Best Pool Surround Material: Composite Decking vs Paving & Other Options

Key information:

• A pool surround needs to handle water, pool chemicals, strong UV and foot traffic, while keeping its grip when wet.
• Natural stone, concrete and clay pavers, and timber each have their appeal, but typically need ongoing sealing and upkeep.
• Capped composite needs no sealing, oiling or staining and suits poolside settings; PVC is the better fit for areas that may be temporarily submerged, like pool stairs.
• Already have pavers or concrete? The DeckCell subframe lets you deck straight over a sound, level surface that drains freely, with no demolition needed.

If you have a new pool going in or want to refresh tired-looking surrounds, material is an important factor. Most people end up weighing paving against various decking options. With this in mind, we have created a practical overview of your options – so you can choose what feels right for you.

What a pool surround needs to handle

A pool surround works hard; the material gets wet, walked on, exposed to pool chemicals, and then there is regular weathering to contend with. If you are building a project in full sun, you need something that can handle Australia’s strong UV. Then there’s heat to consider; all hard surfaces will heat up under full sun, but lighter colours will absorb less heat than darker ones. A bit of shade will always help, too.

With kids running around or even just people getting in and out of the pool, your chosen material needs to retain grip when wet – without compromising on comfort under bare feet or when leaning against the edge.

You should also aim for something with low maintenance requirements. Pool maintenance will take up enough of your time; you don’t want to have to spend more of your weekend cleaning pavers or boards.

Related: Composite Decking Colours 101

At a glance: Pool surround materials comparison

Key: ✓ Yes ✗ No ~ Depends on the product, finish or installation

*Based on normal poolside splash, with the manufacturer’s care instructions followed.

**Only where the existing surface is sound, reasonably level and drains freely.

Stone paving for pool surrounds: Pros and Cons

Quarried natural stone pavers are a popular premium option around Australian pools. The natural structure of stone like travertine or limestone offers inherent texture and grip, which may be further enhanced by tumbling.

However, there are some trade-offs to consider. Stone is naturally porous and will require regular resealing to retain its integrity and appearance over time, especially around chlorinated or salt water. The grout and joint upkeep is another thing you need to stay on top of, and you may notice issues with efflorescence from exposure to pool water (when salt deposits build up on pavers as moisture enters and then escapes the stone).

Choose this option if: You are looking for a classic, premium finish and don’t mind regular cleaning and resealing.

Other common pool surround materials

Man-made stone

Concrete

Concrete pavers (including stone-look pavers) offer a wide range of colours and formats and are usually available at a lower price point than natural stone. Poured concrete or exposed aggregate concrete is another budget-friendly option. Like natural stone, you will need to regularly clean and seal the surface for longevity.

Clay

Clay pavers are kiln-fired, with the colour running right through each paver. They are generally less porous than concrete, though sealing is often still recommended around saltwater pools.

Choose this option if: You want a cost-effective paved finish with plenty of colour and format choice, and you’re happy to keep up with cleaning and periodic sealing.

Timber

Timber is still a popular option around pools for its inherent warmth and tactile nature – species like merbau, spotted gum and jarrah are prized for adding rich tones around the pool. However, timber has higher maintenance requirements – it should be carefully sealed on all sides with a water-repellent preservative or oil-based primer before installation. Then, every notch and cut made during construction should be sealed immediately. Depending on the sealing system you use, reapplication windows can vary from every 6-12 months to every few years.

Choose this option if: You love the character of natural hardwood and are prepared to commit to an ongoing maintenance schedule.

Related: Composite Decking vs Merbau

Our pick: Why capped composite suits a poolside setting

Capped composite is durable and low maintenance, which is appealing for pool decking projects.

Premium composite boards can give you the convincing look of premium hardwood timber, without the constant maintenance. If you choose capped composite, the inner core will be protected by the outer layer. This is suitable for poolside applications (though not for areas that may be submerged, such as pool steps).

Poolside, this translates to a surface you can essentially set and forget. No sealing, oiling, sanding, staining or other intensive maintenance is required; simply sweep the surface or give it a scrub with a broom and soapy water if needed. To keep it looking its best, avoid chlorine bleach cleaners and don’t store pool chemicals on the deck.

Remember, not all composite decking is made the same. PermaTech® by Fiberon capped composite decking has a solid dense core, capped with a fused protective layer that increases overall durability.

Choose this option if: You want the warmth of timber with minimal upkeep and a surface built to handle pool life year after year.

What about PVC decking?

PVC is fully synthetic. When compared side-by-side to composite decking, it can have many of the same benefits as capped composite. Where boards may be temporarily submerged, such as pool steps, PVC is the better choice over capped composite boards.

Our Fiberon Promenade PVC range is tested for use around fresh, salt and chlorinated water. Its slip-resistant surface texture is designed for waterside applications. The subframe and fixings also need to suit wet conditions, so be sure to follow Fiberon’s installation guidance.

Choose this option if: Your design includes pool stairs, docks or other areas that may be temporarily submerged.

Already have pavers or concrete? Deck over them without demolition

Plenty of pool owners have paving or a concrete slab that looks dated, stained or worn but is still sound. Ripping it out is noisy, messy and expensive. With our DeckCell subframe, you don’t need to remove the old surface to install a new composite or PVC layer. If the existing surface is sound, level and drains freely, the subframe can go straight over the top to create your new poolside oasis.

The DeckCell subframe is 50mm high; with a 24mm or 26mm board added, the total build-up comes to 74–76mm. That makes it ideal for building a low profile deck to keep everything close to your existing levels. Remember to check that the added height won’t affect your pool barrier, and that edges and door thresholds will still sit right. Pool barrier rules vary by state and council, so check with your local council or a pool barrier inspector before you start.

Once the base is sorted, the next decision is which boards to lay on top. PermaTech® composite decking is suitable for most poolside installations.

Why choose PermaTech® composite for your pool surround project?

When you are building or updating your pool surrounds, your choice of materials is a key factor in longevity, performance, and how much time and money you may spend maintaining the area over time. PermaTech® by Fiberon capped composite decking is backed by up to a 50-year stain and fade warranty.

The splinter-free surface is kind to bare feet, with slip ratings of R10 to R12 (DIN 51130) depending on the range. A non-porous cap means spills and muddy footprints simply wash off, and there’s no sanding, oiling, sealing or staining to keep up with – just an occasional clean. That means more time spent enjoying your pool, rather than maintaining the surrounds. Try our composite decking price calculator for a free estimate.

Already have pavers or a concrete slab? DeckCell lets you lay a new deck straight over the top, without demolition. 

Order a free sample pack using the form below to see how the colours and textures look beside your pool, or contact us today for more information.