If you’re considering using pavers around a saltwater pool, you’re not alone. With the growing popularity of saltwater pools due to their lower chemical content and softer feel, many homeowners and builders are asking the same question: Are pavers a good choice for decking around saltwater pools?
The short answer is: Yes—but there are some things to consider.
Aesthetic Concerns: Salt Staining and Surface Changes
One of the most common issues you’ll hear about is salt staining on the surface of pavers. Saltwater pools typically use sodium chloride, which can leave behind salt crystals as the water evaporates. These white deposits can dull or fade the appearance of the paver surface over time.
However, this is largely a cosmetic issue. The staining is similar to efflorescence, where salt deposits appear after moisture evaporates from within the concrete. These surface changes may cause color variations, but they’re not permanent. Often, a simple rinse with warm, fresh water is enough to restore the pavers’ appearance. Using a sealer on the paver surface can also be used to enhance the color of the pavers and make it easier to remove surface stains.
Importantly, there’s no chemical reaction between the salt and the oxide pigments used in quality pavers. These pigments are typically inert unless exposed to low pH substances like acidic pool cleaners. In fact, acid spills are far more damaging to your paver surface than saltwater. Acids can deteriorate the concrete itself and permanently affect the color.
Structural Concerns: Durability and Freeze-Thaw Cycles
From a structural standpoint, saltwater poses minimal risk to concrete pavers—especially if the pavers are made to meet ASTM or CSA standards. Quality concrete has been shown to withstand saltwater exposure for centuries, particularly when reinforced and well-made.
That said, one situation to watch out for is freeze-thaw cycles. If your climate includes freezing winters, salt combined with freezing and thawing can accelerate concrete deterioration. However, even here, nature often lends a helping hand: summer sprinkler use and fall rains tend to rinse and dilute salt buildup, leaving much lower concentrations during the winter months.
In warmer climates where freeze-thaw cycles aren’t a concern, the risk of deterioration is even lower.
So, Are Pavers a Good Choice for Saltwater Pools?
Yes! When manufactured to proper standards and installed correctly, pavers are an excellent choice for saltwater pool decking. While you may see some minor aesthetic effects from salt buildup, these can usually be cleaned easily and don’t indicate damage. Structurally, well-made pavers are very resilient—even in areas with harsh winters.
For more insights and real-world experiences, check out this helpful discussion on the topic: Salt Water Pool Effect on Concrete Surround (Trouble Free Pool)
About the Author
Robert Bowers, P.E.
CMHA VP, Engineering – Hardscapes
Robert Bowers, P. Eng. has over 30 years of experience in the hardscapes industry. As VP of Engineering, Hardscapes for the Concrete Masonry and Hardscape Association, formerly the ICPI and NCMA, he oversees technical programs related to designing, specifying, constructing, and maintaining segmental concrete pavements and segmental retaining walls. This includes the development of content for the Contractor Education and Certification courses as well as the creation and delivery of technical documents. Bowers chairs the CSA A231 Technical Committee, which has recently published the 3rd Edition of the Canadian Standards for Concrete Pavers and Slabs. Bowers has written several articles and conducted numerous seminars about interlocking concrete pavement, permeable concrete pavement, and segmental retaining walls. Bowers participates in the ASCE, ASTM, CSA, and TAC. Connect with Robert on LinkedIn.