If you’re upgrading your pool deck in Arizona, two of the most popular options are pavers and concrete coatings (Cool Deck/overlays). Both can look great and perform well in extreme heat, but the best choice depends on your existing surface, budget, comfort goals, and how you use the space.
Here are a few key factors that can make one option a better fit for your project.
Thickness and Trip Hazards
One of the most common issues we see is installing pavers over existing concrete. When pavers add height, they can create uneven transitions where the deck meets patios, door thresholds, drains, or other adjoining surfaces. That change in elevation can create a trip hazard, especially around pool edges where people are barefoot and surfaces are often wet.
In some cases, existing concrete can be demolished and rebuilt to the correct elevation, then sloped properly for drainage. However, demolition can require specialized equipment and hauling, which can increase costs depending on access and the amount of removal needed.
Concrete coatings/overlays, on the other hand, are applied directly over existing concrete. They provide a refreshed surface without significantly changing deck height. Most overlays are very thin, roughly the thickness of a coin, so you typically avoid creating a trip hazard at transitions.
Cost and Budget Flexibility
Cost depends heavily on what you already have.
- If you have an existing concrete deck in decent condition, coating it is often the most cost-effective upgrade. It improves appearance, adds texture for slip resistance, and can reduce heat without the expense of demolition and new materials.
- If your existing concrete is severely damaged, poorly sloped, or failing, you may need repairs, leveling, or replacement first. That can increase the cost of either option.
Both pavers and coatings range from simple, budget-friendly designs to more elaborate, high-end designs. The right path usually depends on the amount of surface you’re working with and whether the current deck can be reused.
Aesthetic and Design Options
When it comes to looks, both options offer a lot of flexibility but they deliver different styles.
Pavers are manufactured products, so that you can predict the final appearance well. You’ll still see natural variation from batch to batch, especially with stone-look products, but overall, the finish is consistent and clean. Pavers are an excellent choice for a structured, patterned design and a classic Arizona backyard look.
Concrete coatings and overlays can be finished in solid colors or decorative stains. Staining is part art and part science colors can be custom blended and layered to create a natural stone-like effect, modern concrete tones, or unique patterns. Because overlays are more customizable, sample boards are often used to help match the final color to your goals.
If you want a highly tailored finish that complements your home exterior, waterline tile, or landscaping, overlays can be an excellent choice.
Temperature and Comfort in Arizona Heat
Arizona summers are no joke, deck temperature matters for comfort and safety, especially for bare feet and pets’ paws.
- Pavers, plain concrete, stone, and tile do not have built-in cooling properties. Many surfaces can become very hot in direct sunlight.
- Cool Deck coatings and specialty overlays are designed to help reduce surface temperature by reflecting heat and improving comfort underfoot.
Some solid-color systems can also be upgraded with a heat-reflective sealer (often called Reflecto Seal or similar), which can further reduce surface temperature. This type of pigment technology has been used in high-heat environments to reduce infrared heat buildup and improve performance in desert conditions.
If staying cooler is a top priority, a cooling coating system is often the better choice.
Which Option Is Better for Your Pool Deck?
In general:
- Choose pavers if you want a premium patterned look, easy spot repairs, and flexibility with minor ground movement, especially if you’re starting from scratch or replacing old decking.
- Choose a concrete coating (Cool Deck/overlay) if you already have concrete, want to avoid trip hazards, prefer a more seamless look, and want better heat performance in the summer.
The best choice depends on your existing conditions, drainage, and how you use your outdoor space.
Contact Arrowhead Deck & Pools to get expert guidance on the best pool deck option for your yard, budget, and lifestyle.
FAQs
1) Can you install pavers over existing concrete?
Sometimes it depends on elevations, transitions, and drainage. Pavers over concrete can create height differences that lead to trip hazards or drainage issues. In many cases, a coating or overlay is a cleaner solution if you want to keep the existing slab.
2) Do Cool Deck coatings really stay cooler than concrete?
Yes, cool deck and heat-reflective coating systems are designed to reduce surface temperature compared to standard concrete. Results vary based on color choice, sun exposure, and the specific product system used.
3) Which is easier to repair: pavers or concrete coating?
Pavers are typically easier to repair in small areas because individual pavers can be replaced. Concrete coatings can also be repaired, but matching texture and color may require a professional touch to blend seamlessly.
4) Which lasts longer: pavers or concrete coatings?
Both can last for many years when installed correctly. Pavers may need occasional re-sanding or re-leveling over time, while coatings may need resealing or re-coating depending on wear, sun exposure, and pool chemical splash. Proper drainage and installation are the biggest factors in longevity.
About the Author
Arrowhead Deck & Pools is a Phoenix-based team specializing in pool remodeling, decking, and outdoor upgrades built for Arizona living. We share practical guidance to help homeowners plan smarter projects and create outdoor spaces they’ll enjoy for years.
Website: https://arrowheaddeck.com/
Email: solutions@arrowheaddeck.com
Phone: +18558332525