How to spruce up pool area and make pavers cooler?

[Char1991]

Hey guys, We bought our new property last year that has a 25yr old pool with these red pavers surrounding it. They get EXTREMELY hot in summer and the cantilever umbrella doesnt provide enough shade and we cant fit anymore in. A new pool area is a 5yr plan so what can I paint on the pavers for now that will cool them and also spruce up the area for the next 5 yrs that is relatively inexpensive? Itd need to suit our beautiful brick wall around the pool and keep in mind this is a country property. 

Thanks

 

[JacobZ]

Hi @Char1991,

Thank you for your question about cooling the pavers in your pool area.

A good first step to cooling and freshening up your pool area is to apply a Concrete & Paving Paint. Using paint in a lighter colour will reflect heat far better than your existing dark red surface. Neutral tones such as light grey, beige, or sandstone will reduce the surface temperature and also tie in more naturally with your brick wall. Check out How To Paint Concrete Floors for some guidance.

Another option is to install a Misting Kit along the fence line to cool the surrounding air during peak summer days. 

Combining a reflective coating with a misting kit should give you a pool area that looks much more inviting, feels cooler, and will serve you well until you’re ready for a full renovation.

Allow me to tag @Dave-1, @AlanM52 and @Noyade to see if they have any ideas.

Let me know what you think

Jacob

[Dave-1]

Good morning @Char1991 

I was thinking of two types of things when I was reading about how hot the pavers get. Reflected heat and also stopping the sun fromhitting the surface area in the first place.

When I painted my patio and then used teh same type of pain to paint my bessa blocks next to my pool I really focased in on how reflective/absorbing the paint was. (I didnt know about it until I started looking around for what paint to use) So if you paint (And generally Im not a huge fan, go for something with a low reflection and absorption rate)  Besser block painting makeover and Patio refresh with new paint is where I used thye paint.

No space for more umbrellas... I have sat looking at my pool area with teh same questions, One answer I have come up with is to hang the old advertising flags you see on the side of the telegraph poles (You can be them at recyle shops sometimes) Hang them on horizontaly on wires strung across the area horizontal, pretty much like short sheets. It dosnt stop the sun outright but diffuses the sunlight. I am to try it but have the flags already. The flags are tougher then most umbrella/styled material and I would be able to slide them along and store them out of the way as needed in times of storms/wind.

Another thing you could try and its along the lines that @JacobZ mentioned is some kind of trellis on the walls, That will help stop the reflected heat bouncing back and fourth. Even the plastic greenery you can get from Bunnings would help out. 

I would try to diffuse the sunlight and also diffuses the reflected light first before paint One thing to keep in mind when you redo the pool area is the gazebo type structures that have slatted roofs. More the slatted style then the gazebos I am thinking of.

Dave

[Char1991]

So it turns out these are clay pavers. Is there any sort of product we can use on them to get a sandstone look? 

[EricL]

Hello @Char1991 

I propose looking at using the Crommelin 4L Soft Sandstone Fix And Finish Colour (comes in a bigger can if you need more) to get that sandstone finish you're after. Since your pavers are still in very good condition painting over them should not be an issue and the paint will give you a fresh new look. Combined with all the other ideas suggested you should get a nice, revamped look for your pool area.

Eric

[Char1991]

Fantastic, and this paint will work on clay pavers? What prep work is required?

[EricL]

Hello @Char1991 

It is a versatile paint that is able to go on a variety of surfaces as indicated at the back of the can. Since the pavers are porous it should act like a brick surface, and the paint will get absorbed by the paver. It would always be prudent to test a small section first with the paint before you commit the entire area.

To prepare the surface, I suggest using 30 Seconds 5L Outdoor Cleaner Concentrate in combination with an Oates Long Handle Deck Scrub Brush. I recommend using a power washer if you have access to one. There is a thorough list printed at the back of the can in regards to surface prep, but I believe my suggestion should be suitable for your area. 

My best advice is to make sure that the surface is totally dry, free of puddles and trapped surface water.

If you have any other questions we can help with, please let us know.

Eric