Pool Paving Materials Compared: Which Is Best for Melbourne?

Choosing Pool Paving in Melbourne

We find that selecting the paving for your pool landscaping is often the most debated decision in the entire landscaping process. David Claude Landscape Design has spent years navigating the steep blocks of Ivanhoe and the reactive clay soils of Balwyn, so we know this choice impacts safety just as much as aesthetics. The material you choose must handle Melbourne’s infamous “four seasons in one day” while keeping your family safe.

[AddInfographic]

Our team has seen too many projects where generic advice led to slippery surfaces or cracked pavers. This guide breaks down the specific performance data and local installation realities you need to know for a long-lasting pool area in our unique climate.

Key Considerations for Pool Paving

Before comparing materials, you need to understand the technical standards that dictate performance in Victoria.

Slip Resistance

We consider this the non-negotiable starting point for any family pool. Australian Standard AS 4586-2013 classifies slip resistance, and “guesstimating” isn’t enough.

• Look for a ‘P’ Rating: You generally want a P4 or P5 rating for wet pool surrounds.
• Texture Matters: Honed finishes often fail the wet pendulum test unless they are specifically treated.
• Sealer Impact: Using the wrong topical sealer can turn a safe P5 paver into a P2 slip hazard instantly.

Heat Retention

We know that a dark paver can reach scorching temperatures of 55°C or more on a 35°C Melbourne day.

• Solar Reflectance Index (SRI): Materials with high SRI values stay cooler.
• The “Burn” Test: Dark Bluestone is iconic to Melbourne but requires shade structures to remain walkable in January.
• Density Factors: Denser stones hold heat longer into the evening.

Durability

Our local environment throws salt, chlorine, and acid at these surfaces daily.

• Salt Attack: Mineral and salt chlorinators can aggressively erode soft, porous stones like low-grade sandstone.
• Freeze-Thaw Cycle: While snow is rare, morning frosts in the eastern suburbs can cause micro-cracking in poor-quality concrete.
• Movement Tolerance: The clay soils in our region expand and contract, putting immense pressure on rigid paving joints.

Maintenance Requirements

You should be realistic about how much weekend time you want to dedicate to cleaning.

• Sealing Schedules: Most natural stones need high-quality penetrating sealers (like Stain-Proof) every 3 to 5 years.
• Acid Sensitivity: Limestone-based pavers react poorly to spilled wine or acidic cleaning agents.
• Organic Staining: Tannins from overhanging gum trees can leave permanent marks on porous surfaces.

Natural Stone Options

Bluestone

Overview We regard this as Melbourne’s signature paving stone. It is a dense basalt that matches the Victorian architecture found throughout the inner-eastern suburbs.

Pros

• Incredible structural density that resists cracking.
• Achieves a P5 slip rating easily when sawn or flamed.
• Local aesthetic consistency with heritage homes.
• Hides dirt and organic debris effectively.

Cons

• Surface temperatures can become unbearable in direct summer sun.
• “Cat’s paw” (natural air pockets) can trap algae if not filled during installation.
• Premium pricing has risen significantly in 2025 due to quarry constraints.

Cost Range $180-$280 per square metre installed

Best For Modern architectural homes in Kew or Hawthorn, shaded areas, and homeowners who prioritize longevity over initial cost.

Recommended Finish Sawn and slightly honed for a balance of comfort and grip.

Sandstone

Overview We often recommend this for projects needing a softer, organic warmth that contrasts with modern glass fencing.

Pros

• Naturally cool underfoot due to lower density and lighter colours.
• Provides a relaxed, resort-style aesthetic immediately.
• High tactile comfort for children sitting on the pool edge.
• Grip is naturally high due to the granular texture.

Cons

• Susceptible to salt attack (delamination) if not “salt-safe” grade.
• Absorbs oils and sunscreens rapidly if unsealed.
• Physical strength is lower than basalt or granite.
• Moss and mould establish quickly in damp corners.

Cost Range $140-$220 per square metre installed

Best For Hamptons-style builds, properties with established gum trees, and shaded south-facing gardens.

Recommended Finish Natural cleft or diamond sawn.

Travertine

Overview Our design team frequently uses this limestone for luxury builds where barefoot luxury is the priority.

Pros

• Remains cool to the touch even on 40°C days.
• Silver Travertine offers a contemporary grey palette without the heat of bluestone.
• Tumbled edges eliminate sharp corners for safety.
• French Pattern layouts hide sub-base movement well.

Cons

• Acids (spilled drinks or aggressive cleaners) etch the surface.
• High porosity requires a premium penetrating sealer.
• Quality varies wildly; cheap imports often contain weak filler that pops out.
• Chlorine can pit the surface of low-density grades over time.

Cost Range $160-$290 per square metre installed

Best For Mediterranean themes, full-sun courtyards, and families with young children.

Granite

Overview We view granite as the “bulletproof” option for high-traffic or commercial-grade residential pools.

Pros

• Highest density and scratch resistance of all options.
• Virtually impervious to pool chemicals and salt.
• Consistent visual grain compared to the variation of travertine.
• Available in consistent sizes for crisp, modern lines.

Cons

• Exfoliated finishes can feel abrasive on sensitive feet.
• Heavy weight requires a substantial concrete sub-base.
• Material hardness makes custom onsite cuts expensive.
• Dark greys and blacks retain significant heat.

Cost Range $200-$350 per square metre installed

Best For Architectural masterpieces, steep driveways that double as entertaining spaces, and low-maintenance priorities.

Concrete Options

Exposed Aggregate

Overview We see this as a practical standard for driveways that also serves well for pool surrounds on a budget.

Pros

• Excellent P5 slip resistance due to the raised stones.
• Structural strength is high when reinforced properly.
• Hides dust and dirt exceptionally well.
• Custom mixes can match your home’s brickwork.

Cons

• Texture is often too rough for prolonged barefoot use.
• Cannot be resurfaced easily if cracking occurs.
• Algae loves the crevices between the aggregate stones.
• Requires saw-cuts (control joints) that break up the visual flow.

Cost Range $100-$160 per square metre installed

Best For Budget-conscious renovations and heavy-use family zones where aesthetics are secondary to function.

Honed Concrete

Overview Our clients love the seamless indoor-outdoor flow this finish creates.

Pros

• Modern, industrial minimalist aesthetic.
• Smooth and cool underfoot.
• No weeds or ants can penetrate the surface.
• Customisable colours through oxide additives.

Cons

• Extremely slippery when wet unless a “grit” additive is used.
• Reflective glare can be blinding near water.
• Cracks are inevitable on reactive clay soils.
• Stains from leaves or rust are difficult to remove.

Cost Range $150-$230 per square metre installed

Best For Covered alfresco areas connected to the pool and ultra-modern architecture.

Stamped/Patterned Concrete

Overview We rarely recommend this for high-end projects, but it remains a functional entry-level option.

Pros

• Speed of installation reduces labour costs.
• Sealed surface is easy to hose down.
• Mimics the look of pavers without weed growth in joints.
• Cost-effective for large surface areas.

Cons

• Looks artificial compared to natural stone.
• Surface sealer wears off, reducing slip resistance over time.
• Pattern fades unevenly in high-traffic zones.
• Patching cracks is nearly impossible to do invisibly.

Cost Range $90-$140 per square metre installed

Best For Rental properties and budget refurbishments.

Comparison Summary

*Note: Honed concrete requires specific non-slip additives to be safe for pool areas.

Making Your Decision

Consider Your Priorities

We advise starting with the user experience rather than just the “look.”

• If safety is paramount: Choose Exfoliated Granite or Sawn Bluestone.
• If comfort is key: Select Travertine or Light-coloured Sandstone.
• If budget is limited: Opt for Exposed Aggregate with a custom mix.
• If longevity matters: Invest in Granite or premium Bluestone.
• If aesthetics are priority: Natural stone offers variation that concrete cannot match.

Climate Considerations

Melbourne’s weather dictates specific material choices:

• Summer heat: Lighter colours like ‘Silver’ Travertine or ‘Oatmeal’ Granite reflect the sun.
• Winter wet: Paving must have adequate drainage fall to prevent moss buildup.
• Variable conditions: Dense stones resist the expansion stress of rapid temperature changes.

Maintenance Reality

You must be honest about your willingness to maintain the space.

• Low maintenance: Granite and Exposed Aggregate require little more than a pressure wash.
• Medium maintenance: Bluestone needs sealing but hides dirt well.
• Higher maintenance: Sandstone and Honed Concrete require vigilant sealing and stain management.

Professional Installation Matters

We cannot stress enough that the sub-base is more important than the paver itself.

• Soil Preparation: The clay soils in Melbourne’s north-east require a deeper crushed rock base (100mm+) to prevent movement.
• Drainage: Correct fall (slope) prevents water pooling that leads to slip hazards.
• Jointing: We use flexible grouts or specialized jointing sands that accommodate thermal expansion.
• Waterproofing: Coping tiles often need a waterproof additive in the bedding mix to prevent efflorescence (white salts).

Poor installation on reactive soil guarantees cracked pavers within two years. You should always verify that your installer understands the specific geology of your suburb.

Contact us to discuss how we can tailor a paving solution for your specific Melbourne landscape.