Cool Deck vs. Pavers: Which Is Better for Your Pool Deck?

Cool deck and pavers are two of the most popular pool deck options in Arizona, but they serve different needs and come at different price points. This guide provides an honest comparison to help you decide which is right for your situation.

Cost Comparison

Cool deck: $4 to $7 per square foot for new application. $3 to $6 for recoating. For a 600 sq ft deck: $2,400 to $4,200.

Concrete pavers: $12 to $20 per square foot installed. For a 600 sq ft deck: $7,200 to $12,000.

Travertine pavers: $18 to $30 per square foot installed. For a 600 sq ft deck: $10,800 to $18,000.

Cool deck costs significantly less upfront. However, it needs recoating every 5 to 10 years, while quality pavers can last 20 to 30+ years with minimal maintenance. Over a 20-year span, the lifetime cost gap narrows.

Heat Performance

Cool deck: Reduces temperature by 20 to 30 degrees vs uncoated concrete. Surface stays warm but tolerable for brief barefoot contact in summer.

Travertine pavers: Naturally cool due to porous crystalline structure. Often cooler than cool deck in direct comparison tests.

Concrete pavers: Light-colored concrete pavers perform similarly to cool deck. Dark colors get significantly hotter.

Winner: Travertine pavers for absolute coolest surface. Cool deck for best value-to-heat-reduction ratio.

Durability

Cool deck: Coating layer wears over time from foot traffic, UV, and pool chemicals. Needs recoating every 5 to 10 years. Can chip, stain, and discolor.

Pavers: Individual units are extremely durable. Concrete pavers last 25+ years. Travertine can last the life of the home. Individual damaged units can be replaced without affecting the rest.

Winner: Pavers, by a wide margin for long-term durability.

Appearance

Cool deck: Textured, uniform appearance. Limited color options. Looks good when fresh but can look worn as it ages.

Pavers: Premium, high-end appearance. Wide variety of shapes, colors, and patterns. Travertine offers natural stone beauty. Appearance improves or stays consistent over time.

Winner: Pavers for premium aesthetics. Cool deck for clean, functional appearance.

Maintenance

Cool deck: Regular cleaning (2 to 3 times per year), resealing every 2 to 3 years, eventual recoating.

Pavers: Periodic joint sand replenishment, optional sealing every 3 to 5 years, occasional weed removal from joints.

Winner: Similar maintenance levels, but paver maintenance preserves the surface indefinitely. Cool deck maintenance delays the inevitable recoating.

When to Choose Cool Deck

• You already have a concrete deck and want to reduce heat
• Budget is a primary consideration
• You want a quick project (1 to 3 days vs. 5 to 10 for pavers)
• You are planning to sell the home within 5 to 7 years

When to Choose Pavers

• You are building a new deck or replacing an old one
• You want a long-term solution (20+ years)
• Premium appearance is important
• You want the coolest possible surface (travertine)
• You prefer lower long-term maintenance costs

We install both cool deck coatings and paver systems. Contact us for a free estimate and we will help you choose the right option based on your specific situation and budget.