A swimming pool is one of the best investments a Long Island homeowner can make. Between the warm summers, the salt air, and the culture of backyard entertaining, pools are practically a way of life across Nassau and Suffolk counties. But the pool itself is only part of the picture. The hardscape surrounding your pool — the patio surface, the coping, the drainage, the overall layout — determines how your pool area looks, feels, and functions for years to come. Choosing the right pavers for your pool patio is one of the most important decisions you will make during any pool project, and the options available today are better than ever.
Best Paver Materials for Pool Areas on Long Island
Not every paver material is suited for pool surrounds. The area around a pool needs to handle constant water exposure, resist fading from direct sunlight, stay cool enough to walk on barefoot, and hold up to Long Island’s freeze-thaw cycles through the winter months. Here are the four most popular materials that meet those demands.
Travertine Pavers
Travertine is one of the most sought-after materials for pool patios on Long Island and for good reason. This natural limestone stays remarkably cool underfoot even in the peak of summer, making it comfortable to walk on barefoot around the pool. Its naturally porous surface provides excellent traction when wet, and its warm, earthy tones complement almost any home style — from traditional colonial to contemporary coastal. Travertine is available in tumbled, honed, and brushed finishes, each offering a slightly different texture and aesthetic. The main consideration with travertine is that it requires periodic sealing, typically every two to three years, to protect against staining and to help it withstand Long Island winters.
Bluestone Pavers
Bluestone is a Long Island classic. Its distinctive blue-gray tones with natural color variation give pool patios a refined, timeless appearance that pairs beautifully with the region’s traditional architecture. Bluestone can be installed as natural cleft (with a slightly irregular surface that adds grip) or thermal finished (a smoother, more uniform look). It handles freeze-thaw conditions very well and is naturally dense, making it highly durable. Bluestone does absorb some heat in direct sun, so lighter color selections are preferable for large pool deck areas where bare feet are the norm.
Porcelain Pavers
Porcelain pavers have surged in popularity across Long Island pool projects in recent years, and the trend shows no signs of slowing down. These engineered pavers are manufactured at extremely high temperatures, resulting in a nearly impervious surface that resists water absorption, staining, fading, and mold growth. Porcelain pavers are available in a stunning range of finishes that mimic natural stone, wood grain, and concrete at a fraction of the maintenance. They stay relatively cool in the sun and can be produced with textured surfaces that provide reliable slip resistance. Their consistent sizing also makes installation precise and clean-looking. For homeowners who want a modern, low-maintenance pool patio, porcelain is hard to beat.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete interlocking pavers remain the most versatile and budget-friendly option for pool patios on Long Island. Modern concrete pavers come in an enormous variety of shapes, sizes, colors, and textures — many of which convincingly replicate the look of natural stone at a lower price point. They are engineered to handle heavy foot traffic and resist cracking through freeze-thaw cycles when installed on a proper base. Many manufacturers now offer concrete pavers with built-in slip-resistant surface treatments specifically designed for pool areas. If you want design flexibility without stretching the budget, concrete pavers deliver outstanding value.
Slip Resistance and Safety Considerations
Safety is the single most important factor when selecting pavers for a pool patio. Wet surfaces around pools create a real slip hazard, especially for children and older adults. When evaluating paver options, pay close attention to the slip resistance rating, which is typically measured by the Dynamic Coefficient of Friction (DCOF). A DCOF of 0.42 or higher is generally recommended for wet areas, though many pool-appropriate pavers exceed this threshold significantly.
- Choose pavers with a textured, brushed, or tumbled finish rather than a polished or honed surface
- Avoid dark-colored pavers in large open areas — they absorb more heat and can become uncomfortably hot
- Look for pavers rated specifically for pool and wet-area applications by the manufacturer
- Consider lighter colors that reflect sunlight and stay cooler underfoot during Long Island summers
- Ensure joints are properly filled with polymeric sand to maintain a level, stable walking surface
Proper installation matters just as much as material selection. Pavers that shift, settle unevenly, or develop raised edges become trip hazards over time. A qualified installer will build a compacted aggregate base with the correct slope to keep the surface stable and drain water away from the pool efficiently.
Pool Coping Styles: The Finishing Edge
Pool coping is the cap or edging material installed along the top edge of the pool shell where the patio meets the water. Coping serves both a functional and aesthetic purpose — it protects the pool structure, provides a defined edge for swimmers to grip, directs splash water away from the pool, and frames the entire pool visually. Choosing the right coping style has a major impact on the overall look of your pool area.
Bullnose Coping
Bullnose coping features a rounded, rolled edge that curves down over the pool wall. It is the most popular coping style on Long Island for good reason — the rounded profile is comfortable to grip, gentle on arms and hands, and provides a smooth transition between the patio and the pool. Bullnose coping is available in natural stone, concrete, and travertine and pairs well with virtually any patio paver material.
Square Edge Coping
Square edge coping, also called flat or straight edge coping, delivers a clean, modern look with a crisp 90-degree profile. This style is a strong choice for contemporary pool designs, geometric pool shapes, and infinity-edge pools where sharp lines are part of the design language. Square edge coping works especially well with porcelain and large-format concrete pavers for a seamless, minimalist appearance.
Tumbled Coping
Tumbled coping has softened, slightly irregular edges that give the pool a relaxed, natural feel — as though the stone has been weathered over time. This style is particularly popular with travertine and natural stone pool surrounds and suits Long Island homes going for a Mediterranean, coastal, or rustic aesthetic. The textured surface of tumbled coping also adds an extra degree of grip along the pool edge.
Drainage Solutions Around Pools
Proper drainage is critical for any pool patio, and Long Island’s mix of sandy and clay soils makes it especially important to get it right. Water from splashing, rain, and pool overflow needs to move away from the pool shell, away from your home’s foundation, and off the patio surface quickly to prevent standing water, erosion, and potential structural damage.
- Slope the patio surface away from the pool at a minimum grade of one-quarter inch per foot to direct water toward perimeter drains or landscaped areas
- Install channel drains or trench drains around the pool perimeter to capture surface water before it reaches garden beds or the foundation
- Use permeable joint material such as polymeric sand to allow some water to filter through the paver joints and into the base layer
- Consider a French drain or dry well system at the low point of the patio to handle heavy rainfall and prevent pooling
- Ensure downspouts and roof runoff are directed away from the pool patio area to avoid overwhelming the drainage system
At Brothers Paving & Masonry, we assess the soil conditions and grading of every pool project before recommending a drainage plan. Long Island properties vary widely — a home in Babylon may have very different soil drainage characteristics than one in Brookhaven — and a one-size-fits-all approach simply does not work. Getting drainage right from the start prevents costly problems down the road.
Design Patterns and Layout Ideas
The layout and pattern of your pool patio pavers set the visual tone for the entire backyard. Whether you want a classic, understated look or a bold contemporary statement, the pattern you choose can transform the same paver material into very different finished results.
- Running bond: A simple offset pattern similar to a brick wall. Clean, classic, and easy to install. Works beautifully with rectangular concrete or porcelain pavers.
- Herringbone: Pavers laid at 45-degree or 90-degree angles in a zigzag pattern. Herringbone is one of the strongest interlocking patterns and adds visual interest without being overly busy.
- Basketweave: Pairs of pavers alternate direction in a woven pattern. This traditional layout suits colonial and farmhouse-style Long Island homes.
- Ashlar or random pattern: Multiple paver sizes combined in a staggered layout that mimics natural stone. This creates an organic, relaxed feel that pairs well with freeform pool shapes.
- Large format slabs with wide joints: Oversized pavers (24x24 inches or larger) installed with generous spacing deliver a bold, modern look that is trending heavily in upscale Long Island pool designs.
- Bordered designs: Using a contrasting color or material as a border around the pool and along the patio edge creates a picture-frame effect that adds definition and visual structure to the layout.
When planning the layout, think about flow and function. Leave enough space around the pool for lounge chairs, side tables, and foot traffic. Create distinct zones — a sunbathing area, a dining spot, a shaded lounge — using paver pattern changes, elevation shifts, or border accents to visually separate each space without physical barriers.
Color Selection for Pool Surrounds
Color choice affects both the aesthetics and the comfort of your pool patio. The general rule is to lean toward lighter tones for large pool deck areas. Light gray, cream, sand, beige, and soft white pavers reflect sunlight rather than absorbing it, keeping the surface significantly cooler on hot Long Island summer days. Darker accent pavers can be used strategically — as borders, inlays, or in shaded areas — to add contrast and visual depth without creating hot spots.
Consider how the paver color will interact with your pool water color, your home’s exterior, and the surrounding landscape. A cool gray paver palette next to a dark-bottom pool creates a sleek, modern feel, while warm sand and cream tones alongside a light blue pool give a classic, resort-style look. Many Long Island homeowners also coordinate their pool patio pavers with existing patio or walkway materials elsewhere on the property for a cohesive design that ties the whole outdoor space together.
Maintenance Tips for Pool Pavers
One of the biggest advantages of pavers over poured concrete around pools is how easy they are to maintain and repair. Poured concrete cracks, and when it does, the only real fix is costly replacement. Individual pavers, on the other hand, can be lifted and replaced without disturbing the rest of the patio. That said, a little routine care goes a long way toward keeping your pool patio looking its best.
- Sweep or blow the patio regularly to remove debris, leaves, and dirt that can stain the surface or clog joints
- Rinse the pavers periodically with a garden hose to wash away pool chemicals, sunscreen residue, and grime
- Reapply polymeric sand to the joints every few years or whenever you notice sand loss from heavy rain or pressure washing
- Seal natural stone pavers (travertine, bluestone) every two to three years with a penetrating sealer to protect against staining and freeze-thaw damage
- Address any shifted or sunken pavers promptly — they can usually be lifted, the base re-leveled, and the paver reset in under an hour
- Treat any mold, mildew, or algae spots with a paver-safe cleaner rather than harsh bleach, which can discolor the surface and damage joint sand
For Long Island homeowners, fall is the most important time to give your pool patio attention. Before closing the pool for winter, a thorough cleaning, joint sand inspection, and sealer application (if due) will protect the surface through the freeze-thaw season and ensure your patio is ready to enjoy as soon as warm weather returns.
Cost Considerations for Pool Hardscape
Pool patio costs on Long Island vary depending on the size of the area, the materials selected, the complexity of the design, and the condition of the existing site. As a general guide, here is what to expect for professionally installed pool patio hardscape in 2026.
- Concrete pavers: $28 to $55 per square foot installed, including base preparation and polymeric sand joints
- Travertine pavers: $40 to $70 per square foot installed, depending on the grade and finish selected
- Bluestone pavers: $45 to $75 per square foot installed, with natural cleft on the lower end and thermal finish on the higher end
- Porcelain pavers: $50 to $80 per square foot installed, reflecting the higher material cost and specialized installation requirements
- Pool coping: $20 to $45 per linear foot depending on the material and profile style
- Drainage additions: $1,500 to $5,000 or more depending on the scope of the drainage system required
For a typical Long Island pool patio project covering 400 to 800 square feet of deck area plus coping, total installed costs generally range from $15,000 to $50,000 or more. Factors like demolition of an existing surface, significant grading work, retaining walls, or integrated features such as an outdoor kitchen or fire pit will add to the overall investment. The best way to get an accurate number is to schedule an on-site consultation where a professional can evaluate your specific property and goals.
Plan Your Pool Patio Project with Confidence
Your pool patio is where memories are made — summer cookouts, lazy afternoons by the water, and evenings spent with family and friends under the Long Island sky. The right paver selection, a thoughtful design, and professional installation ensure that your pool area is not only beautiful but safe, durable, and built to last through decades of use and Long Island weather.
Brothers Paving & Masonry has been helping homeowners across Babylon, Islip, Brookhaven, Oyster Bay, and all of Long Island create stunning pool hardscape for years. Whether you are building a new pool and need the full surround designed from scratch or upgrading an aging concrete deck with premium pavers, our team handles every detail from drainage planning to the final coping installation. Call us at (631) 374-9796 or reach out online to schedule your free consultation and start bringing your pool patio vision to life.