Crazy paving has been around for a long time, but in recent years it has been used in a much more refined manner.
It’s not only for old garden paths or old fashioned patios. When used well, crazy paving around pools can be very relaxed, natural and considered. It can be a wonderful addition around pools, particularly.
The reason is fairly simple. Not all pool area consist of straight lines.
Most of the good pool designs feature curves, soft edges and organic shapes. In those areas, the traditional rectangular paving may seem a bit awkward. They want everything to be straight, and that is not always the case with the shape of the pool or the garden.
Crazy paving is not like that. The irregular shape of the stone pieces makes them flow more naturally around curved pool edges, garden beds and outdoor living spaces. It can help to make the whole area more relaxed.
Why crazy paving works so well around pools
When it comes to paving around a pool, it needs to be more than just pretty.
It should be comfortable to walk on, waterproof, heat resistant and link the pool to the rest of the garden. That’s where natural stone can be a great choice.
Crazy paving adds texture and movement to the area. It also prevents the hard, tiled appearance that some pool surrounds can give. It can help the pool blend into the garden instead of standing out as a separate element in the backyard when combined with soft lawn edges or a more natural garden design.
This is particularly true for pools that have curved shapes or less formal edges. Crazy paving is not a square grid, so it doesn’t have to fight the curves.
It can feel modern, not messy
The primary risk of crazy paving is the balance.
If the stone selection, joint size or grout colour does not appear to be correct, it can be very easy to get busy. However, if those details are managed correctly, the outcome can be serene and quite refined.
The key is restraint.
A softer stone tone, a thoughtfully chosen grout colour and a uniform laying pattern all make a difference. The natural variation is still present, but it’s intentional. Not random.
This is typically where crazy paving falls short. It should be comfortable, but not random.
It suits the way people are designing outdoor spaces now
The last few years have seen a softening of outdoor spaces.
Clean and crisp design is still in demand, but not everything has to be straight and shiny. Increased interest in texture, natural materials, and comfortable living spaces. More interest in texture, natural materials and spaces that feel comfortable to live in.
Crazy paving fits that shift nicely.
It brings in a handmade quality. It has variation. It ages well. It can be used around a pool to create a more laid-back and resort-like vibe without taking over the space.
Before installing crazy paving around a pool, there are a few things to keep in mind.
Like any pool finish, it needs to be selected properly.
The stone needs to be suitable for wet areas. Before anything is laid, it should have the right slip resistance, be comfortable underfoot and not be too hot in full sun, and sealing, drainage and maintenance should be considered.
Also consider how the crazy paving relates to the pool coping, garden beds, steps and outdoor entertaining spaces. Those junctions matter. They can make the difference between a beautiful finish and a somewhat patchwork finish.
Our view
Our viewCrazy paving is best used when it is part of the initial design of the pool.
It should not be considered as a surface finish that is applied at the end. The form of the pool, the planting, the stone colour, the coping and the garden around the pool all must complement each other.
If they do, crazy paving can be a very good option. It makes the pool area look soft, fits curves like a dream and adds a natural texture to many contemporary outdoor spaces.
It’s no wonder that it’s making a comeback in the right pool and garden designs.
FAQs
Is crazy paving a good choice around pools?
Yes, crazy paving can be a beautiful option around pools when it is specified and installed correctly. It provides a much more natural and relaxed ambiance to the pool area than traditional paving, making it ideal for casual outdoor settings. The secret lies in selecting the right stone, the right finish, and ensuring that the levels, drainage and grout joints are done correctly from the beginning.
Is crazy paving slippery when wet?
As with any pool surround, it is dependent on the material and finish. We don’t like anything that’s too smooth or polished around a pool, as wet areas require texture underfoot. A good natural stone with the appropriate surface finish can offer a functional and comfortable finish, but it must be carefully chosen for the intended use of the space.
What type of stone is best for crazy paving around a pool?
No one stone is the best for all pools. Depending on the style of the home, the amount of sun, the colour palette and the surrounding landscape, travertine, sandstone, limestone and some granites can all work well. We tend to seek out stone that feels good under our feet, has good traction, and will hold up in the outdoors.
Does crazy paving get hot around a pool?
Darker colours will retain more heat than lighter ones, and some stones will retain more heat than others. When the pool area is exposed to a lot of direct sunlight, the type of stone is crucial. While lighter coloured natural stone may be easier on the feet, we always consider the site in its entirety before suggesting a material.
Can crazy paving be used for pool coping?
It may be, but it must be detailed correctly. Pool coping has a job to do. It must be designed to surround the pool, control the flow of water, be comfortable on the edge, and integrate with the rest of the paving. Crazy paving may be used all the way to the edge of the pool in some projects. Others, however, will have a more structured coping piece that will yield a cleaner and more functional outcome.
Does crazy paving need to be sealed around pools?
In most cases, yes. Around pools, natural stone is exposed to water, salt, chlorine, sunscreen, leaf litter and general outdoor wear. A good sealer will keep the stone in good condition and will help to keep it easier to maintain. It’s not about using any product and hoping it works, it’s about using the right product for the stone and the pool environment.
Is crazy paving hard to maintain?
It’s not hard to keep up, however it should be done correctly. It is a natural stone and should be cleaned with the appropriate products and re-sealed as necessary. Installation is also a significant factor in good quality. Maintenance is much more difficult if the paving is not laid properly, if the joints are uneven, or if the paving does not drain properly.
Why is crazy paving so popular around pools?
The trend of crazy paving has returned as people have grown tired of outdoor spaces that are too hard, flat or predictable. It adds character and movement around a pool. It can help to make a new pool feel more established, and it is particularly effective when the garden, pool and outdoor living area are integrated as a single space.
Does crazy paving suit modern pool designs?
Yes, if it is used in moderation. Crazy paving doesn’t have to be rustic or old fashioned. It can be a great fit for modern homes and contemporary pool designs, provided the right stone colour, grout choice and layout are used. The key is to keep the rest of the scene simple so that the paving becomes a focal point without overwhelming the viewer.
Is crazy paving suitable for curved or irregular pool shapes?
Yes, this is one of the reasons why it can be so effective. Crazy paving consists of irregular pieces, which can be arranged to follow curves and organic shapes more naturally than square or rectangular pavers. This is a good choice for pools that are more subdued, laid-back, or integrated into the natural environment.
