Materials Used in Stone Pool Patios

Stone

• The first material to select for your pool patio is the stone itself. There are a variety of stones that work well so you can easily find a look that complements the rest of your landscape and your home's exterior. Flagstone is one of the most common stones used for pool patios and has a natural, rustic look. Slate, sandstone and limestone are all varieties of flagstone that serve well for a patio because of their flat surfaces. They are available in a variety of shades including gray, blue, brown and red, giving your patio a decorative look as well. Fieldstone is another attractive option for a pool patio surface and, with a much rougher texture than flagstone, provides effective traction around your pool.

Mortar

• If you are building a mortared stone pool patio, mortar is obviously essential. Mortar serves as an adhesive to hold stones in place and keep them from shifting. For a pool patio, use Type N or S mortar, available in a powder form and mixed with water to the right consistency. Apply the mortar directly to damped soil surrounding your pool with a trowel to smooth it out. However, mortar dries quickly, so work in small sections and set the stones as you go.

Gravel

• If you live in an area with a low frost line, you may opt to dry lay your stone pool patio. A dry-laid patio requires a base for the stones to sit on to ensure proper drainage. Once the soil surrounding your pool has been dug out to the appropriate depth and compacted, lay a four-inch thick layer of gravel. Gravel is an ideal base material for pool patios because it does not retain moisture, and water can easily pass through the individual stones to drain away from the patio surface.

Sand

• Sand is another essential material when dry laying a stone pool patio. Prior to setting the stones in place, cover the gravel with a two- to three-inch layer of compacted sand. Once the stones are in place, spread additional sand over the entire stone surface and sweep into the joints between the stones. The sand stabilizes the patio and helps keep the stones in place so they don't shift or come loose when guests walk across the surface.