Travertine Pool Deck
The scorching heat of the fast-approaching summer season will make you retreat to the confine of your indoor spaces.
But during summer vacation, kids do want to play outside, which is why it is a perfect activity for them to go for a swim.
Having a pool deck can be a massive advantage as you want them to enjoy the pool while you are with them relaxing in your deck.
Is travertine good for the pool deck? Yes, travertine pavers are one of the most popular choices when it comes to pool decks. It has a vibrant appearance and attractiveness, it has a non-slip surface, and it tends to stay cool even during hot sunny days.
In this article, you will have a better idea on what are the pros and cons when it comes to travertine pavers. It is essential to know so you can decide what materials you can choose for your pool deck.
Travertine Pool Deck Pros And Cons
Travertine is a form of limestone that many cultures worldwide have used when building their shelter for over a thousand years.
Nowadays, you can find it offered as a paving stone or tiles primarily used for indoor and outdoor installation. Its structure and versatility and its calcium carbonate have been used in many pool deck tiles from South America and Europe.
When deciding on the materials you want to use for your pool deck. You need to consider the quality of travertine first.
The first thing you’ll notice is that price is an element of concern for this one, but you’ll definitely get your money’s worth.
If you plan to install a pool deck with this sedimentary rock, you need to know first the advantages and disadvantages it entails.
Pros Of A Travertine Pool Deck
Travertine is a good material that can be used in making your very own pool deck, and many homeowners choose this material because of the many benefits it can give to your backyard pool.
Here are a few of the advantages you can look forward to when you have a travertine pool deck.
Handles Temperature Exceptionally Well
When dealing with the ideal surface for your outdoor landscaping, you might want to consider travertine. It is because if you used this as a floor tile for your pool deck, you know that this is resistant to many temperature extremes.
Even when the stone is constantly receiving direct exposure to the sun, it will still feel cold on the skin when you walk on it.
It is why many homeowners use this material for many of their home landscaping, like a hot tub, spa, and swimming pool combination.
Intense Aesthetic Appeal
When dealing with travertine, you can expect that it provides your pool deck a sense of luxury when you install it outdoors. But it undoubtedly stands out in the backyard if you used it on your pool deck.
This stone can provide a natural veining that makes every piece unique, but it still gives you an overall pattern that looks breathtaking.
You can choose from various hues and tones available when incorporating this stone with your outdoor landscape. It has bold coral shades to something a little more lowkey, like gray or tan.
More Porosity
Travertine is considered one of the most porous stones you can choose when creating your pool deck. It is because there are numerous holes in the material when you find it in its natural state.
You can also see various large and small spots that can allow the water to be adequately drained. The manufacturing process will fill up the worst offenders to create a sustainable surface without breaking.
One of the things that you should prolong the life of your travertine is to seal it with a waterproof product that can reduce any issue with porosity. Try using a non-slip product that can prevent any pool injury.
Cheaper Than Granite Or Marble
It is a known fact that you will have to pay more for a travertine pool deck compared to the ones where you use a plain concrete surface.
But the cost of this upgrade is significantly less than you would pay for if you are planning to use marble or granite. You will also gain all of the natural beauty if you are using a natural stone for only $6 per tile or $200 per sheet.
If you opt for a more straightforward installation process, you can have them pre-cut squares for about $100 for most retailers.
Installation Is Easy
Many travertine pool decks can be installed easily on many flat-level surfaces that received enough compaction to make the soil ready for installation.
You should place a fabric sheet along the base to prevent growing vegetation in the future. Once you are all good, you can create a base from the sand, mortar, crushed stones, and cement.
Then easily lay the pavers in a pattern that you prefer, cut the stones to fit easily, and then fill the lines needed to lock them properly in place.
Cons Of A Travertine Pool Deck
It is a given point that if there is an advantage, it is sure there will always be disadvantages. It will provide you an idea of what to expect if you plan to use a travertine material for your pool deck.
Sensitive To Certain Acids
Travertine is a natural stone that forms from all the calcium carbonate, so the building materials from it tend to be sensitive to other forms of acids.
Tiles around the deck of your pool can start to break when they receive exposure to any kinds of acidic substances, even if it’s just orange juice.
You also need to avoid using cleaners containing vinegar, citric acid, or any similar ingredient if you want to prolong the installation’s life.
Weight Can Be Problematic To Some Pools
The weight of many natural stones is more significant than some other materials you use for your pool deck. If your installation point has a weak solid foundation, it may be a problem to support the overall weight of this natural stone.
You may reinforce the base before the work in my possible instances. But the risk will come at the added cost that might not be needed if you pour concrete or utilize pavers from another material.
Seal Travertine Pool Decks Is A Must
Because travertine has such a high level of porosity, you always need to seal this material frequently to ensure that it can withstand all elements that can cause the wear-n-tear.
Depending on the level of quality of the material you bought, this can actually be a redundant task to complete.
You may save some money initially by purchasing a cheaper product, but you will make up all those expenses with the increase in your maintenance costs.
If you prefer to have travertine, you need to invest in the highest possible quality of the product to avoid this potential disadvantage.
Susceptible To Stains
The porous nature of travertine has pros and cons, and because of this, even a tiny splash of liquid can create a stain.
If you utilize chlorinated tablets in your swimming pool to disinfect it, you need to take care of it when working around your deck. It is because water can eventually begin to turn the material into a different color.
Sealants can be used to provide an extra layer of defense against this issue, but it is not guaranteed. Even if you use the highest quality, there will always be mandatory chores to maintain your pool deck’s look and feel.
Aesthetics Of Travertine Is Sometimes Questionable
Travertine might come in a tremendous visual advantage for many of your pools there. The lack of homogeneity with this product is an issue.
As a result, many people see that this product can cause many consistency issues with its appearance. When you order tile in bulk to install it in your pool deck, then you can receive enough uniformity to create the structure that you think is pleasing.
It would be best to take extra caution when buying a group of similar units to reduce the surface’s look variations.
Conclusion
In conclusion, travertine is a good product, and it is a natural stone that is usually found in hot springs. You can choose it as a material for your pool deck construction because of its good qualities and aesthetic appearance.
On the other hand, it has its own set of advantages and disadvantages, so you might need to consider those before buying them in bulk.
These pros and cons will allow you to look into your available budget and how you want to take care of your surface and decide whether or not it is ideal for you.
Choosing travertine will get you to spend a little more, but it can last for many years with little maintenance with proper care.
