Concrete vs Pavers for Pool Renovations in 2026 — WA Homeowner Guide

Planning a pool renovation in Perth is an exciting upgrade—but choosing the right surface for your pool surrounds can make or break the result.

In 2026, homeowners across WA are weighing up concrete vs pavers for pool renovations. Both options can look great, but they perform very differently in Perth’s climate, especially with heat, salt air, and heavy use.

This guide breaks down the key differences so you can confidently choose the best solution for your home, lifestyle and long-term value.

Table of Contents

Concrete pool surrounds are poured as a continuous slab and can be finished in a range of decorative styles.

Popular finishes in Perth include:

• Honed concrete
• Exposed aggregate
• Coloured concrete

Key Benefits of Concrete

• Seamless finish with no gaps
• Strong structural integrity
• Customisable colours and textures
• Low long-term maintenance
• Modern, high-end appearance

Concrete is widely used in suburbs like Floreat, Hillarys and Scarborough, where homeowners prioritise both durability and design.

Safety is a major factor in any pool renovation.

• Concrete can be treated with anti-slip sealers, making it safe for wet areas
• Exposed aggregate naturally provides grip due to its textured surface
• Pavers can also offer traction, but joints may create uneven areas over time



For families and high-use pool areas, professionally finished concrete often provides more consistent safety performance.

Perth’s environment can be tough on outdoor surfaces.

Concrete pool surrounds

• Handle UV exposure well
• Resist movement when properly reinforced
• Perform strongly in coastal conditions

Pavers

• Can shift or sink over time
• May require re-levelling
• Can be affected by weed growth between joints

In coastal suburbs like Mindarie, Trigg and City Beach, concrete is often preferred for its long-term durability.

Both materials offer different design outcomes.

Concrete

• Clean, seamless finish
• Modern architectural appearance
• Ideal for indoor–outdoor flow which pairs perfectly with a concrete patio area
• Custom colours and finishes

Pavers

• Traditional or classic look
• Patterned layouts
• Defined joint lines

If your goal is a high-end modern outdoor space, concrete typically provides the more refined finish.

Costs vary depending on site conditions and design complexity.

As a general guide:

• Concrete pool surrounds: typically $120–$180 per m² depending on finish
• Pavers: can start slightly lower but may increase with labour and base preparation

While pavers may appear cheaper upfront, concrete often delivers better long-term value due to lower maintenance.

9. Maintenance Requirements

Concrete Maintenance

• Resealing every 3–5 years
• Occasional cleaning
• Minimal repairs

Paver Maintenance

• Re-levelling if movement occurs
• Weed control between joints
• Sand replacement over time



Over the long term, concrete generally requires less ongoing effort and cost.

Choose concrete pool surrounds if you want:

• A modern, seamless finish
• Long-term durability
• Low maintenance
• Strong performance in Perth conditions

Choose pavers if you prefer:

• A traditional design
• Modular layout
• Lower upfront cost (in some cases)

For most Perth homeowners in 2026, concrete continues to be the preferred option for pool renovations due to its performance, appearance and longevity. If concrete signs like the option for you - take a look at our blog post Concrete Pool Surrounds Perth Guide 2026.

Have a question or need some more info and don't see it below feel free to reach out to the team and we will get back to you as soon as possible.