Outside pools are something of a rarity, so anyone who does add one to their property needs to think long and hard about what materials to use. Not only should the pool’s materials be of the highest quality, but they should also be chosen for their durability and resilience to extreme weather conditions.
Homeowners interested to build a pool can consider leveraging the expertise of qualified pool builders in Corona (or the ones available in their vicinity) when selecting the right materials for the job. A professional pool contractor can provide valuable insights into the best materials for a particular pool and can also offer advice on how to maintain the pool over time.
That being said, one mistake people often make is choosing concrete instead of natural stone paving for the pool surround.
Here are just four reasons why natural stone is the way to go.
- Natural Stone is More Attractive
Natural stone obviously looks more natural than concrete. That’s always nice, but it’s particularly important in outside spaces where natural materials tend to fit in best. You’ll also be able to match the type of stone you use to walls, patio, and other landscaping – it’s unlikely you’ll have used concrete for any such work. Concrete can also be hard to match. If you need two truckloads, there may be a noticeable difference in colour between one load and the next.
- No Cracking
Concrete surrounds cost less than natural stone surrounds, which is a major reason why people are often tempted in their direction. However, concrete will probably end up costing more in the long run. When weather conditions become extreme or the ground beneath moves, concrete can crack. If left unrepaired, water will seep in, expand as it freezes, and cause further damage. Stone paving will never crack.
- Repairs Are Easier
Even if your stone paving does suffer damage, repairs will be easy to make since paving stones are laid down one by one. If damage occurs, your pool repair service company only needs to replace those paving slabs damaged, and it’s relatively easy to colour match them – even if it isn’t the new slabs will weather quickly to fit right in. Concrete is tougher and more expensive to repair since it is poured as one large section. Additionally, it’s practically impossible to match colours, so the repaired section will look noticeably different.
- Slip-Resistance
Stone is naturally slip-resistant, which is clearly important around a swimming pool. At the same time, it isn’t rough enough to make walking over it with bare feet uncomfortable. Concrete needs to be textured to boast any level of slip resistance, and that texturing often makes it uncomfortable to walk on.