If you’re planning a new pool or replacing an existing deck, concrete is likely the most practical surface you can put around it. It’s durable, customizable, and — when properly installed and finished — handles South Jersey’s climate better than most alternatives.
The question most homeowners have isn’t whether to use concrete. It’s which type of concrete finish to use, and what actually looks good once it’s done. Here’s an honest breakdown of the options we install and what each one delivers.
Why Concrete Works Well Around Pools
A pool deck needs to handle a specific set of conditions: constant water exposure, the weight of furniture and people, direct sun for hours a day, and New Jersey winters that freeze and thaw repeatedly. It also needs to be safe to walk on when wet and easy enough to maintain that it doesn’t become a chore.
Concrete checks all of those boxes when it’s done right. The finish you choose determines the texture and slip resistance underfoot, the overall look of the space, and how much maintenance you’ll do year to year. Each option has genuine trade-offs, and we’ll walk through them clearly below.
Broom-Finish Concrete: The Reliable Standard
A standard broom finish is exactly what it sounds like: fresh concrete is finished with a broom drag that leaves a lightly textured surface. It’s the most common pool deck finish for good reason — it’s durable, provides solid grip when wet, and requires minimal upkeep.
The trade-off is aesthetics. A plain broom finish is gray and utilitarian. It gets the job done without adding much character to the space. For homeowners who want the deck to fade into the background and let the pool and landscaping carry the visual interest, that’s actually fine. For homeowners who want the deck to feel like part of a designed outdoor living space, there are better options.
Exposed Aggregate: Texture, Character, and Durability
Exposed aggregate concrete is finished by washing or brushing away the top layer of cement paste while the concrete is still workable, revealing the natural stone and pebble mix underneath. The result is a textured surface with visible aggregate that has more visual character than plain concrete and provides excellent grip.
It’s one of the better pool deck choices from a practical standpoint. The texture naturally reduces slip risk, the aggregate surface is comfortable underfoot when you’re barefoot (unlike rough broom texture, which can feel abrasive), and the speckled appearance does a good job of hiding minor wear and staining over time. We install exposed aggregate concrete as part of our full concrete services.
Stamped Concrete: The High-End Option
Stamped concrete is what most homeowners picture when they imagine an upscale pool deck. It’s poured, colored, and stamped with patterns that mimic natural materials — slate, stone, brick, cobblestone, and more. The result looks significantly more finished and designed than standard concrete and can be coordinated with a patio, walkway, or hardscaping elsewhere in the yard.
We offer a wide selection of stamped patterns for pool deck applications. Some of the most popular for pools include:
- Slate patterns — Ashlar slate, New England slate, Roman slate seamless texture. These work well around pools because the natural stone aesthetic complements the water and they look good wet.
- Stone patterns — Bluestone seamless, random stone, old granite cleft stone. Bluestone in particular is a natural pairing with pool decks — it’s what many high-end natural stone pools use, and stamped concrete can achieve a very similar look at a lower cost.
- Cobblestone patterns — Cut stone cobble, Appian cobblestone, European fan. These add a more traditional or Old World character to the space.
- Wood patterns — Random boardwalk, reclaimed timber. Less common for pools but a striking look for a more modern or organic design direction.
Color is the other variable. We offer a broad range of color options — from warm tones like sandstone, desert tan, and buckwheat to cooler tones like slate, ash, and limestone. The right color depends on your home’s exterior, the pool finish, and what you want the overall space to feel like. We work through that decision with you before anything gets poured.
Important Considerations for Pool Deck Concrete
Slip Resistance
This is not optional. A pool deck gets wet constantly, and the finish needs to provide adequate grip for barefoot traffic. Broom finish and exposed aggregate both naturally provide texture. Stamped concrete requires more attention — the pattern and texture depth matter, and a sealer that’s too glossy can be dangerously slick when wet. Sealing is part of every pool deck installation we complete.
Heat Retention
Light-colored concrete reflects more heat and stays cooler underfoot in direct summer sun — an important consideration for South Jersey summers when the deck can get very hot in the afternoon. Darker colors absorb more heat and can be uncomfortable barefoot on a sunny day. If you’re set on a darker color, discussing the sun exposure on your specific deck is worth doing before you commit.
Drainage
Pool decks need to slope slightly away from the pool and toward drainage points so water moves off the surface rather than pooling. We account for this in the installation — proper slope and drainage planning is part of how a deck is laid out, not an afterthought.
Expansion Joints
Concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes. Expansion joints — controlled cut lines in the slab — allow for that movement without random cracking. They need to be placed correctly and in the right locations. On a stamped deck, joint placement is planned to integrate with the pattern so they don’t interrupt the visual design.
Resurfacing an Existing Pool Deck
If you have an existing concrete pool deck that’s scaling or looking dated, resurfacing is an option in some situations. We can apply a new layer of concrete over a structurally sound existing slab, which restores the surface and can significantly change the appearance without full demolition and replacement.
The key qualifier is “structurally sound.” Resurfacing over a slab with structural cracking, significant settlement, or sub-base problems doesn’t fix those issues — the overlay will follow whatever movement the slab underneath is doing. We assess the existing deck before recommending this path.
Why Work With Us
We’ve been doing concrete work in South Jersey since 1985, with over 15,000 projects completed. Pool deck installations — both new pours and resurfacing — are a regular part of our workload, and we’re fully licensed, bonded, and insured. Owner Mike Almand is hands-on and manages each project personally.
We offer free estimates and can typically get out to take a look the same week you reach out. Whether you’re starting with a new pool installation, replacing a deck that’s reached the end of its life, or upgrading an existing deck before the season, we’ll give you a clear picture of your options and a transparent quote.
Get Your Free Pool Deck Estimate
Ready to talk through your pool deck project? Call us at (856) 310-1390 or visit almandbros.com to get in touch. We serve homeowners throughout South Jersey and can get you a free estimate quickly — no obligation, no pressure.