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

In Arizona, your pool deck choice isn’t just about looks - it’s about whether you can walk to the pool without burning your feet. Cool Deck and pavers are the two most popular options, but which is actually better for Phoenix pools?

After installing and repairing both for over a decade, here’s my honest comparison. For more details on our pool deck resurfacing services, visit our main service page.

The Bottom Line Up Front

Factor	Cool Deck (Acrylic Lace)	Pavers (Travertine/Concrete)
Surface Temperature	Excellent (~115°F - 125°F)	Varies (Travertine: Cool / Concrete: Hot)
Cost (2025/26)	$3 - $6 / sq ft	$12 - $20+ / sq ft
Lifespan	10-15 years	25+ years (Lifetime of pool)
Maintenance	Medium (Reseal every 3-5 years)	Low (Seal every 3-5 years, refill sand)
Appearance	Good (Standard pool look)	Premium (Resort/Luxury look)
Repair	Easy to recoat/patch	Replace individual pavers

Cool Deck: The Arizona Standard

Kool Deck (originally trademarked by Mortex) has been the go-to pool deck surface in Phoenix for decades. Today, most “cool deck” jobs actually use a stronger Acrylic Lace coating, which solves many of the original product’s cracking issues.

How Cool Deck Works

Cool Deck stays comfortable through thermal reflection and texture. The system uses:

• Light pastel colors (typically sand, beige, or cream) to reflect UV rays.
• A “knockdown” textured surface that reduces the surface area touching your foot.
• Specialized cementitious additives that resist heat absorption.

This combination keeps surface temperatures around 115°F to 125°F on a hot afternoon. While that sounds high, standard grey concrete can easily hit 150°F+, which causes immediate burns. Learn more about the science in our guide on how Cool Deck works.

Cool Deck Pros

Temperature performance: This is the primary selling point. Our field tests show light-colored acrylic lace stays within 5-10 degrees of high-end tumbled travertine.

Cost effective: At $3-6 per square foot for resurfacing, this is the most budget-friendly option. A typical 500 sq ft deck might cost $2,500 to resurface, leaving room in your budget for other upgrades.

Quick installation: A professional crew can prep, repair cracks, and apply the new texture in just 2-3 days. You can often swim the same week.

Slip resistance: The textured “lace” pattern offers excellent grip. We recommend this surface for households with active kids running around the pool.

Cool Deck Cons

Shorter lifespan: You will likely need to resurface every 10-12 years. The acrylic topcoat wears down under the intense Phoenix sun and foot traffic.

Can crack: Because it bonds directly to the concrete slab below, if your concrete deck cracks from soil movement, the coating will crack with it.

Maintenance required: You cannot simply ignore it. We advise a fresh coat of paint/sealer every 3-5 years to prevent the texture from chipping off.

Pavers: The Premium Option

Pool pavers have surged in popularity as homeowners seek more upscale aesthetics. Brands like Belgard and Tremron are common in Arizona, offering durable concrete options, while natural stone remains the gold standard.

Types of Pool Pavers

Travertine (Natural Stone):

• The Coolest Option: Light-colored, tumbled travertine is often 20-30% cooler than concrete.
• Slip Resistance: Look for “Tumbled” finish rather than “Honed” or “Polished” to ensure safety when wet.
• Cost: Premium price point, usually starting around $15/sq ft installed.

Concrete Pavers:

• Variety: Available in endless shapes and colors from manufacturers like Belgard.
• Heat Warning: Darker concrete pavers can get dangerously hot (160°F+). Always choose light colors for bare feet.
• Durability: extremely strong but requires sealing to prevent fading.

Porcelain Pavers:

• Stain Proof: The non-porous surface resists oil, wine, and food stains.
• Modern Look: Offers a sleek, consistent appearance perfect for geometric pools.
• Maintenance: Lowest maintenance option, but installation is more labor-intensive.

Paver Pros

Premium appearance: Nothing beats the look of natural stone. A travertine deck immediately increases the perceived value of your home.

Longer lifespan: Properly installed pavers will outlast the pool itself. They do not fade or wear down like a painted coating.

Individual repair: If a heavy object cracks a paver, you can simply lift it out and replace it. There is no need to resurface the entire deck.

Doesn’t crack: Pavers are “flexible pavement.” They float on a sand bed, allowing them to shift slightly with the ground without cracking.

Paver Cons

Higher cost: Expect to pay $12,000 to $20,000 for a standard pool deck. This is a significant investment compared to resurfacing.

Weeds and ants: The joints between pavers are vulnerable. We recommend using Techniseal HP NextGel polymeric sand to lock joints and prevent insect intrusion.

Uneven settling: If the base isn’t compacted correctly, pavers can sink over time, creating trip hazards.

Temperature Testing: Real Results

I’ve tested surface temperatures on summer days. Here’s what I’ve found at 3 PM on a 110°F day:

Surface	Temperature	Danger Level
Dark concrete	165°F+	Burn Hazard
Dark Pavers	160°F+	Burn Hazard
Light concrete	145°F	Uncomfortable
Concrete pavers (light)	135-145°F	Hot
Cool Deck (light)	115-125°F	Safe
Travertine (tumbled)	110-120°F	Safe

Key insight: Color matters more than material for concrete products. A dark paver will burn you, while a light Cool Deck is safe. Natural travertine is the only material that stays cool regardless of texture.

Cost Comparison (500 sq ft deck)

Costs have risen slightly in 2025 due to labor rates. Here is a realistic breakdown for the Phoenix metro area.

Option	Material & Labor	20-Year Cost*
Cool Deck (Resurface)	$2,500 - $3,500	$5,000 - $7,000
Concrete Pavers	$8,500 - $11,000	$9,000 - $12,000
Travertine Pavers	$10,000 - $15,000	$10,500 - $16,000

*Includes estimated maintenance (cleaning, sealing) and one major resurfacing for Cool Deck.

Insider Tip: The “Water Test” for Maintenance

You can easily check if your current deck needs attention. Pour a cup of water on your pavers or Cool Deck.

• If it beads up: Your sealer is working.
• If it darkens and soaks in immediately: The surface is porous and vulnerable to damage. It is time to reseal.

Which Should You Choose?

Choose Cool Deck If:

• Budget is priority: You want a safe, functional deck for under $5,000.
• Existing concrete is good: Your current slab has minimal cracking or shifting.
• Heat is the main concern: You want the guaranteed heat reflection of acrylic lace.
• Fast turnaround: You need the pool ready for a party next weekend.

Choose Pavers If:

• You plan to stay: This is a long-term investment that adds resale value.
• Soil issues: You have expansive clay soil that constantly cracks your concrete.
• Aesthetics matter: You want the resort-style look of travertine or Belgard pavers.
• Low maintenance: You prefer occasional power washing over scraping and painting.

The Hybrid Approach

Many Phoenix homeowners use both:

• Pavers for main entertaining areas (around seating, outdoor kitchen).
• Cool Deck for the walking paths and less visible areas.

This gives you the premium look where it matters while keeping costs reasonable.

My Professional Recommendation

For most Phoenix homeowners, Cool Deck remains the smart choice. It’s proven, affordable, and performs exceptionally in our climate. The cost difference funds other backyard improvements like a new variable-speed pump or heater.

However, if you are building a dream backyard and want that permanent resort feel, quality tumbled travertine is the best surface money can buy in Arizona.

What’s right for your pool? Contact us for a free estimate and we’ll discuss the best options for your specific situation.