Thanks Rhodium, I forgot that we did think about that... for a few moments. The down-side is that we'd also have to leave the deck (that steps down to the patio) at a higher elevation to accommodate the added stone and mortar later, and who knows if we'd ever have the money to complete that, so I thought we should just give it up and accept that stone isn't going to happen. Thanks for the idea though, it's definitely a good one.

Jetlane, We just went through the stamping nightmare. Even though our contract said we required expansion joints/saw cuts (I was willing to do anything to keep from having cracks), our builder did not put them in. When we reminded them they never 'got to it'. Within the first week we had over 30 cracks. We then did a lot of research. Because we were able to prove the rebar was improperly placed (not the contracted 16" and left on ground rather than suspended) we were able to get a new deck installed. Whew. Take pictures of everything - before, after and especially during. Here is what we found after calling recommended stampers. You need to do the saw cuts around 2 hours after pouring - at the latest early the next morning after a pour. Not later the next day, not a week later. Also when stamping it is important to have the concrete be just right - not too wet or dry. We were told the original job was done when the concrete was too dry. We thought about going the PVC deck joint route but heard too much about the strips eventually cracking. Our concrete guys had a special saw (like an edger) that did straight saw cuts. Make sure they use a new sharp blade. Our cuts are somewhat ragged. Where they used the manual smaller saw the cuts are much sharper. We ended up with three cracks - one running near the expansion joint from the skimmer - but we at least feel we did what we could to limit cracks. We learned after the fact that we should have gotten our own concrete people. We found we had a couple really highly recommended stampers here locally but were already committed to use the ones our pool builder contracted. Another lesson. Listen to recommendations - pros and cons. All it takes is one negative comment to raise a red flag. Don't ignore it and think it wouldn't happen to you. Hope this helps.

I would vote against stamped concrete for a pool deck. Last year we had a deck torn off our home and replaced with a 16x20 stamped concrete patio. Looking back, we wish we would have opted for pavers. The cost was basically the same but I think the pavers would have been a better option. Our concrete is stamped in a slate stone pattern and is dark grays, black and light grays in color. It is appealing but you have to be careful with furniture as it will scratch the finish. We also have to seal the patio about twice a year to maintain the "wet-look" appearance. We didn't notice the slippery surface as much until this spring when we installed our in-gournd pool. When the kids run from the pool to the stamped concrete it is a concern due to the slick surface of the stamped concrete. There have been a few falls until the kid realized they need to be careful. When their friends are over, we have to caution them on the slippery surface of the patio. Also, the release agent they place on the concrete to color it is very messy. If your pool is completed (especially if it is filled) I would think the release agent would be a mess. They basically throw this colored powder on top of the concrerte and let is sit overnight as the concrete cures. The next day they hose it off. The stuff does not dissove in water, it kind of floates in the water and the run off into my lawn was there for a while. It was a dark chalky like substance- messy. I would not want to have to deal with that around my pool. We opted for brushed concrete around the pool transitioning to a retaining wall and steps (built from retainig wall block) up to the stamped concrete patio. In my opinion, I would in no way want the slippery stamped concrete as my pool walkway.

I lived in Michigan, I had a concrete driveway, and stamped concrete porches (mudroom, front porch, back patio). The driveway where it was not stamped cracked. The other porch/patio didn't. I've had some people say concrete will always eventually crack. I'm not sure. I also had chipmunks, they definitely dug under my mudroom concrete porch steps. It wasn't a deterrent. A deck may make the space feel more enclosed, but will probably be the least expensive. We are ripping out now a front wood porch, which I feel has invited termites ( I live in a wooded area). We are putting in pavers, mainly for look. We are told that they will winter well (shoveling, etc.,) but I can't speak to it yet.