Key information:
- Travertine is the standout choice for Perth pools, staying cool underfoot and handling chlorine, saltwater and hard water well
- A quality penetrating sealer is the single biggest factor in how any natural stone paver holds up around a pool
- Lighter tones stay noticeably cooler in direct sun - worth prioritising for pool surrounds
- Granite & Stone Gallery supplies premium travertine, limestone, marble and granite pavers with matching pool coping in Perth, WA
When you are choosing your pool area pavers and pool coping, the material can make a real difference to performance and longevity – not to mention comfort when getting in and out at the edge.
With Perth’s intense summer UV, hard water with high calcium, wear and tear, and exposure to chlorine, saltwater or other pool chemicals, you need pavers that can cope with temperature fluctuations, have good slip resistance, and can stand up to water chemistry.
Popular pool paving options at a glance:
| Stone Type | Cost (per m2) - based on market information | Supplied by Granite & Stone Gallery | Benefits | Considerations |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Travertine | $65 – $150+/m2 | ✓ | Stays notably cooler underfoot than concrete or porcelain; naturally slip-resistant with a tumbled/brushed finish; classic look that suits most pool designs | Porous by nature, so a quality sealer is recommended to protect against staining and moisture. |
| Limestone | $70 – $150+/m2 | ✓ | Affordable, classic WA aesthetic; light tones reflect heat well and stay comfortable underfoot | Softer than some other stone options; sealing helps maintain its appearance and durability long-term. |
| Marble | $90 – $220+/m2 | ✓ | Premium, elegant finish; cool underfoot in light tones; striking feature for high-end designs | Can be slippery when wet, though the right finish and sealer will fix this. A quality sealer is recommended to protect the stone’s finish and keep it looking its best. |
| Granite | $75 – $150+/m2 | ✓ | Very dense and hard-wearing; low porosity gives strong resistance to staining and chemical damage; low overall maintenance | Darker granites absorb more heat; needs a flamed finish for slip safety in wet areas. |
| Porcelain | $60 – $100/m2 | ✗ | Non-porous and highly resistant to chlorine, salt and staining; no sealing required; consistent colour and size | Doesn’t stay as cool underfoot as natural stone; darker tones absorb heat; less natural texture/character. |
| Concrete | $45 – $70/m2 | ✗ | Most budget-friendly option; textured or exposed aggregate finishes offer solid slip resistance | Darker shades can get hot fast in Perth sun. Less premium look; can be prone to cracking over time. |
Note: Granite & Stone Gallery does not supply porcelain or concrete products, we only supply premium natural stone. Manmade materials have been included only for comparison based on wider market trends.
Travertine: Best all-rounder pool paver
Travertine is the standout for Perth pools. It’s a form of limestone with a porous and pitted structure, which makes it both lighter and more naturally textured than other popular stone like marble or granite. Its structure and composition mean travertine is also heat-resistant, staying cool to touch even in direct sunlight - perfect for Perth conditions.
While travertine is softer than some natural stone options, it has been used for centuries with great success. For regular maintenance, a rinse to clear pool chemicals and debris is usually enough to keep it looking its best. A high quality, breathable penetrating sealer is what really protects limestone pool coping and pavers against chemicals and constant wear. Our team can recommend the right sealing products and schedule for your specific site.
Limestone: Best for coastal design and a 'softer' look
Limestone is another popular choice in Perth due to its natural temperature regulation and slip-resistant texture. Limestone’s structure and surface naturally reflect solar energy and stay cool, which means it performs well in outdoor areas exposed to a lot of direct sunlight (like Perth pool surrounds).
Outside of practicality, limestone is perfect for areas where a more organic finish is required for an old-world feel. If you are aiming for more “Mediterranean” than “Metropolitan,” limestone is the ideal design choice. Regular rinsing and a properly maintained seal go a long way here, since limestone is softer than some other stone options and benefits greatly from that extra layer of protection.
Marble: Best for elegant poolside paving
Marble undoubtedly has earned its reputation for providing a luxury look and feel. It is a smoother, more dense rock than limestone or travertine; formed under immense pressure over time, marble stays cool underfoot and has an inherently smooth texture that looks refined and beautiful in any setting.
For poolside projects, marble pavers and pool coping can be tumbled to provide more texture and grip. This will still feel smooth underfoot, but will not be slippery like the polished marble you might use indoors. In wet areas like pool surrounds, this added slip resistance is essential for making outdoor living safer for the whole family.
A quality sealer and pH-neutral cleaning products are the easiest way to keep that refined finish looking its best over time.
Granite: Best for premium durability with classic style
Granite is a very dense, very hard and very durable option for pools and outdoor paving. While a ‘classic’ granite will usually come in a darker shade, the textured finish (flamed is best for slip-resistance) will help to reduce heat-retention even under Perth’s hot sun. If you are worried about how hot it will be underfoot, lighter options like grey granite can be a better choice, they will reflect more heat than darker or black granite.
Granite’s low porosity means it naturally resists staining, so day-to-day cleaning is minimal. A quality impregnating sealer is still worth applying, mainly to make that ongoing care even easier around a pool.
Manmade pavers for pool surrounds
Manmade stone like porcelain pavers or concrete can be appealing due to the cheaper up-front cost (when compared to premium options like marble). However, there can be some drawbacks:
Porcelain pavers
These are non-porous and resistant to chlorine and salt. However, the cheap durability comes with an aesthetic cost; porcelain doesn’t have the same natural density, cooling properties or convincing texture as stone pavers.
Concrete pavers or slab
Often the most budget friendly of the lot as an up-front purchase, concrete is not as durable over time as many people assume. It offers decent slip resistance with an exposed aggregate or blasted finish, but is prone to cracks as it ages and can get hot in direct sun.
Choosing the right pavers for your pool
Style, function and durability all play a part. Here are three considerations to get you started on the right pavers for your specific situation:
1. How hot does your pool area get in summer?
Any material will absorb some heat under direct sun, but lighter natural stone is a great choice to give bare feet the best chance in Perth’s hot summers. It will reflect more heat energy than darker materials.
If your pool surrounds are in full sun for most of the day or during the hotter afternoon periods, you may want to consider lighter stone like limestone or travertine. Lighter-coloured marble can also be a great choice as the denser stone is slow to absorb heat.
2. How close are you to the coast?
When properly sealed with a high-quality, penetrating sealer (not an acrylic), natural stone can hold up to salt and chlorine over time without an issue. This allows you to enjoy the natural texture and colour of the stone without compromising on durability or slip-resistance.
Where style is concerned, Perth’s Mediterranean climate can be well-represented in coastal properties with travertine or limestone – providing that light, slightly more organic look than other options like marble or granite.
3. Do you want modern, uniform style or something organic?
For style-led stone choices, here is a brief guide to our poolside pavers and the type of design they are best suited for:
| Stone Type | Colours Available | Finish | Best Suited Style |
|---|---|---|---|
| Travertine | Classic Cream, Casablanca, Pewter, Nutmeg, Nebula, Cappadocia, Philadelphia | Honed | Mediterranean, resort-style and relaxed alfresco designs |
| Limestone | Pearl, Patagonia | Modern Tumbled (Pearl), Honed (Patagonia) | Coastal, contemporary and minimalist designs |
| Marble | Ivory Cream, Santiago, Blackwood, Inca Grey, Ash Grey | Modern Tumbled (Ivory Cream, Santiago), Honed (Blackwood, Inca Grey), Sandblasted (Ash Grey) | High-end, statement and formal entertaining spaces |
| Granite | Charcoal Black, Dune | Flamed | Modern, statement and high-traffic designs |
Why choose Granite & Stone Gallery for pool pavers and coping?
As the saying goes, pay cheap and you risk paying twice - opt for the best from the very start. Our range of natural stone is sourced from trusted quarries for excellent consistency in finish, quality and inclusions. We help you achieve your design dreams, and increase your home's value, by supplying premium pavers, pool coping, tiles and wall cladding.
Our range of outdoor pavers can be matched to pool coping in the same material, and same colour, so you achieve a cohesive look poolside - for some materials, we can even specify matching tiles to carry the premium feel indoors if you so wish. Visit our Malaga showroom to see and feel the full range in person. Our expert team can help you compare finishes and colours side by side, and provide advice on which premium natural stone will best suit your project. Why not contact us today to get started.