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exposed aggregate concrete question

6 years ago

Hello:

We are in the beginning stages of planning for an inground pool. Since we are new to this pool "business," my question lies with the pool surround.

Pavers are out of question- they are simply too expensive. I thought we would go to simple concrete to be cost effective. My husband likes the exposed aggregate.

To me, exposed aggregate is so 70s. It looks rough and ugly to me. Does anyone here have this around their inground pool? Do you like it? Is it better made than the 70s that I remember? Do the little stones hurt your feet when you walk on it barefoot?

Does aggregate provide for no slipping/falling around the pool vs regular concrete?

Any stories/reports of this are appreciated. I cannot believe that we are on different pages for the pool surround. Thank you

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Comments (3)

PRO
Mystic Pools, LLC
6 years ago
I had a customer 25+ years ago who had this around their pool.

This is just my opinion, but I thought it looked tacky and cheap.
The job looked uniform, but just not for me.

From the practical stand point, it was very hard on the knees when kneeling on the patio. Although I did not ever walk on it barefoot, I suspect it was rough on the feet. Especially after a full day in the water when your soles are soft and you make contact with the rough deck.

Concrete is the least expensive of all patios. You could paint the concrete with a specific deck coating. You would however have to wait at least 28 days for the concrete to fully cure prior to applying any coating. You may have to re-coat every 2-3 years also. The coatings are no-skid and look nice with various color choices.
Although I'm not a big fan, stamped concrete is an alternative.

Think of the future if you ever plan to sell your home with a 70's patio. Re-sale value is a consideration.
mrshanson1 thanked Mystic Pools, LLC
Fori
6 years ago
The newer aggregates have smaller pebbles (or at least they are an option). They ARE less slippery than concrete and don't hurt your feet. I suspect kneeling on it would still be bad though!

The exposed aggregates form the '70s were rough and ouchy and often looked bad, plus they were usually black and white...try to see some modern jobs with the little rocks. It's quite nice. It's NOT the stuff you remember and (appropriately) loathe.

It's not necessarily a dated or "low end" finish. And to a lot of us, it looks much less cheesy than concrete pavers. Do those ever look good? (no!)
mrshanson1 thanked Fori
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mrshanson1
Original Author
6 years ago
Thank you both. I try to look at pictures on pinterest, google images, etc. It's just hard to see from photos online. I think I need to see it in person.

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