Many homeowners who have decided to lay paving around pools are often sold on the fact that natural stone is virtually maintenance free. They later realise, however, that this is not necessarily true (note our use of the word “virtually”) – the sand used between the pavers likes to make its way into the swimming pool, black fungus and green mold likes to grow on the surface, ants like to burrow into the sand, and so on. So, how can these problems be corrected?

▪       Sand tracked into the pool and the house
If you have noticed the sand between your pavers making its way into the pool or being tracked into the house, you might be interested in having a “sand lock” applied. This product is comprised off fine granules of sand and polymeric adhesives; when exposed to water, the product hardens into a nearly invisible substance that locks the sand in place. This will also eliminate the need to add new sand to the gaps.

▪       Black fungus and green mold growth
The presence of black fungus between your pavers or green mold on them could be linked to a drainage problem or to moisture as a result of high humidity. The best solution for your paving is to apply a mild detergent and clean water solution once a week. Simply tip the solution onto the surface and spray it off with the garden hose. Pay special attention to covered areas that retain moisture.

▪       Ants burrow into the sane between pavers
If you have noticed that ants or other insects have decide to make paving around pools their home, you might be worried about your children being bitten or stung as they play. A mild insect repellent can be used for spot control (simply spray whenever you notice a nest or an influx of bugs), whereas an insect treatment sprayed around the area can be a more long-term solution. “Sand lock” will also help with this.

▪       Pavers become uneven and sink after rain
To rectify this problem, consider where the affected area is. If sinking occurs only around the shell of your swimming pool, it could actually be caused by a broken pipe or improper compaction of backfill. This will require a professional repair. If sinking occurs elsewhere, it is likely the result of poorly compacted sub-base material. To rectify this problem, remove the paving and add more fill.

▪       Weeds grow between the pavers
The presence of weeds between your paving is often a result of airborne seeds landing in the joints (rather than dormant seeds coming up through the sub-base). This is often an isolated problem and can be treated quite easily through the application of a spot weed killer. It is important, however, that you don’t use any oil-based products, as these can actually irreparably stain the natural stone.

 Whilst having natural stone paving around pools certainly looks fantastic, it is important to remember that this is not a maintenance free choice. The same is true of any material used around a swimming pool, as it will be subjected to conditions that are different than the usual. Providing that you have taken steps to correct many of the problems we have outlined above, you can rest assured that your paving will look its best well into the future.