West Bay Pools
MATERIALS GUIDE
Explore decking, waterline tile, and interior finishes with real photos from pools we've built across Bluffton and the Lowcountry.
Natural Stone
Natural stone is our preferred decking material for pool surrounds. We work primarily with marble, travertine, and shellstone. These materials stay noticeably cooler underfoot than concrete, hold up well in the South Carolina climate, and genuinely improve with age.
We finish most marble slabs with a leathered texture rather than polished. Leathered stone reduces glare, hides water spots, and provides better traction around a wet pool deck. Each slab is cut from natural stone, so the veining and color variation is unique to your project.
Most Popular Options
Royal Beige
Warm ivory and beige tones, classic and neutral
Mykonos White
Crisp, bright white with a clean Mediterranean look
Crema Bella
Soft cream marble with subtle warm veining
Shellstone
Sandy cream limestone, very cool underfoot
Imperial Blue
Rich grey-blue veining with a leathered finish
Norwegian River Travertine
Natural travertine with warm tan and rust tones
More colors available — ask your designer.
Concrete Pavers
Concrete pavers are a practical and popular choice that can closely mimic natural stone at a lower price point. They install quickly, individual pieces are easy to replace if one cracks, and they hold color well over time.
For paver projects, we recommend the Cool Pool line from Lowcountry Paver, a local company based right here in the Lowcountry. Their Cool Pool collection is specifically designed for pool surrounds and significantly reduces surface temperature compared to standard concrete pavers.
Real Pools with Pavers
Other Options
These materials are available and used in certain situations, but come with trade-offs worth knowing before you decide.
Standard Concrete
Poured concrete is the most economical decking option and can be stamped, brushed, or colored. It's a solid functional choice but has meaningful downsides for pool use.
Pros
- Lowest upfront cost
- Can be stamped or colored
- Fast installation
Cons
- Gets very hot in direct sun
- Prone to cracking over time
- Slippery when wet without texture treatment
- Fades and stains more easily than stone
Kool Deck / Spray Deck
Acrylic spray coatings applied over existing concrete that reduce surface temperature. An economical upgrade from bare concrete, but not a substitute for natural stone.
Pros
- Cooler than plain concrete
- Applied over existing slabs, no demolition needed
- Many color options
Cons
- Can chip, peel, or fade within 5–8 years
- Requires periodic recoating
- Less durable than stone or pavers
- Still warmer than natural stone options
Wood & Composite Decking
Natural hardwood or composite boards work well for elevated deck sections but have real limitations directly adjacent to a pool.
Pros
- Warm, natural aesthetic
- Great for raised or shaded areas
- Composite options are low-maintenance
Cons
- Natural wood warps, splinters, and stains near water
- Composite can get hot in full sun
- Higher maintenance than stone or pavers
- Not ideal for ground-level pool surrounds
Ready to Choose Your Materials?
Our designers will walk you through every option in person and help you build a cohesive look that fits your home and budget.
Get A Free Quote