Pool surrounds refer to the area immediately around a swimming pool, essentially the pool deck or paving that provides a walking and lounging zone. In Perth’s warm climate, the pool surround is an important extension of outdoor living, and concrete is a prime material used either as a structural base under pavers or as the finished surface itself (e.g., exposed aggregate or liquid limestone concrete). The pool surround must be carefully designed and built because it needs to be slip-resistant, comfortable in hot weather, and well-drained so water doesn’t puddle around the pool.
Key aspects of constructing concrete pool surrounds:
One of the challenges around a pool is the hot sun heating the deck. Conventional grey concrete can get quite warm, but there are solutions. Liquid limestone, a popular option in WA, is a concrete mix with crushed limestone that stays significantly cooler underfoot by reflecting sunlight. Exposed aggregate in lighter tones or using reflective aggregates can also help. The idea is to have a high albedo (reflectivity) so the material doesn't absorb as much heat, which is a godsend on Perth’s hot summer days. Regardless of the concrete type, lighter colors and maybe surface treatments (like applying a cool deck coating) are used to make walking barefoot comfortable.
Safety is paramount because people will be wet around the pool. Concrete pool surrounds are given a textured finish for grip. Exposed aggregate is naturally slip-resistant due to the pebbly texture. Broom-finished concrete can also serve, although many prefer a decorative look. If the concrete is honed (ground to smooth the stones but still has some texture) or if using pavers, often non-slip sealers or gritty coatings are applied to ensure adequate traction. Australian standards may give a slip rating requirement for pool areas. Typically, one would aim for at least Class P4 (pendulum test) slip rating. Moreover, the design avoids standing water; immediate drainage (via slope or a strip drain) ensures the surface is mostly just damp, not puddled. Rounded or bullnosed coping at the pool edge is common, and with seamless concrete surrounds, the edge can be integrated (see seamless pool edging below). Another safety consideration is that the surround should be flush and level with the pool edge to prevent tripping; any level changes are graduated.
The concrete slab or paving around a pool often sits on backfilled ground (since around the pool shell excavation). That fill must be well-compacted, or else the deck can settle and crack. Sometimes a pool deck is structural (e.g., a ring beam that ties into the pool or spans voids). In most residential cases, the surround is a 75–100 mm concrete slab on compacted fill with mesh reinforcement, cast up to the pool shell (with an expansion joint in between to allow the pool to move slightly independent of the deck). It’s vital to include an expansion joint between the pool structure (usually concrete or fibreglass) and the concrete surround, to avoid the slab pushing on the pool wall or vice versa with thermal expansion. The surround slab is usually poured with a gentle slope (maybe 1% away from the pool) to shed splash water. Drains or soakwell inlets may be strategically placed if the area is large or enclosed by walls.
Another aspect is chemical durability. Pool surrounds will get exposure to chlorinated or salt water. Concrete is quite resistant but can get some surface salt deposits (efflorescence) if not sealed. Many contractors seal the concrete (with a penetrating sealer or clear coat) to make it easier to clean off chlorine/salt residue and to prevent staining from organic matter.
In conclusion, a well-built concrete pool surround in Perth will be beautiful yet functional, providing a cool, non-slip, inviting deck around the pool. By using the right concrete mix and finish (like liquid limestone or exposed aggregate) and paying attention to drainage and joints, the surround will complement the pool and remain safe and comfortable for swimmers. It’s essentially the frame for the pool, enhancing both the enjoyment and the safety of the swimming experience.
