Benefits of Using Permeable Pavers on Pool Deck Applications

There’s nothing like making a splash with family and friends around the pool on a warm summer afternoon. But while the crystal-blue waters offer a mesmerizing and refreshing escape from the heat, a well-designed pool deck is about more than just looks. The real beauty lies in safety and durability, making it essential to choose the right materials to ensure your poolside retreat remains stylish and secure all season long.
 
One option worth considering is permeable pavers. They offer a safe, durable, and eco-friendly solution for homeowners seeking sustainable alternatives that reduce their carbon footprint. But are they the right choice for your pool deck project? In this blog, we’ll break down what a permeable paver is, the benefits of using them, and some design factors to consider before installing them.

What Are Permeable Pavers?

Permeable pavers are designed with special spacer bars that create a wider joint gap, allowing excess water to flow through and infiltrate the subsoil below. This design helps prevent water from puddling or freezing on the surface. While technically any paver can be considered permeable, true permeability depends on several key factors. These include the type of base material installed beneath the pavers, joint width, void percentage, and the type of joint infill used. Together, these components enhance water infiltration while reducing stormwater runoff that would otherwise carry harmful pollutants into nearby rivers and streams.
 

Key Benefits of Using Permeable Pavers for Pool Deck Projects

Beyond their surface-level beauty, permeable pavers offer a wide range of benefits that can significantly enhance your overall design:

Optimal Drainage to Reduce Surface Puddling: Because of their wider joint gap, permeable pavers drain water more efficiently, reducing the risk of slips and falls while keeping your deck safe and dry.

Prevents Surface Wear: When water pools on the surface, conventional concrete can degrade, deteriorate, or crack over time, compromising the integrity of your patio. In contrast, permeable pavers allow water to drain between the joints, helping the surface stay durable while extending the life of your pool deck.

Nourish Nearby Plants and Filter Out Contaminants: Permeable pavers help prevent soil erosion by replenishing nearby green spaces with filtered rainwater while preventing harmful contaminants from infiltrating the subsoil. You can also utilize permeable pavers in combination with a rainwater harvesting system beneath the surface, allowing you to collect and reuse water throughout your property.

Works in Water-Restricted Areas: Some regions have strict regulations and bylaws designed to manage stormwater. Permeable pavers can help homeowners meet those requirements, particularly in areas prone to flooding. Check with your local municipality to understand the rules around stormwater management for your home.

Heat Reduction: Permeable pavers help lower surface temperatures by absorbing water, allowing the surface to stay cool when wet. This works well in combination with lighter-toned pavers that aid in mitigating the urban heat island effect, creating a more comfortable walking surface, and potentially reducing energy costs around your home.

Tax-Saving Incentives: Some municipalities may impose stormwater taxes based on the amount of impermeable surfaces you have on your property. Permeable pavers can help put some money back into your wallet by reducing the need for complex drainage systems and lowering maintenance costs. Check with your local municipality to learn about specific incentives for using permeable pavers in your area.

Design Considerations When Installing Permeable Pavers on a Pool Deck

While the benefits of permeable pavers certainly outweigh the cons, here are a few key design considerations to ensure your pool deck is durable and long-lasting.

Use the Correct Base Material

For permeable pavers, the correct base material to use is clear angular stone gravel, also known as a clean, open-graded base. This material is made up of angular ¾” stone with no fines (ASTM #57). This, in combination with a 1” bedding course of ASTM #8 clear stone (1/8” to 3/8”), will provide the most optimal drainage and be durable enough to support the pavers once compacted.

Choose the Right Joint Infill

Polymeric sand works well for securing pavers and preventing weed growth, but it’s not ideal when you’re installing permeable pavers around your pool. Depending on the width of your paver joints, we recommend using a crushed angular chip stone, either ASTM #9 for joints less than ¼” or ASTM #8 for joints ½” or less. The joint infill must be strong enough to bind the pavers in place while allowing rainwater to flow freely.

Alternatively, you can use a permeable resin-based sand, such as Romex® Ecofine. This type of grout is applied using a constant stream of water and a squeegee to work it evenly into the joints. Once installed, allow the surface to partially air dry before sweeping away any remaining residue.

Edge Restraints

Installing edge restraints around the edge of your pool deck is necessary to keep your pavers from shifting out of place while maintaining the structural integrity of your project. The only time an edge restraint is not required is when pavers are being installed along a fixed edge, such as the foundation of your home, a retaining wall, a step, or a planter. For permeable installations, modified concrete edge restraints are the best option. Be sure to follow the manufacturer’s instructions closely to ensure a proper installation.

Keep Maintenance in Mind

Permeable pavers are generally considered to be low maintenance. However, it’s important to keep the joints cleaned and inspect them regularly to prevent clogging. Do this by sweeping or using a leaf blower to clear any potential dirt, debris, or organic matter that may have accumulated between the joints, particularly after heavy rainfall. This will ensure that your permeable paver project continues to drain water efficiently year-round.

Why Hiring a Professional Paver Contractor is Important

Choosing the right paver contractor is the most important decision you will make for your project, which is why we always recommend seeking the expertise and knowledge of a Unilock Authorized Contractor. UACs bring a wealth of experience in paver installation to ensure your pool deck project will stand the test of time. Plus, when you work with a UAC, your project is backed by a minimum two-year Workmanship Guarantee, giving you peace of mind every step of the way. When you’re ready to start your next project, let us help you Find a Contractor by filling out the online form on our website, and we’ll connect you with a local contractor who can provide you with a free design consultation.

Case Study: Raised Rectangular Pool with Retaining Wall

The owners of this contemporary home loved the picturesque views that stretched beyond their backyard, but felt their patio fell short by comparison. They dreamed of transforming their space into a vibrant outdoor hub, featuring multiple focal points for year-round entertaining. However, with frequent flooding a concern, they knew their design had to strike a balance between beauty and functionality. To help navigate these challenges, they partnered with a trusted contractor to bring their vision to life.

The first step was to level out the sloped terrain, which the team accomplished by building a raised patio to support the inground pool. For the main patio floor, the homeowners chose Unilock Treo® Smooth permeable pavers in Granite. To ensure optimal drainage in the event of a flood, the contractors installed 1/8” clear chip stone between the joints instead of polymeric sand. This solution allowed any water absorbed between the pavers to flow freely into the subsoil, nourishing nearby plant life without clogging the joints.

Next, the homeowners opted for a triple-wide border of Copthorne® in Basalt around the pool’s edge. This accent paver added durability and timeless charm, evoking the look of classic European street pavers while thoughtfully complementing Treo’s gray tones. With the main patio complete, the space was ready to welcome the backyard’s new features.

The first was a sunken fire pit that offered a cozy retreat for warmth and relaxation after a swim. The second featured an adjacent seating zone, shaded by a wooden pergola and anchored by a massive TV wall. This space became a welcoming outdoor living room, perfect for the family to unwind and enjoy their favorite shows in style.

The finished design not only met the homeowners’ expectations but redefined them. Blending eco-conscious choices with enticing outdoor features, the new patio now beckons the family to stay outdoors long after dark.

Permeable pavers offer a long-lasting, low-maintenance, and environmentally friendly solution for pool deck projects. They help keep your surface area drier, safer, and better protected against water damage. If you’re getting ready to kick-start your pool deck project, check out our full line of permeable paver products to see which styles, colors, and shapes will suit your space. If you’re not sure which products to use, connect with a local contractor through our Find a Contractor page to get expert guidance, design advice, product suggestions, and a complementary estimate for your project.