Creating a welcoming poolside retreat involves more than just crystal-clear water and modern furnishings. The material you choose for the surface will determine how safe, durable, and attractive this area will be. When homeowners across Toronto and GTA consider their pool deck landscaping options, interlocking surfaces consistently emerge as the gold standard that combines functionality with stunning aesthetics.
The space around the swimming area must meet several requirements at once — it must be safe, comfortable for relaxation, and blend harmoniously with other elements of the landscape. Success depends on thoughtful material selection, proper water drainage, and plant compatibility tailored to the layout.
Why Interlocking is a Smart Choice for Poolside Spaces
Using interlocking around pools introduces adaptability rarely found in rigid surfaces. Its component-based layout simplifies future repairs — should movement occur, single pieces are replaceable without disrupting the rest. Flexibility of this kind proves especially useful in Ontario’s climate, where ground shifts are seasonal realities.
Surface safety is also one of the central concerns for pool decking. Interlocking surfaces offer reliable performance, offering slip resistance under wet conditions — unlike smooth tile or untreated concrete. Water flows between paver joints, helping eliminate puddles that could cause falls.
Design-wise, interlocking pavers unlock creative options that solid slabs cannot. Patterns, accent borders, and colour blends can be tailored to reflect the style of your property and outdoor environment.
Best Practices for Installing Interlocks Around Pools
Proper installation begins long before the first paver touches the ground. If you choose the best materials for pool decking and prepare the base correctly, the decking will last for decades. In the GTA’s climate conditions, it’s essential to build a properly layered base that allows for efficient drainage and can withstand freeze-thaw cycles. For example, at Oaks, after the swimming pool installation is complete, the interlocking process begins with excavating the area to a depth of 12 to 14 inches. The first critical step is to separate the native soil from the gravel base using geotextile fabric. Then, we compact the base material thoroughly, every 2–3 inches, to ensure long-term stability of the interlocking pavers. Next, we spread a layer of HPB (High Performance Bedding) — a self-leveling material that doesn’t require additional compaction. The pavers are laid directly on top of this bedding layer. Finally, we install edge restraints to keep the pavers in place and sweep polymeric sand into the joints. This not only locks the pavers together but also helps prevent weed growth and adds durability to the surface.
Effective slope design is critical. Hard surfaces near pools should tilt slightly away from the water — around 2% — to allow runoff, without creating hazards for walking or sitting furniture. Skilled landscapers understand how to achieve this balance without compromising functionality.
When selecting joint filler, opt for polymeric sand. It resists erosion from splashes, helps block weed growth, and stabilizes the layout. Compressing and activating the sand correctly ensures the area handles both water and heavy use without issues.
Choosing the Right Material
Interlocking Pavers
Textured interlocking options top the list when selecting the best pavers for pool deck builds. Purpose-designed varieties include built-in channels and anti-slip coatings for added safety. Modern manufacturing techniques produce concrete options that closely mimic natural stone textures while providing consistent dimensions and colours. This is a great idea for pavers around pools if you need to create a decking that looks modern and practical.
Permeable versions drain directly through the paving, reducing pooling and making them perfect for areas with dense or clay-heavy soil. Their structural interlock reduces movement while supporting weight evenly. These systems appear frequently in stone landscaping around pool environments due to their balance of looks and practicality.
Natural Stone
Elegant and enduring, natural stone introduces timeless character to any outdoor setting. Every slab brings a unique variation in hue and form, offering a richness that man-made materials can’t fully reproduce. Designs using stone around pool settings blend easily with either rustic or modern styles.
Paving choices include granite, travertine, limestone, and sandstone. Each behaves differently — limestone handles heat well, sandstone adds warm colour tones and natural grip, while granite excels in strength, though smoother finishes should be avoided near water, travertine is cool underfoot, naturally porous, and elegant, and remains a top pick.
Tile
Porcelain and ceramic tiles designed for outdoor use provide unlimited design possibilities through colour, pattern, and texture variations. Large-format tiles create clean, modern appearances, while smaller mosaic tiles allow for detailed patterns and artistic elements. Anti-slip surface treatments and proper installation techniques are essential for tile success in poolside applications. Quality outdoor tiles resist freeze-thaw damage and maintain their appearance with minimal maintenance, making them an excellent choice for decking around a pool.
Picking Ideal Textures and Colours for Pool Comfort
Light-coloured materials retain less heat, making them comfortable for bare feet, although stains are more visible on such surfaces. Medium shades provide a balance between temperature and visual cleanliness. Rough textures are more slip-resistant but can be more difficult to maintain than smooth surfaces.
Always evaluate samples in both dry and wet conditions. Colours often shift dramatically when exposed to moisture, and what looks ideal in a small piece may differ once scaled across a full yard.
Blending Interlock with Poolside Landscaping
A succeeding idea for pool hardscape is creating seamless transitions between built and natural elements. Choose a shared colour scheme between plants, walls, and pavers to make transitions seamless. Repeating certain finishes in walkways or patio borders ties everything together.
Consider sight lines from inside your home when planning poolside hardscape elements. The view from kitchen or living room windows should be cohesive and meaningful, rather than resembling separate areas competing for attention.
Integrating Lighting into the Pool Hardscape
With built-in lighting, you can transform your pool area from a daytime relaxation spot into an evening entertainment venue. LED strips embedded in steps or paving joints can create soft lighting that enhances safety without overwhelming the space. Lighting installed inside planted areas helps to highlight individual plants and create effective shadows on surrounding surfaces.
Solar-powered lighting is much easier to install, while wired devices provide more reliable operation and brighter lighting.
Choosing the Right Plants for Poolside Environments
Plants near the pool must withstand the heat reflected from the water, periodic exposure to chemicals from the swimming pool water, and, possibly, exposure to salt if you use saltwater systems. It should also complement the visual design, not overtake it.
Choose species with compact roots that won’t disturb the pavers. Aggressive roots could eventually compromise the hardscape’s stability.
Top Low-Maintenance Plants to Pair with Interlock
Best plants around pool installations often include ornamental grasses that provide movement and texture without creating debris. Fountain grass, feather reed grass, and blue fescue offer different heights and textures while requiring minimal care once established.
Evergreen shrubs are ideal plants for creating privacy around the pool and do not require seasonal pruning. Boxwood, juniper, and yew varieties adapt well to poolside conditions, grow at different rates, and require almost no maintenance.
Hostas and coral bells are plants that grow well near the pool in partially shaded areas. These are perennial plants that require minimal care and create a contrast in colour and texture with the hardscape materials.
Best Flowering Plants That Won’t Make a Mess
If you are looking for ideas on how to arrange flowers around your pool, we recommend focusing on plants with small flowers that hardly fall off, or varieties that naturally fade. Catnip, sage, and echinacea are characterized by a long flowering period and practically do not litter the area with fallen petals.
Instead, we recommend avoiding plants with large flowers and large petals — choose varieties of which the flowers remain intact until they have completely faded and do not litter the water and paths around the pool.
Using Planters and Raised Beds with Interlock Surfaces
Potted plants around pool areas offer flexibility that in-ground plantings can’t match. Move them with seasonal needs or adjust layouts during events.
To create focal points or visually separate areas, use planters or flower beds integrated into landscape structures. Raised beds improve drainage and make tending easier while reinforcing the layout structure.
Working with Landscape Professionals for Best Results
Pool landscaping design requires coordinating multiple trades and understanding how each element affects others. Our team can bring experience with local soil conditions, drainage requirements, and plant performance that helps avoid costly mistakes.
We ensure compliance with regulations and insurance standards. You’ll also receive warranty protection with professionally completed work.
Coordinating all these components on your own is challenging. Working with experts leads to a visually cohesive and functional retreat that adds value while reducing long-term upkeep.
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