Concrete Finishes for Pool Areas

Key Pool Areas for Concrete Finishes

The main pool areas for concrete finishes refers to the hardscape, the pool deck and surrounds rather than the inside lining of the pool. This includes functional decorative areas around the water and connecting immediately to the backyard, requiring materials that are slip-resistant, comfortable underfoot and resistant to salt and chlorine.

• Pool deck and surrounds: This is the primary area surrounding the pool which is mainly for entertaining and relaxing. A well designed pool deck and surrounds creates a cohesive outdoor living space that is functional, safe and aesthetically pleasing.
• Pool coping: The cap on the edge of the pool beam, which separates the pool structure from the surrounding deck is called pool coping.
• Walkways and pathways: These are the pathways that connect different outdoor zones to the pool area. It is important these pathways are safe and slip resistant.

Why Concrete Finishes are Ideal for Pool Areas

Concrete finishes are ideal for pool areas as they combine strength, slip resistance and design flexibility. Alternative materials such as paving are prone to cracking, shifting and may become slippery over time. However, professionally installed concrete finishes provide a stable and durable surface designed to withstand exposure to water, chlorine and UV rays. Concrete finishes are available in a wide variety of colours and textures which allows home owners to customise the appearance of pool surrounds.

What is Decorative Concrete?

Decorative concrete is a versatile and enhanced version of standard concrete through the use of colouring, texturing and polishing techniques. It offers a variety of designs and styles for visually appealing surfaces. It also retains the benefits of the concrete material which is known for its durability, strength and slip resistance. Decorative concrete is the ideal combination of style and functionality, making it ideal for surfaces around the home such as pool surrounds, driveways and outdoor entertainment areas.

Benefits of Concrete Finishes for Pool Areas

As concrete finishes offer a combination of practicality, safety and design flexibility, they are one of the most popular choices for swimming pool areas. Modern concrete techniques allow homeowners to create stylish outdoor spaces that also improve safety, comfort and long term performance. The main benefits of concrete finishes for pool areas are:

• Slip resistance: This is one of the most important benefits of concrete finishes around a pool area. Wet surfaces common around pools naturally increase the risk of slipping so having a material on the pool surround that is slip resistant is essential. Textured concrete finishes like exposed aggregate are ideal for this area, providing additional grip underfoot and improving safety for children, adults and elderly family members. Slip resistant concrete finishes are particularly important for the pool entry and exit points, steps and shallow ledges, walkways and pathways.
• Low maintenance: Concrete finishes for pools are relatively easy to maintain compared to other outdoor surface materials. Once the concrete finish is properly installed and sealed, there is minimal upkeep and the finish remains attractive and functional for many years. Routine maintenance of a concrete finish around a pool includes sweeping, occasional pressure washing, and resealing every few years.
• Durability and longevity: As concrete is known for its exceptional durability and longevity, it is ideal for outdoor areas exposed to water, sunlight and heavy foot traffic.
• Customisation and aesthetics: One of the biggest advantages of concrete finishes for pool areas is the design versatility. Concrete finishes can be customised with different colours and tones, aggregate blends, patterns and surface textures. Exposed aggregate provides a natural textured look ideal for coastal or tropical areas. Stamped concrete is ideal for those who seek the natural stone, brick or timber appearance.
• Cool underfoot: Some concrete finishes are ideal for reflecting heat and staying cool underfoot. When light concrete or aggregate finishes are chosen they are likely to absorb less heat from the sun, ensuring they keep cooler than other darker materials such as pavers or timber.

 

Best Concrete Finishes for Pool Areas

When choosing the best concrete finish for a pool area, it is important to take into account safety, comfort, durability and visual appeal. Different concrete finishes offer different looks and textures, making some more suitable than others. The most popular concrete finishes used around swimming pools include:

Exposed Aggregate

This concrete finish is created by removing the top layer of cement paste to reveal the decorative aggregate and stones underneath. These exposed stones provide a textured and natural looking surface often used in pool surrounds and outdoor entertainment areas. Aggregate blends may include pebbles, crushed stone or quartz and are available in a range of colours.

Advantages of Exposed Aggregate

• Superior slip resistance
• Highly durable and long lasting
• Attractive natural stone appearance
• A variety of colours and textures
• Resistant to fading and wear
• Remains cool underfoot

Disadvantages of Exposed Aggregate

• May feel rough on the feet
• Requires occasional resealing

Honed Concrete

This is a refined version of exposed aggregate. After the aggregate has been exposed, the surface is then mechanically ground down to ensure a smoother and flatter finish. The result of this process is a sleek and elegant looking concrete finish, ideal for luxury outdoor spaces.

Advantages of Honed Concrete

• Premium appearance
• Slip resistant and yet smooth
• Comfortable underfoot
• Easy to clean and maintain
• Available in various colours

Disadvantages of Honed Concrete 

• Higher installation cost
• May need more regular resealing

Liquid Limestone

This is a mixture of crushed limestone and concrete and creates a smooth light coloured surface that resembles limestone paving. The finish of this concrete is particularly popular in warm climates as it stays cool underfoot.

Advantages of Liquid Limestone

• Cool underfoot in hot weather
• Soft and elegant appearance
• Slip resistant texture
• Resistant to cracking
• Works well in modern coastal homes
• Comfortable when bare foot

Disadvantages of Liquid Limestone

• May stain if not properly sealed
• Often more expensive
• Requires ongoing sealing

Stamped Concrete

This type of concrete finish is created by pressing textures and patterns into the wet cement. This replicates the appearance of tiles, stone, slate and brick. Stamped concrete can then be coloured in a variety of shades to enhance the decorative impact and provide a more realistic look.

Advantages of Stamped Concrete

• Decorative and aesthetically pleasing
• A variety of styles and colours
• Slip resistant
• Comfortable underfoot
• Cool underfoot
• More affordable
• Durable and long lasting

Disadvantages of Stamped Concrete

• Requires resealing to preserve colour
• Repairs can be more difficult

Polished Concrete

This polished concrete finish is achieved when the concrete is ground down to achieve a glossy appearance. Although this type of concrete finish is more commonly used indoors, it can be used around pool areas and outdoor entertaining zones.

Advantages of Polished Concrete

• Modern and elegant appearance
• Highly durable
• Long lasting
• Reflects light and ensures comfort underfoot

Disadvantages of Polished Concrete

• May become slippery
• Requires specialist installation
• More expensive

Plain Broom Finish

This finish is achieved by dragging a broom across the wet cement before it cures which results in fine textured lines in the concrete. This is one of the most common concrete finishes and is often used in large areas for its durability and cost effectiveness.

Advantages of Plain Broom Finish

• Affordable
• Slip resistant
• Durable and practical
• Low maintenance
• Simple and functional appearance
• Excellent of large areas

Disadvantages of Plain Broom Finish

• Not as decorative as premium concrete finishes
• May require sealing to reduce fading

Coloured Concrete

This type of finish is created by adding pigments or oxides to the concrete mix or applying a colour to the surface. It can be combined with different textures and design styles. This popular type of concrete finish often includes colours like sandstone, terracotta, off white and charcoal for pool surrounds.

Advantages of Coloured Concrete

• Wide variety of colours
• Enhances outdoor aesthetics
• Lighter colours ensure underfoot comfort
• Can be coordinated with landscaping and house exterior colours

Disadvantages of Coloured Concrete

• Colour may fade over time and need to be recoloured
• Requires sealing to maintain colour

How Concrete Compares to other Pool Surround Materials

Concrete usually comes out on top compared to other pool surround materials with its non-slip surface, strength, durability and myriad of colours and styles available. When comparing concrete with other pool surfaces, it is important to consider the different features of each to decide which is best for a pool area.

Pool surround material	Definition	Features
Concrete	A building material made by mixing cement, sand small stones and water	Affordable, strong, durable, variety of styles and colours, low maintenance, slip resistant, easy to install
Natural stone	Rock and mineral materials such as granite, limestone, and slate	Durable, not slip resistant, expensive, requires sealing, luxurious, limited customisation, longevity, more time consuming installation
Wood and composite decking	Natural fibrous material found in trees and man-made timber imitation	Expensive, may warp, splinter or rot, can become slippery, requires staining and sealing, stays cool underfoot, warm and natural look

Choosing the right Concrete Finish for a Pool Area

To choose the right concrete finishes you need to take into account functional requirements such as safety, comfort and aesthetics. It is imperative to prioritise slip and heat resistance to keep pool areas safe and comfortable. The key factors to consider when choosing a concrete finish for a pool area include:

• Safety Regulatory and Safety Standards for Slip Resistance: According to Australian Standards, P5 (Pendulum) and R11/R12 (Ramp) ratings represent the high to maximum slip resistance crucial for safety in wet or hazardous areas. P5 (lowest slip risk) is ideal for pool surrounds and high traffic wet areas.
• Comfort: Choose lighter pigments and specialised coatings to keep surfaces cool during hot weather.
• Durability and maintenance: Consider the amount of maintenance required for the concrete finish. Some finishes require resealing and are higher maintenance than others.
• Installation process: Take into account the installation process as this directly affects the project’s timeline, budget and long term performance. Brushed concrete is often considered the easiest and fastest to install as it requires no chemical retarders or heavy mechanical machinery.

There are a myriad of concrete finishes for a pool area, from exposed aggregate and polished to brushed and coloured. Choosing the right concrete finish is a balance of safety, durability, aesthetic appeal and comfort. In 2026, there is a trend towards materials that provide high slip resistance and heat reflection to keep surfaces safe and comfortable. Piave provides a selection of high quality, stylish and durable concrete finish options perfect for a home pool surround project.