Welcome to the world of Rubber Surfacing
A pool deck should be safe, comfortable, and durable, but many traditional materials like concrete fall short.
Rubber Stone is a premium poured-in-place rubber pool deck surfacing that revolutionizes outdoor spaces by combining slip resistance, comfort, and long-lasting performance. Whether you're researching pool deck resurfacing options or comparing rubber pool deck surfacing to concrete, pavers, or tile, this guide covers everything you need to know.
In this comprehensive comparison, we’ll explore:
✔ Why rubber pool deck surfacing outperforms concrete, pavers, and wood
✔ The key benefits of Rubber Stone for pool deck resurfacing
✔ How it compares in cost, maintenance, and lifespan
✔ Real-world applications for non-slip pool deck safety
By the end, you’ll have a really good understanding of why rubber surfacing is the best choice for pool decks, where safety and comfort are paramount.
4 reasons why Rubber Surfacing is the #1 choice for Pool Decks
1. Unmatched Slip Resistance (Critical for Pool Deck Resurfacing)
Rubber pool deck surfacing is specifically engineered for wet environments. Unlike slick concrete or smooth tiles, Rubber Stone features a textured, porous surface that maintains traction even when it gets wet.
- Exceeds safety standards (ASTM F1677 for slip resistance)
- No need for abrasive additives (unlike concrete, which requires anti-slip coatings)
- Ideal for commercial pools where non-slip pool deck compliance is mandatory
2. Comfortable & Cooler to Walk On
Traditional materials like concrete absorb heat, making them unbearable in summer. Rubber Stone stays up to 40°F cooler and provides cushioning:
- Heat-reflective pigments reduce surface temperature
- Shock-absorbing for barefoot comfort (unlike hard pavers)
- No splinters or cracks (common with wood or aging concrete)
3. Longest Lifespan for Pool Deck Resurfacing
When comparing pool deck resurfacing materials, longevity matters. Rubber Stone outperforms alternatives:
- UV-resistant – Won’t fade like stained concrete
- Freeze-thaw stable – No cracking in cold climates
- 20+ year lifespan (vs. 10-15 years for concrete/wood)
4. Minimal Maintenance vs. Other Surfaces
Rubber pool deck surfacing saves time and money:
- No sealing or resanding (unlike wood decks)
- Stain-proof – Resists chlorine, sunscreen, and algae
- Pressure-wash safe – No grout lines to degrade
Rubber Stone vs. Other Pool Deck Materials
1. Rubber Pool Deck Surfacing vs. Concrete
Rubber Stone is naturally slip-resistant without any extra steps. Concrete is slippery when wet and requires an additional step to be considered slip-resistant.
Rubber surfacing stays cooler in direct sun. Concrete gets incredibly hot.
Rubber surfacing requires very little maintenance, concrete requires regular maintenance and repairs.
Installation time: Rubber - 1 to 2 days. Concrete - Requires days or weeks to cure and it may crack.
2. Rubber Surfacing vs. Pavers
Rubber is cushioned and non-slip. Pavers can get gaps, the surface and edges are hard, and they can become uneven over time.
Pavers may have settling issues which causes more standing water issues.
Rubber surfacing doesn't require leveling. Pavers will need releveling over time.
Installation time: Rubber - 1 to 2 days. Pavers - 1 to 2 weeks.
3. Poured-in-place Rubber vs. Tile
Tile is one of the most dangerous surfaces because of how slippery it becomes when it's wet. Tiles can crack due to heat and cold, especially when cold water comes in contact with hot tiles. There is a risk of shifting.
Installation time: Rubber - 1 to 2 days. Tiles - 1 to 2 weeks.
Wrapping it up. Why rubber Makes a Better Pool Deck
When it comes to pool deck resurfacing, we think rubber, specifically Rubber Stone, stands out as the better, smarter investment.
Traditional materials like concrete, pavers, tile, and even wood just don't stack up. The combination of constant sun and the elements in general wreak havoc on these types of surfaces. Rubber, like the tires of your car, are made to last. When you choose a Rubber Stone pool deck you are getting:
✅ Unbeatable slip resistance, keeping swimmers safe even when wet
✅ Superior comfort, staying cooler and softer underfoot than concrete or stone
✅ Decades of durability, resisting UV rays, freeze-thaw cycles, and heavy foot traffic
✅ Minimal maintenance, saving you time and money over the years
✅ Longer lifespan, meaning less replacement cost later down the road
So whether you're a homeowner looking for a safer family pool area or a commercial property manager needing a low-maintenance, ADA-compliant solution, Rubber Stone checks every box.
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