Cool Deck vs Pavers: Best Pool Deck Options for Arizona Heat

Best Pool Deck Options for Arizona Heat: Cool Deck vs. Pavers

When it comes to Phoenix pool decks, comfort is king. Nobody wants to do the hot-foot dance across scorching concrete to reach the water.

David Resurface was founded with a simple mission: to provide exceptional pool remodeling and resurfacing services that customers can truly rely on. We see the toll the Arizona sun takes on backyard surfaces every single day.

Two popular solutions are Cool Deck coatings and pavers. Let’s compare them head-to-head.

Temperature Comparison

The main reason people consider these options: staying cool in Arizona summer. From what I’ve seen, this is usually the deal-breaker for families with young kids or pets.

Surface Temperature Test (110°F Day)

Winner: Travertine pavers (slightly), but Cool Deck is very close and much more affordable.

Why These Surfaces Stay Cooler

Cool Deck (Acrylic Lace):

• Reflectivity: Light colors reflect a significant amount of solar radiation.
• Texture: The “lace” or “knockdown” texture creates air pockets. Your foot only touches about 60% of the surface area, which reduces heat transfer.
• Modern Additives: Many newer formulations include heat-reflective compounds that didn’t exist twenty years ago.

Travertine:

• Porosity: This natural stone is filled with tiny holes that allow heat to escape rather than building up.
• Composition: As a form of limestone formed in hot springs, it naturally resists retaining heat.
• Color: Most Arizona installs use light beige or “Ivory” tones which naturally deflect the sun.

Insider Tip: The “5-Second Rule”

If you can’t hold the back of your hand on the deck for five seconds, it is too hot for your dog’s paws. We always recommend light colors (sand, ivory, bone) regardless of the material you choose.

Cost Comparison

Here’s where the decision often gets made.

We find that budget often dictates the choice before design even comes into play.

Winner: Cool Deck, by a significant margin.

Cool Deck typically costs 50-75% less than installing new pavers. It allows you to use your existing concrete slab as the foundation, which saves thousands in demolition and dumping fees.

Durability and Lifespan

Cool Deck

• Lifespan: 10-15 years with proper maintenance.
• Reseal: Every 3-5 years recommended.
• Repairs: Touch-ups are possible but often look like “patches” since matching sun-faded color is difficult.
• Weather resistance: Good, but UV rays will eventually cause chalking or fading.

Pavers

• Lifespan: 25-50+ years.
• Reseal: Optional, but recommended every 3-5 years to protect against staining.
• Repairs: Individual stones can be lifted and replaced seamlessly.
• Weather resistance: Excellent. Stone does not fade the way paint or acrylics do.

Winner: Pavers for longevity, but Cool Deck offers good durability for the price.

Maintenance Requirements

Cool Deck Maintenance

You need to keep the surface clean to prevent the texture from filling with dirt.

• Sweep regularly.
• Pressure wash annually (Keep pressure under 2000 PSI to avoid stripping the texture).
• Reseal every 3-5 years ($500-1,000).
• Keep pool chemistry balanced. Consistently high calcium or salt splashing can degrade the coating over time.

Paver Maintenance

Weeds and shifting are your main enemies here.

• Sweep regularly.
• Pressure wash as needed.
• Refill Joint Sand: The sand between pavers can blow away or wash out. You may need to top this off every few years.
• Weed Control: Seeds can settle in the sand joints. A pre-emergent spray helps control this.
• Leveling: If the ground shifts, you might need to lift and re-level a section.

Winner: Tie. Both require ongoing maintenance, just different types.

A Warning on Sealers

Do not use a high-gloss “film-forming” sealer on outdoor pavers in Phoenix. The intense heat can cause these thick sealers to bubble, peel, and turn white. We recommend a “penetrating” sealer that soaks into the stone without leaving a plastic-like film on top.

Aesthetic Options

Cool Deck

• Texture: Standard “Lace” or “Knockdown” patterns are most common.
• Color: Hundreds of acrylic paint colors are available.
• Uniformity: Creates a clean, consistent look that spans the entire deck.
• Vibe: The classic “Arizona Resort” look that feels familiar and tidy.

Pavers

• Patterns: The “Versailles” or “French Pattern” (a mix of 4 sizes) is the gold standard for a luxury look.
• Variation: Natural stone has unique veins, holes, and color shifts. No two stones are alike.
• Materials: You can mix materials, such as using travertine for the main deck and a dark granite border.
• Vibe: High-end, custom, and luxurious.

Winner: Pavers for design flexibility and upscale appearance.

Installation Process

Cool Deck Installation

1. Prep: Power wash and acid etch the concrete (1 day).
2. Repair: Fill cracks with epoxy or cement patch (1 day).
3. Application: Spray and trowel the texture coat, followed by the color seal coat (1-2 days).
4. Cure: Ready for foot traffic in 24-48 hours.

Total: 3-5 days.

Paver Installation

1. Demo: Jackhammer and remove old concrete (very noisy and dusty) (1-2 days).
2. Excavation: Dig down to allow for the base material (1-2 days).
3. Base: Install and compact recycled concrete or aggregate base (1 day).
4. Sand: Lay a 1-inch bed of bedding sand (1 day).
5. Install: Hand-lay the pavers in the chosen pattern (2-4 days).
6. Finish: Install the coping, vibrate the pavers into place, and sweep in joint sand (1-2 days).

Total: 7-14 days.

Winner: Cool Deck for faster installation and less mess.

Drainage Considerations

Cool Deck

• Relies entirely on the slope of the original concrete.
• If your deck currently holds water (birdbaths), a new coating will not fix it.
• Leveling compounds can fix minor dips (less than 1/4 inch), but major drainage issues require concrete work.

Pavers

• Excellent for fixing drainage problems.
• We can grade the sand base underneath to direct water away from the home.
• Deco-Drains: It is easy to install channel drains (Deco-Drains) between the pavers to capture runoff.
• Permeable installation allows some water to seep through the joints rather than pooling.

Winner: Pavers for drainage flexibility.

Resale Value Impact

Winner: Cool Deck for immediate ROI, travertine for maximizing home value.

Our Recommendation

Choose Cool Deck If:

• Budget is your #1 factor: You want a clean, cool surface for the lowest price.
• Your concrete is healthy: You have few cracks and no major heaving.
• You want it done fast: You have a party next weekend.
• You prefer uniformity: You dislike the “busy” look of natural stone.

Choose Pavers If:

• You are staying put: You plan to be in this home for 10+ years.
• Your concrete is a mess: You have major cracks or lifting slabs that need to be hidden.
• You want luxury: You are upgrading the whole backyard (BBQ, fire pit) and want a cohesive look.
• Drainage is an issue: You need to regrade the area to stop water from hitting the back door.

Consider Both?

Some homeowners choose a combination strategy.

• The Hybrid Approach: Install pavers for the coping (the 12-inch border around the water) to frame the pool beautifully.
• The Field: Use Cool Deck for the large surrounding areas to keep costs down.

This provides the “frame” of a luxury pool while saving thousands on the square footage.

Making Your Decision

Still unsure? Consider these questions:

1. How long will you stay in this home? (Longer = pavers make more sense).
2. What’s your realistic budget? (Be honest about the $10k+ difference).
3. What condition is your current deck? (Major structural cracks often reappear through Cool Deck).
4. How important is the “luxury” look? (Travertine transforms a yard; Cool Deck just refreshes it).
5. Are you comfortable with weeds? (Pavers require weeding; Cool Deck does not).

Get Expert Advice

Every pool deck is different. We’d be happy to assess your specific situation and provide personalized recommendations. Our assessments are free, and we’ll give you honest advice even if it means suggesting a solution we don’t provide.

Contact us or call (602) 619-1234 to discuss your pool deck options.