pavers and concrete thickness?
- Thread starter username3
- Start date
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,233
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Welcome to TFP.
FG pool manufacturers specify the minimum size concrete collar to lock the pool in place. Check with the pool manufacturers on their requirements during your shopping. Don’t just rely on the pool builder as they will take shortcuts that can void the manufacturers warranty.
If you like the look of pavers you can set the levels so you put pavers on top of the required concrete collar.
FG pool manufacturers specify the minimum size concrete collar to lock the pool in place. Check with the pool manufacturers on their requirements during your shopping. Don’t just rely on the pool builder as they will take shortcuts that can void the manufacturers warranty.
If you like the look of pavers you can set the levels so you put pavers on top of the required concrete collar.
Thanks for the info. Other than the immediate part around the pool, do you think thin concrete (2 or 3 inches) and pavers on top would be a good idea?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 52,233
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The thinner the concrete the easier it cracks. Nothing should be less than 4"
Your thinking is based off half thickness but the price is mostly labor and forming/pouring the material cost only is half but not the whole job at 3".
If you do fiberglass you need a top locking collar beast enough to have them credit you for only 12-18" for collar amd use that towards other material. I'm in freeze country we dont veneer anything on top of concrete. Its gonna crack some day amd that crack would come right thru the top stone or paver. Not sure how TN weather is. Once you have coping on it's a breeze to grade for deck base very simple
Your thinking is based off half thickness but the price is mostly labor and forming/pouring the material cost only is half but not the whole job at 3".
If you do fiberglass you need a top locking collar beast enough to have them credit you for only 12-18" for collar amd use that towards other material. I'm in freeze country we dont veneer anything on top of concrete. Its gonna crack some day amd that crack would come right thru the top stone or paver. Not sure how TN weather is. Once you have coping on it's a breeze to grade for deck base very simple
I’m in middle tennessee and am building my own pool, I am using a 3 1/2”-4” thick rebar reinforced slab and then grouted travertine over the top for the specific reason to not have weeds nor to have pavers that need re-adjusting down the road from settling. So far I have about 1000sq. ft. down of 2500sq.ft. total. I do want to point out that it is a concrete pool, not fiberglass.
Thanks. If you don't mind sharing a pic on here, I'd love to see how it looks grouted on top of concrete.
Thats what we plan on here in central texas. Travertine over 4”-5” concrete.
My guys can pour it at little cost to me.
My guys can pour it at little cost to me.
We use 4 inch slabs under pavers. I’m a big supporter of pavers on concrete on this forum but because of where I live and our frost thaw cycles. It is nice not having to worry about the winter.
here are some pics....
Attachments
Fantastic! That's an incredible set up you've got. On the second to last pic with the thin white strip, is this for drainage or does it serve another purpose? So much to learn...
the seams and random holes in the travertine are filled with grout.
the expansion jt. between the pool deck and coping is filled with a self levelling sealant.