We have a huge multi-layer paver patio and I LOVE it! We put cement decking around the pool because I wanted a smoother surface on the bare feet but we liked the look of textured pavers like we got on the patio. I had 18" saw cuts put in the concrete to help with the cracking, but it didn't eliminate it. I think it has reduced the cracking, but hasn't stopped it completely. As far as pavers around the pool, I know others have done them around the pool and like them. Maybe they can chime in about the sand issue. My paver guy said they can be sealed to help keep the sand in it's place but we didn't want to deal with that. Good luck in your decision.
{{!gwi}}

We love our pavers. The best thing about them is if there's a problem with anything, you just lift and replace. We haven't had to do that yet, but if the need arises, it is an easy repair. The deck is only sandy when you first have them installed. You need to brush the sand into the lines between the pavers to "lock" them in securely. Once the sand is in there, it will settle between the pavers. Unless you have one loose or you replace a paver, you won't have sand around to cause a problem. Our sand has compacted itself between the pavers now and we don't have issues with sand being tracked into the pool or the house. We matched our pool coping to our pavers.

I had pavers installed around my pools this year and instead of regualar sand, SuperSand was used. Haven't had any lose sand problems at all.

Here is a link that might be useful: SuperSand Link

Thanks Sharla, Dischnell and artvanda1ay. I spoke with the paver salesperson this morning and he said they always seal them when they're used around a pool.

Our house was built in 1961 (we bought it last year) and there's one area of the existing concrete that's completely lifted up from the slab next to it (probably from an earthquake and/or settling of some sort).

It turns out the paver company is now offering a lifetime guarantee (which they weren't offering last Fall when I had the original proposal).

Again, thanks for your input!

I really appreciate it!

I have pavers with no sand problem and I like them a *lot*...much more than concrete and there wasn't a great price differential...Shop around pricing-wise. I purchased the pavers at Ackerstone in Corona (just north of Riverside, if I'm not mistaken)where they sell overruns to the public at greatly reduced rates on Friday morings (other than that, they only sell to contractors). I had my landscaper install them. I ended up sealing them a year after they were installed. I didn't have sand problems either before or after they were sealed. My only regret is that I should have gone with a lighter color as they get hot (less so than similarly-colored concrete, but more than my light cantera coping).