Pool Deck Pavers Too Hot? Here’s a Better Option

Spending time by the pool should be enjoyable—not painful. But during Central Ohio’s hottest summer days, many homeowners discover that their pool deck pavers are uncomfortably hot underfoot. If your pavers are absorbing too much heat, you're not alone—it’s a common issue, especially with darker or denser materials.

At Double A Ohio, we help clients build pool decks that are as comfortable as they are durable. If your current pool deck is too hot, or you're planning a new build and want to avoid the problem altogether, there are better material choices available—and we’ll walk you through them here.

What Causes Pavers to Get So Hot?

Many homeowners are surprised at just how hot their pool deck pavers can get—especially during peak summer in Central Ohio. While some heat buildup is inevitable, the degree to which a surface becomes uncomfortable (or even dangerous) depends on several key factors. Understanding these elements helps inform better material and design decisions when building or upgrading your pool area.

At Double A Ohio, we help clients identify what’s causing excessive heat and recommend smart alternatives that improve comfort without compromising durability or style.

Factors That Contribute to Overheated Pavers:

• • Material Density
    Dense materials like concrete and certain natural stones (e.g., granite, bluestone) absorb and retain heat for long periods. These materials often feel hotter to the touch, especially in full-sun environments. Even after sunset, dense pavers can continue to radiate stored heat.
  • Color and Shade
    Darker pavers—such as charcoal, brown, slate, or black—absorb significantly more sunlight than lighter tones. This can raise surface temperatures by 20°F or more compared to their lighter counterparts. If your existing pool deck uses dark pavers, heat will likely be a recurring issue.
  • Surface Finish
    Smooth or sealed finishes may reflect some sunlight, but they also trap heat just below the surface. Polished finishes, while attractive, can become dangerously hot and even slippery when wet.
    We often recommend textured, non-slip pavers with a matte finish to reduce both heat and accident risk around water.
  • Sun Exposure and Orientation
    Pool decks that face south or west receive the most direct sun throughout the day. Combined with a lack of natural or structural shade (like trees, pergolas, or pavilions), these decks heat up quickly and stay hot well into the evening.If your backyard is wide open with minimal shade, a design that includes shade structures, pergolas, or strategically placed landscaping can dramatically reduce surface heat and UV exposure.

Can Anything Be Done About It?

Yes—and that’s where our team comes in. At Double A Ohio, we not only design and install new pool decks using cooler alternatives, but we can also retrofit existing patios or decks by incorporating:

• • Lighter-colored overlay pavers
  • Shading features like pergolas, shade sails, or vertical screens
  • Landscape lighting for nighttime usability
  • Permeable pavers that allow airflow and reduce surface temperature

We take a comprehensive look at your backyard environment—including sun angles, soil conditions, and water drainage—to build pool areas that are beautiful, safe, and enjoyable even on the hottest days.

Cooler Alternatives to Traditional Pool Deck Pavers

If you've ever dashed across a burning hot pool deck on a summer day, you know how uncomfortable the wrong materials can be. Fortunately, there are smarter, more comfortable options available—especially when you work with a contractor who understands both climate and design.

At Double A Ohio, we help homeowners throughout Central Ohio choose pool deck solutions that prioritize comfort without compromising on style, durability, or safety. Below are some of the top alternatives to traditional concrete pavers that retain excessive heat.

1. Light-Colored Pavers

One of the simplest yet most effective ways to beat the heat is by choosing pavers in light, reflective colors. Unlike darker tones that absorb and radiate sunlight, light-colored pavers help maintain a lower surface temperature—even on the hottest days.

Benefits:

• • • Reflects sunlight instead of absorbing it
    • Available in attractive shades like beige, cream, ivory, or light gray
    • Offered in a variety of materials, including textured concrete, limestone, and travertine-style finishes
    • Maintains a cooler feel without sacrificing durability or slip-resistance

We often install light-colored pavers as part of a broader hardscaping plan that includes matching coping stones along the pool’s edge. This ensures a cohesive look while providing a safer, more comfortable barefoot surface for your family and guests.

2. Porcelain Pavers

Porcelain pavers are growing in popularity among homeowners who want a sleek, contemporary look combined with practical performance. These ultra-durable tiles are manufactured specifically for outdoor use—and one of their standout features is heat resistance.

Why We Recommend Porcelain:

• • • Naturally cooler to the touch, even in direct sun
    • Non-porous and stain-resistant, making them ideal for high-traffic pool areas
    • Available in an impressive range of finishes: wood-look, stone-look, and textured modern styles
    • Fade-resistant and easy to clean, offering long-term visual appeal

Porcelain pavers also work beautifully when coordinated with walkways, outdoor kitchens, or patio extensions, allowing us to create a seamless design across your entire outdoor living area.

3. Travertine Pavers

For homeowners looking for a high-end, natural stone solution, travertine is hard to beat. Its open-cell structure allows heat to dissipate more effectively than denser materials, making it one of the most barefoot-friendly pool deck surfaces available.

Key Advantages:

• • • Stays significantly cooler underfoot compared to concrete or dark stone
    • Adds elegance and warmth to upscale outdoor spaces
    • Naturally slip-resistant—even when wet
    • Highly durable, weather-resistant, and eco-friendly

While travertine is often a larger upfront investment, it delivers outstanding performance and timeless appeal—making it a great choice for luxury projects or clients planning long-term use of their pool and outdoor space.

At Double A Ohio, we source high-quality travertine and install it with precision, incorporating it into a complete design that may include retaining walls, landscape lighting, and drainage solutions to support function and longevity.

4. Permeable Pavers with Integrated Shade Solutions

If your pool deck is in full sun for most of the day, materials alone may not be enough to keep things cool. That’s why we often recommend combining permeable pavers with built-in shade structures for a comprehensive approach.

What Makes This Combo Effective:

• • • Permeable pavers reduce surface heat by encouraging airflow between joints and allowing water to drain through
    • Improve comfort and safety while supporting eco-conscious stormwater management
    • Combine with custom pergolas, shade sails, or covered pavilions to minimize direct sun exposure
    • Add low-voltage landscape lighting to extend usability into the cooler evening hours

This approach not only solves temperature issues but also improves the overall functionality and aesthetic cohesion of your outdoor space.

Double A Ohio can design and build a fully integrated system—combining grading, drainage, hardscaping, and shade—all tailored to your property and preferences.

Consider Comfort During the Design Phase

If you’re planning a new pool or renovating your outdoor space, heat management should be part of the design from the start. At Double A Ohio, we help you choose materials and layouts that account for:

• • Sun exposure and yard orientation
  • Usage patterns (barefoot traffic vs. lounge seating)
  • Integration with other features like firepits or patios
  • Drainage and grading needs to support long-term performance

We take a comprehensive approach to every project—so your pool deck isn't just beautiful, it's functional and comfortable all season long.

Proudly Serving Central Ohio Homeowners

Double A Ohio designs and installs custom pool decks, patios, retaining walls, outdoor kitchens, and more across:

• • Marengo
  • Sunbury
  • Galena
  • Johnstown
  • Mount Gilead
  • Delaware
  • And surrounding communities in Knox, Delaware, and Morrow Counties

Whether you're building a new pool area or upgrading an existing one, our team delivers craftsmanship you can trust.

Ready for a Pool Deck That Stays Cool All Summer?

If your current pool deck is too hot to enjoy, or you’re ready to build a better outdoor space, Double A Ohio can help. We offer cooler, more comfortable paver options and custom pool deck designs that make your backyard more enjoyable—without sacrificing durability or style.

Contact us today to request an estimate or schedule a design consultation. We proudly serve Marengo and the surrounding Central Ohio area with professional hardscaping, drainage, and outdoor living solutions.