Custom Pool Decking and Surrounds.
The Space Around Your Pool Matters as Much as the Pool Itself
A pool is only as good as the space around it. The right decking material keeps your pool area safe, comfortable underfoot, and visually tied into the rest of your backyard. At Envisioning Green, we help you choose and install the decking, coping, and surround materials that fit your design, your climate, and how your family actually uses the space.
Why Decking and Surrounds Matter
Pool decking isn't just a walkway around the water. It affects:
- Comfort — how hot the surface gets in direct sun, and how it feels on bare feet
- Safety — slip resistance when wet, especially around ladders, steps, and diving areas
- Drainage — how well water moves away from the pool instead of pooling or running toward your foundation
- Design — how the whole backyard reads as one cohesive space instead of separate projects stitched together
We factor in all four when we recommend a material, not just what looks good in a photo.
Paver Decking
What it is: Individual concrete, brick, & natural stone pavers, set in a pattern over a compacted base and secured with a polymeric jointing material
Benefits:
- Slip Resistant. Textured paver surfaces provide better traction around water than smooth poured concrete.
- Stays Cooler Underfoot. Paver colors and textures tend to reflect more heat than solid poured concrete, which matters a lot for bare feet in direct summer sun.
- Easy Repairs. If a paver cracks or stains, we can pull that single paver and replace it, no need to patch or replace an entire slab.
- Design Flexibility. Pavers come in a huge range of colors, shapes, and laying patterns (herringbone, running bond, basketweave), so we can match your home's exterior or go for a totally custom look.
- Handles Ground Movement Well. Because pavers are individual units rather than one solid slab, they are not prone to cracking when the ground shifts seasonally.
Ready to explore pool options for your backyard?
Cool Crete/Kool Crete/Sundeck
What it is: A textured, sprayed-on or trowel-applied coating installed over existing or new concrete, designed specifically to reduce surface temperature and add slip resistance.
Benefits:
- Significantly Cooler Surface. This is the main draw. Cool crete coatings can run noticeably cooler than plain concrete in direct sun, which makes a real difference for bare feet and pets.
- Slip Resistant Texture. The textured finish adds grip around the pool, especially near steps and entry points.
- Cost Effective Refresh. If you already have a concrete pool deck that gets too hot or has become worn, cool crete coatings can be applied over it to improve comfort and looks without a full tear-out.
- Color and Pattern Options. Cool crete coatings come in a range of colors and can be finished with stamped patterns to mimic stone or tile.
Worth knowing: Coatings will need occasional resealing over time (typically every few years) to maintain their cooling properties and appearance.
Poured Concrete
What it is: A solid concrete slab poured on site, finished smooth, broomed, stamped, or exposed aggregate.
Benefits:
- Lower Upfront Cost. Poured concrete is generally the most budget-friendly decking option for larger pool areas.
- Large, Seamless Coverage. Great for expansive pool decks where a continuous surface is preferred over a jointed material.
- Versatile Finishes. Broom finish for basic traction, stamped patterns to mimic stone or tile, or exposed aggregate for texture and visual interest.
- Durable Base. A properly installed and reinforced slab holds up well over the long term.
Worth knowing: Plain smooth concrete gets hot in direct sun and can be slippery when wet, which is why we typically recommend a broom finish, stamped texture, or a cool crete coating for pool surrounds rather than a smooth trowel finish.
Natural Stone Coping and Decking
What it is: Natural stone, such as travertine, flagstone, limestone, or bluestone, used for the coping (the edge material directly bordering the pool) and often extended into the surrounding deck.
Benefits:
- High-End, Natural Look. Natural stone brings texture and color variation that manufactured materials can't fully replicate.
- Stays Cool. Many natural stones, especially travertine, naturally stay cooler underfoot than concrete or manufactured pavers.
- Long-Term Durability. Natural stone holds up well outdoors and often improves in character as it weathers.
- Seamless Integration. Stone coping pairs naturally with stone retaining walls, water features, and pavilions, tying the whole backyard together visually.
Worth knowing: Natural stone typically carries a higher price point than concrete or standard pavers, and material availability can vary by quarry and season, something we account for during design and sourcing.
Ready to explore pool options for your backyard?
Coping Options at a Glance
Coping is the material that caps the pool’s edge, and it takes the most direct wear and water exposure of any surface around the pool.
Pools and Features We Specialize In
Pools
Fully customizable concrete pools that offer nearly unlimited flexibility in shape, size, depth, finishes, and integrated features.
Fiberglass Swimming Pools
Pre-manufactured pool shells featuring smooth, durable finishes, streamlined installation, and easy long-term maintenance.
Vinyl Swimming Pools
Versatile and cost-effective pools available in a wide range of shapes, sizes, liner patterns, and custom configurations.
Pool Decking & Surrounds
Thoughtfully designed patios and hardscapes that connect your pool to the surrounding landscape and complete the outdoor living space.
Pool Equipment
Reliable, energy-efficient pumps, filtration, heating, cooling, sanitation, lighting, and automation systems designed for effortless pool ownership.
Hot Tubs
A hot tub extends how you use your backyard beyond the warm months and gives you a place to unwind after a long day.