Best Pavers for Pool Area: 10 Options Compared by Material, Size and Drainage

Pavers for a pool area have a harder job than patio pavers. They sit in splash water, get walked on with bare wet feet and take full sun most of the summer.

This guide compares 10 pool area pavers and deck tiles across four material groups: natural travertine, ceramic, plastic or PVC, and rubber. Each review sticks to what the listing states, such as tile size, pack coverage, thickness and drainage design.

You will also find the two mistakes people make most often around pools, a short buying checklist and quick picks for each type of deck.

Gardenbine earns a commission from qualifying Amazon purchases made through links on this page, at no extra cost to you. Product details come from the manufacturers’ listings.

On this page

1. Compare Pool Area Pavers by Material, Size, Pack and Water Handling
2. Detailed Reviews: Best Pavers for Pool Area
3. Pick Pool Pavers for Wet Feet, Not Just Looks
4. Order Enough Pavers to Cover Cuts and Waste
5. How to Choose Pavers for a Pool Area
6. Which Pool Area Pavers Should You Choose?
7. Frequently Asked Questions
8. Final Verdict

Compare Pool Area Pavers by Material, Size, Pack and Water Handling

Detailed Reviews: Best Pavers for Pool Area

1. MS International Tenedos 12×12 Travertine Natural Stone Tile, Cream Beige (Best Natural Stone Overall)

• 12 x 12 intile size
• 10 tilesper box
• 10 sq ftcoverage
• Floor and wallrating

Best for: Homeowners who want the classic stone look around an in ground pool and plan a mortar set install.

Why it ranks #1: It beats the Versailles set on clear listing detail and beats the ceramic and plastic tiles on the natural stone finish most pool decks use.

The Tenedos tile from MS International is genuine travertine in warm cream beige tones. The listing says each 12 x 12 inch tile has natural pits and veining, and a box of ten covers 10 square feet. MS International also tells you to add 10% overage for cuts and waste, which is a useful planning number.

The tile is rated for floors and walls and listed for indoor and outdoor use. The outdoor note says patio and covered exterior use, and it asks you to seal the stone after installation. For a pool deck, plan on sealing and resealing on the schedule your sealer label gives.

Skip it if you want a weekend install over an existing slab without mortar; the NewTechWood Ceramic Deck snaps together on a raised base instead.

2. Oracle Tile & Stone Crema Travertine Brushed and Chiseled Versailles French Pattern Tiles (Best for Large Decks)

• 72 sq ftcoverage
• 9 bundlesper lot
• Brushed and chiseledfinish
• Versaillespattern

Best for: Buyers covering a full pool surround who want a patterned stone layout delivered in one order.

Why it ranks #2: It covers 7 times the area of the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine in one lot, but its listing gives far less detail, so it ranks just below.

Oracle Tile & Stone sells this Crema travertine as a lot of 72 square feet split into 9 bundles. The tiles come in the Versailles French pattern, which mixes several rectangle and square sizes into a repeating layout. The finish is brushed with chiseled edges, a texture many people pick for a softer, aged look around water.

The listing gives no feature notes beyond the title. It does not state thickness, outdoor rating or sealing advice. Before you order, ask the seller for tile thickness and confirm the stone suits an exterior deck in your climate. Plan to seal it the same way you would any travertine.

Skip it if you need the specs spelled out before you buy; the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine lists its rating, coverage and sealing advice.

3. NewTechWood Outdoor Ceramic Quick Deck Tiles 12 in. x 12 in., Prato Travertine (Best Click Together Stone Look)

• 12 x 12 intile size
• 5 piecesper box
• Real ceramicsurface
• Raisedoff ground

Best for: Owners of an existing concrete pool deck who want a stone look without mortar or grout.

Why it ranks #3: It gives the travertine look of the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine with a quicker install, but small boxes and less stone character keep it at third.

NewTechWood makes this Quick Deck tile with a real ceramic top in a Prato Travertine finish. Each tile measures 12 x 12 inches and a box holds 5 pieces. The listing says the tiles are easy to install and sit raised off the ground, which lets water pass under the surface instead of pooling on it.

You can mix and match these tiles with other NewTechWood deck tile products, so you could border a ceramic area with a different finish. The listing calls them easy to clean. It does not list thickness or a slip rating, so check a sample with wet feet before you cover the whole deck.

Skip it if you are building a new deck on soil; a set stone like the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine or a ground paver like the EcoPaver Rubber 16×16 fits better.

4. Goovilla Plastic Interlocking Deck Tiles, 27 Pack 12×12, Dark Coffee (Best Budget Snap Tile)

• 12 x 12 intile size
• 27 tilesper pack
• 8 flats, 6 drainstop design
• No toolsinstall

Best for: Renters or anyone who wants a quick poolside upgrade they can lift and move later.

Why it ranks #4: It covers more area per pack than the NewTechWood Ceramic Deck and drains through the surface, but plastic lacks the stone feel of the top three.

Goovilla builds these deck tiles from high hardness plastic. The listing says they are lighter than wooden tiles but still carry good loads, and they stand up to sun, rain and snow. A pack holds 27 tiles at 12 x 12 inches. The top surface has 8 flat strips with 6 drains between them, and the back uses a rhombic pattern for grip.

Goovilla uses rectangular snaps that it says hold tiles closer together than other designs, and no tools are needed. You can cut the tiles with a saw to fit edges. The listing names poolside use directly. Cleaning is a rinse with a hose or water gun.

Skip it if you want a permanent stone deck; the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine is the long term option.

5. VEVOR Interlocking Tile 55PCS Black, Soft PVC Drainage Floor Tiles 12×12 (Best for Constant Wet Zones)

• 12 x 12 intile size
• 55 tilesper pack
• 0.6 in (15 mm)support pins
• Soft PVCmaterial

Best for: Pool showers, ladder landings and changing areas where water hits the floor all day.

Why it ranks #5: It drains faster than the Goovilla Plastic Deck Tiles thanks to raised pins, but its soft mat style suits wet spots more than a full deck.

VEVOR sells this set of 55 interlocking drainage mats, each 12 x 12 inches. The listing says the tiles stand on upgraded support pins of 0.6 inches (15 mm) so water runs off quickly rather than sitting on the surface. The material is upgraded PVC that VEVOR describes as soft but tough and able to hold its shape.

The tiles resist hair and oil, according to the listing, and clean with a simple rinse. Swimming pools are among the wet areas VEVOR names. Gray is offered as a color option alongside this black set. Expect a mat feel underfoot rather than a hard paver surface.

Skip it if you want a hard, finished deck surface; the NewTechWood Ceramic Deck gives a ceramic top with a similar raised design.

6. Playsafer Rubber Garden Pavers 3/4 inch Interlocking Safety Tiles, Terra Cotta, 40 Tiles (Best Brick Look in Rubber)

• 3/4 inthickness
• 7.8 x 6.3 inper tile
• 40 tilesper pack
• 12 sq ftcoverage

Best for: Families who want a cushioned, brick style path from the house to the pool.

Why it ranks #6: It gives a softer step than the plastic tiles above it, but 12 sq ft per pack makes it better for paths than full decks.

Playsafer makes these T bone shaped pavers from wear resistant rubber 3/4 inch thick. Each tile measures 7.8 x 6.3 inches, and 40 tiles cover 12 square feet. The listing says the pavers are water permeable and non slip, and it points to all weather use and comfort underfoot.

The tiles interlock and expand to any size area. Playsafer says you can lay them in any pattern without prior experience and replace a single tile if one wears. The terra cotta color reads like clay brick from a few steps away, which suits a traditional patio near the pool.

Skip it if you need to cover a big area fast; the Playsafer Brick 16×16 uses 16 x 16 inch tiles.

7. Playsafer Brick Rubber Interlocking Tiles 16 x 16, Dark Gray, 20 Tiles (Best Large Format Rubber)

• 16 x 16 intile size
• 20 tilesper pack
• Hiddeninterlock
• Slip resistantsurface

Best for: Pool owners who want rubber comfort over a larger area with fewer pieces to lay.

Why it ranks #7: Its 16 inch tiles cover ground faster than the Playsafer Bone Pavers, but the listing does not state thickness or drainage.

This Playsafer brick tile is listed under the IMC brand on Amazon, though the title uses the Playsafer name. Each tile is 16 x 16 inches with a brick pattern on top, and a pack holds 20 tiles. A hidden interlock system joins the pavers so the edges stay tight and the surface stays stable.

The listing describes the rubber as built for rain, snow and strong sun, with a comfortable, slip resistant surface for children and adults. Care is a sweep or a hose down now and then. It does not list thickness or whether water passes through, so leave a slight slope on the base.

Skip it if you want water to soak through the paver; the Playsafer Bone Pavers is listed as water permeable.

8. EcoBorder EcoPaver 16 in. x 16 in. Dual Sided Recycled Rubber Paver, Black, 6 Pack (Best Recycled Pick)

• 16 x 16 inpaver size
• 6 paversper pack
• 2 designsreversible
• 1/2 tireper paver

Best for: Eco minded buyers who want a reversible paver for a pool path or equipment pad.

Why it ranks #8: It offers two looks in one paver, unlike the Playsafer Brick 16×16, but a 6 pack covers a small area and the listing skips drainage detail.

EcoBorder makes the EcoPaver from 100% recycled rubber, and the listing says each paver keeps half a tire out of the landfill. Each one is 16 x 16 inches and dual sided: one face shows cobblestone and the other shows brick. You can flip them to change the look or mix both faces.

The listing names garden paths, garage floors and grill mats as uses, and the pavers are made in the USA. It does not mention pools, thickness or drainage. Around a pool, it works best for a side path, a filter pad or the spot under a grill.

Skip it if you need a pool rated surface; the Goovilla Plastic Deck Tiles names poolside use in its listing.

9. RevTime 20 pcs Hexagon Rubber Pavers 10-1/2 inch, 3/4 inch Thick, Terra Cotta (Best Decorative Pattern)

• 10.5 inhexagon
• 3/4 inthickness
• 20 piecesper pack
• Water permeablesurface

Best for: Buyers who want a honeycomb pattern for stepping stones or a small lounge pad near the pool.

Why it ranks #9: It shares the 3/4 inch thickness of the Playsafer Bone Pavers but uses a hexagon shape that suits decorative layouts more than full decks.

RevTime makes these hexagon pavers from soft rubber that flexes and grips. Each piece measures 10-1/2 inches and is 3/4 inch thick, and a pack holds 20. The listing says the rubber is water permeable and breathable, and that it stays non slip even in rain.

The hex shape lets you expand the layout in any direction, and you can swap out one damaged paver without disturbing the rest. RevTime says no special maintenance is needed and no construction experience is required. The terra cotta color adds warmth beside blue pool water.

Skip it if your deck has long straight edges; the square Playsafer Brick 16×16 lines up with less cutting.

10. Yaheetech 108PCS Acacia Wood Deck Tiles Interlocking Patio Flooring (Best Warm Wood Look)

• 108 piecesper set
• Acaciawood top
• Plasticbase
• Mortise and tenonjoints

Best for: Owners of an above ground pool with a concrete or wood landing who want a natural wood feel.

Why it ranks #10: It brings a wood look none of the others offer, but wood needs more care near chlorinated water, so it ranks tenth.

Yaheetech sells 108 interlocking deck tiles with natural acacia wood tops finished in water based paint. The planks attach to the base with mortise and tenon joints to resist cracking. The title calls the base PP plastic while the feature list says PVC, so treat it simply as a plastic base.

Gaps between the slats give a non slip surface in damp weather, according to the listing, and snaps under each tile let air move beneath it. You can lay the set over concrete, wood floors or carpet. The listing does not state tile size, so confirm it before you plan your layout.

Skip it if you want the lowest care deck; the Goovilla Plastic Deck Tiles is plastic and rinses clean.

Pick Pool Pavers for Wet Feet, Not Just Looks

The most common mistake is choosing a paver for how it looks in a showroom. Around a pool, the surface is wet most of the time and people walk on it barefoot. Grip and drainage matter more than color.

Look for listings that state how water leaves the surface. The Goovilla Plastic Deck Tiles has 6 drains in each tile, the VEVOR PVC Drainage Tiles sits on 0.6 inch pins, and the Playsafer Bone Pavers and RevTime Hex Rubber Pavers are listed as water permeable. Natural stone like the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine relies on texture and a good sealer instead.

A simple rule of thumb: plan a slope of about 1/4 inch per foot away from the pool on any solid deck, so water runs off rather than pooling. Then pick a surface you would happily cross with wet feet.

Order Enough Pavers to Cover Cuts and Waste

The second mistake is ordering the exact square footage of your deck. Edges, corners, drains and the curve of a pool coping all need cut pieces, and cut pieces create waste.

The MS International listing for the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine gives a clear rule: add 10% overage for cuts and waste. Use the same 10% for most pavers, and bump it to 15% for patterned layouts like the Oracle Crema Versailles or hexagons like the RevTime Hex Rubber Pavers, since those shapes leave more offcuts along straight borders.

Check pack coverage before you compare. The Playsafer Bone Pavers covers 12 sq ft per pack, while the VEVOR PVC Drainage Tiles covers about 55 sq ft. For a 300 sq ft deck, that is the difference between about 28 packs and 6 packs once you add overage.

How to Choose Pavers for a Pool Area

Material

Natural stone such as travertine gives the classic pool look and lasts for years with sealing. Ceramic deck tiles copy that look with a click together base. Plastic and PVC tiles are light and drain well. Rubber is the softest underfoot. Pick stone for a permanent deck and snap tiles for a quick upgrade.

Drainage

Raised bases and drain holes move water fast. The VEVOR PVC Drainage Tiles stands on 0.6 inch pins and the NewTechWood Ceramic Deck sits raised off the ground. Solid pavers need a sloped base to shed water.

Tile Size

Sizes on this list run from 7.8 x 6.3 inch rubber bricks up to 16 x 16 inch rubber tiles. Larger tiles go down faster with fewer joints. Smaller tiles bend around curves more easily.

Install Type

Travertine needs a mortar or sand bed and some tile skill. Interlocking tiles snap together over an existing slab, often with no tools. Match the install to your skills and your timeline.

Care and Safety

Stone needs a sealer, and wood needs regular cleaning. When you seal or clean any paver, follow the product label and the manufacturer’s instructions, and keep chemicals out of the pool water. Dark surfaces can get warm in full sun, so test them barefoot on a hot afternoon.

Which Pool Area Pavers Should You Choose?

• If you want natural stone with clear specs, choose the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine, because it is floor rated and covers 10 sq ft per box.
• If you are covering a large deck in one order, choose the Oracle Crema Versailles, because one lot covers 72 sq ft.
• If you want a stone look without mortar, choose the NewTechWood Ceramic Deck, because its ceramic top sits on a raised click base.
• If you want a low cost quick fix, choose the Goovilla Plastic Deck Tiles, because 27 tiles snap together with no tools.
• If you have a constantly wet spot, choose the VEVOR PVC Drainage Tiles, because 0.6 inch pins lift it above standing water.
• If you want a cushioned brick path, choose the Playsafer Bone Pavers, because its 3/4 inch rubber is water permeable.
• If you want rubber over a bigger area, choose the Playsafer Brick 16×16, because each tile is 16 x 16 inches.
• If recycled material matters most, choose the EcoPaver Rubber 16×16, because each paver saves half a tire.
• If you want a honeycomb pattern, choose the RevTime Hex Rubber Pavers, because its 10.5 inch hexagons expand in any direction.
• If you want a warm wood finish, choose the Yaheetech Acacia Tiles, because it has acacia tops on a plastic base.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the best paver material for a pool area?

Travertine is a common choice for pool decks because it has a textured surface and a natural look. It needs sealing after installation. If you want a quicker install over an existing slab, ceramic deck tiles like the NewTechWood Ceramic Deck or plastic snap tiles like the Goovilla Plastic Deck Tiles are easier options.

Travertine vs rubber pavers for a pool deck: which is better?

Travertine is better for a permanent, high end deck and suits a mortar or sand install. Rubber pavers are better for comfort and safety, since they feel soft underfoot and several are listed as non slip. The Tenedos 12×12 Travertine is the stone pick here, while the Playsafer Bone Pavers is a water permeable rubber option.

Can you put interlocking deck tiles around a pool?

Yes, many interlocking tiles are made for wet areas. The Goovilla Plastic Deck Tiles lists poolside use and has 6 drains per tile, and the VEVOR PVC Drainage Tiles names swimming pools among its wet areas. Lay them on a firm, level slab with a slight slope so water drains away from the pool.

Do pool pavers need to be sealed?

Natural stone does. The Tenedos 12×12 Travertine listing says to seal after installation for lasting protection. Most plastic, PVC and rubber tiles need no sealer, only a rinse. When you use any sealer, follow the product label and keep it from running into the pool water.

How many extra pavers should I buy for a pool deck?

Plan on about 10% extra for straight square layouts, which matches the overage the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine listing recommends. Add about 15% for patterned sets like the Oracle Crema Versailles or hexagon pavers like the RevTime Hex Rubber Pavers, since they create more offcuts around edges and coping.

Are rubber pavers safe around a pool?

Rubber pavers are soft and the listings for the Playsafer Bone Pavers and RevTime Hex Rubber Pavers say they stay non slip in wet weather. Follow the manufacturer’s install instructions and keep the base level so edges do not lift. Dark rubber can get warm in direct sun, so check it before kids run across barefoot.

Final Verdict

The best pavers for pool area use come down to the deck you have. For most in ground pools, the Tenedos 12×12 Travertine is the top pick: genuine floor rated travertine, a clear 10 sq ft per box and sealing advice right in the listing.

If you want to skip mortar, the NewTechWood Ceramic Deck gives a ceramic stone look on a raised click base. Before buying any pool area paver, measure your deck, add 10% for cuts and test a sample with wet bare feet.