pavers vs concrete vs tiles

[jp4120]

26K gal, plaster, concrete decking, cantilevered coping, 27 years old, raised attached stone spa - 1 1/2 HP purex triton pump (1998), 48 sq ft. Pentair DE filter with multi-port (2013), Polaris Quattro w/booster pump (2019), Pentair master-temp 400k heater (2015) - philly burbs.

getting some estimates for a renovation - sick of looking at the cracks and the stains in the cement (yes due to the original cement guys they put in too few expansion joints and didn't set up drainage correctly so water/dirt pools up)
imagine our surprise when we got multiple cracks in the larger areas within the first 2 years lol.
since we are in southeast PA sometimes winter can be an extended freeze (like last winter) any opinions on cement vs pavers vs tiles.
also they used cantilivered coping which i assume was cheaper for them but means any changes to the deck cascades to new coping stones, new tile, new plaster, probably new equip, probably new spa, new piping......i am thinking $100k but that could be low.
does everyone agree coping stones are much preferred over the cantilevered decking for coping? (ours cracked constantly on the inside and has to be patched every couple years with quickset morter)
any advice would be welcome.

 

[jp4120]

also the mortar joints on our raised stone spa wasn't done correctly i assume the masons used a bad ratio so that has had to be repaired mulitple times - i used thinset to reset the loose stones and also use thinset to patch the original mortar...still cracks every winter but is a quick patch job each spring but the structure is solid now.

 

[agjr85]

Any pics to see what your elevation and grade looks like?

 

[Bill1974]

If you have annual repairs because of freezing, there is something inherently flawed. Could be materials, improper application/install of acceptable materials and/or just a bad design.

Concrete, paver or tiles can all be done, but each has some things that need to be taken into account to last and not be need regular repair. No matter which one you choose drainage and proper subsoil/base prep is the key to making them last.

Figure out what look you want. Share photo of the current state and it's issues. and share ideas of what your plans are. Rendering would be helpful for getting feedback.