You’ve done your research on pool decking options and have decided to go with a paver deck. Pavers are typically made from stone, brick or concrete and their design can be as intricate or as simple as you want. One of the benefits of going with pavers is that they can be easily removed and replaced if you need work on the plumbing underneath or one cracks or breaks. They are very durable, non-slip and weather resistant – perfect for the deck on your outdoor oasis. As your pool deck ages, however, you may start to notice a few common paver deck problems – like sand being tracked in your house or pool, mold growth and ants. Although still one of our favorite decking options, there are things you can do to correct these problems. Here’s what you need to know.
Problem #1: Sand tracked into the pool & house
When pavers are installed, they are laid on top of a sand bed, then secured in place with sand that is added to the top of the pavers and compacted until the joints stay filled. As time passes and the pavers settle, you might start to notice that this sand is making its way into your pool or even being tracked into your house. A way to prevent this is having a “sand lock” applied over your pavers after they are installed. This product is made of fine granules of sand and polymeric adhesive that hardens after being exposed to water. It is virtually invisible and once hardened, locks the sand in place eliminating the need to add new sand into any gaps that form over time.
Problem #2: Black fungus and green mold growth
If you are seeing green mold on your paver deck or black fungus between them, this is usually the result of moisture in the air due to high humidity, but it could also be lined to a drainage problem. You’ll want to clean them by applying a mild detergent and clean water once a week, applying the solution on the surface of the pavers and spraying it off with a hose. Be sure to pay more attention to any areas that are covered that retain moisture. If you are still having an issue with mold and fungus, call in a professional to take a look at your drainage system to make sure there isn’t a bigger issue going on. Again, paver decks are great as the pavers can be easily removed and replaced if plumbing work is needed.
Problem #3: Ants burrow into the sand between pavers
As ants make their way into the sand between your pavers, you’ll start to see little sand dunes pop up around your patio. This is not only an annoyance but a concern that you or your children could be stung as you’re enjoying your outdoor space. At the first sight of ants making your patio their new home, you can use a mild insect repellent and spray it directly on any areas that have a nest or an influx of bugs. As a more long term solution, look into having an insect treatment sprayed around the area. The “sand lock” mentioned above will also help prevent ants from being able to access the sand in between your pavers.
Problem #4: Pavers become uneven and sink after rain
Here in Florida, we’re use to heavy rains. As more rain falls and sinks into the ground, you may notice that your pavers are becoming uneven or sinking. First thing to do is consider where the affected area is as this could determine if the issue is with the rain or a bigger issue. If you’re seeing the sinking only around the shell of your pool, it may be due to a broken pipe or improper compaction of backfill which would require a professional to repair. If the sinking is happening in other areas, it is probably due to poorly compacted sub-base material. To fix this, remove the pavers in the affected area and add more fill.
Problem #5: Weeds growing between the pavers
It’s important to know that weeds don’t grow from the bottom up, in fact, they grow when the sand between the pavers washes out which allows airborne seedlings to land into the joint spaces. If you’re pavers are properly installed with the best materials, it will help prevent weed growth, but weeds are experts in finding places to grow. Even just a few seedlings can quickly spread across your entire patio! Luckily, weeds are usually an isolated issue and can be treated easily with a thorough application of spot weed killer. Just make sure that the weed killer you choose isn’t oil based as these products can irreparably stain natural stone pavers.
Pools by Bradley is Here for YOU
While having natural stone pavers installed around your pool is definitely a great option and looks fantastic, it’s important to realize that it is not a maintenance-free choice. This goes for the use of any material around a swimming pool as it is subject to conditions outside of the norm. Know that if you are taking the steps outlined above to correct these problems, your paving will look its best for years to come.
All of us here at Pools by Bradley live and breathe our mission of designing and building your ultimate outdoor pool atmosphere – but the most important thing is we want you have FUN and protect your investment! We intend to inspire you to improve the recreational time you spend with your family and friends in your new outdoor environment. Our motto is “take care of the customer and everything else will take care of itself”. When you choose Pools by Bradley to help you build your dream pool, you can rest assured that you’re choosing the very best. As a local family owned and operated company founded in 1996, we have received numerous design awards and honors. Pools by Bradley is rated as one of the top 50 pool builders in the U.S., plus recognized as the “Best Pool Company” in Orlando by Orlando Magazine several years in a row! We offer custom built pools and spas with additions ranging from water features and lighting effects to rain curtains and water slides…the sky’s the limit! Contact us online or call us today at 407-323-7496 to see how we can help you build the pool of your dreams!
