Can You Put Pavers Over Concrete Pool Decks in Orlando?
- localpaversorlando
- Nov 25
- 8 min read
Updated: 1 day ago
Yes, you can put pavers over your concrete pool deck, but only if you do it the right way. The right way uses mortar to stick pavers down. The cheap way uses sand underneath, and that fails fast.
Here's what happens with each method:
Right way (mortar): Lasts 15-20 years, no movement, looks perfect
Cheap way (sand): Fails in 2-3 years, pavers shift, sand washes away
We've seen both in Orlando. The mortar method costs more upfront but saves you money over time. The sand method is cheaper now but becomes expensive when it fails.
What You'll Learn:
When Pool Deck Overlay Makes Sense
When You Should NOT Overlay
The Right Way: Mortar Method Explained
The Cheap Way: Why Sand Fails
Cost Comparison: Overlay vs Tear Out
Orlando-Specific Considerations
How to Check Your Concrete First
When Should You Put Pavers Over Your Concrete Pool Deck?
Situation #1: Surface Cracks Only
Your concrete has small cracks on top, but the foundation is solid. These are hairline cracks, not deep breaks. The concrete doesn't move when you walk on it.
Good signs your foundation is solid:
Cracks are less than 1/4 inch wide
No pieces are loose or crumbling
Pool equipment area is stable
No water pooling in low spots
Concrete doesn't rock when you step on edges
Situation #2: You Hate How It Looks
Your concrete works fine but looks terrible. Maybe it's:
Stained from years of pool chemicals
Faded gray color (used to be nice)
Old stamped concrete that's peeling
Boring plain concrete you want to upgrade
If the structure is good but appearance is bad, overlay works great.
Situation #3: Budget Constraints
Tearing out concrete and starting over costs $15-25 per square foot in Orlando. Overlaying costs $12-18 per square foot. You save $3,000-$5,000 on an average 500 square foot pool deck.
But here's the catch: Only save money if you do it right. A cheap overlay that fails in 3 years costs MORE than doing it right the first time.
Pool Contractor Tip:
"We only recommend overlays when the existing concrete is structurally sound. If there's settlement or major cracking, tear it out. Band-aid fixes cost more in the long run."
When You Should NOT Put Pavers Over Concrete (Tear It Out Instead)
Don't overlay in these situations. You'll regret it.
Red Flag #1: Major Cracks or Settlement
If your concrete has:
Cracks wider than 1/2 inch
Pieces that move when you step on them
Areas that have sunk 1+ inches
Crumbling edges around the pool
This means the base underneath failed. Putting pavers on top just hides the problem for a few months.
Red Flag #2: Water Erosion Underneath
Look for these warning signs:
Water pools in certain spots
You can see gaps under the concrete edges
Sand or dirt washing out from cracks
Pool equipment area has settled
Water erosion means there's nothing solid underneath anymore. Overlaying is like putting a nice paint job on a rotting house.
Red Flag #3: Concrete Is Moving
If your pool deck moves when you walk on it, the foundation is gone. You can't fix foundation problems with pavers on top.
What Happens If You Overlay Bad Concrete: Reddit user from r/Construction shared photos of a pool deck where pavers were put over eroded concrete. Within 6 months, entire sections collapsed. The homeowner paid twice - once for the bad overlay, then again to tear everything out and rebuild properly.
Real talk: Contractors who suggest overlays on bad concrete just want your money now. They'll be gone when it fails.
The Right Way to Overlay: Mortar Installation Method
This is how Local Pavers LLC and reputable Orlando contractors do pool deck overlays.
Step 1: Inspect and Repair the Concrete Base
We don't just cover problems. We fix them first.
Fill all cracks with polymer-modified concrete
Grind down high spots so everything is level
Acid wash to remove all pool chemicals and oils
Let repairs cure for 7 days minimum
Step 2: Install New Coping First
Your old pool coping sits lower than where new pavers will be. We:
Remove old concrete coping completely
Install travertine or concrete bullnose coping at new height
Make sure coping matches paver color and style
Waterproof the bond beam connection
Step 3: Apply Mortar Bed
This is the critical step cheap contractors skip.
Spread 1-2 inches of polymer-modified mortar
Work in 50 square foot sections (mortar dries fast in Florida heat)
Trowel mortar for proper adhesion
Check slope for drainage (2% away from pool)
Step 4: Set Pavers in Mortar
Place pavers while mortar is wet (within 20 minutes)
Tap each paver down firmly with rubber mallet
Check level every 5-6 pavers
Leave 1/8 inch joints between pavers
Clean excess mortar before it dries
Step 5: Grout Joints and Seal
After mortar cures (3-5 days):
Fill joints with polymer-modified grout (not sand)
Grout locks pavers in place permanently
Seal entire deck to protect from pool chemicals
Apply non-slip treatment if needed
Why This Method Works:
Mortar creates a solid bond between old concrete and new pavers. When done right:
Nothing moves (pavers are permanently attached)
Water can't get underneath (mortar is waterproof)
Lasts 15-20 years with minimal maintenance
Pool contractors approve it for warranty purposes
Cost: $14-20 per square foot in Orlando (materials + labor)
The Cheap Way: Why Sand-Based Overlays Fail Fast
Some contractors put pavers over concrete using sand underneath. This is wrong for overlays. Here's why it always fails.
How the Sand Method Works (Badly):
Cheap contractor process:
They put thin layer of sand on concrete (1-2 inches)
Set pavers in sand just like a ground-level patio
Sweep polymeric sand in joints
Tell you it's done
Collect payment and leave
Why This Fails in Orlando:
Problem #1: Water Gets Underneath
Pool splash and rain water seep between pavers and wash sand away. There's no barrier between pavers and concrete. Within months, sand is gone and pavers are sitting on bare concrete.
Problem #2: Pavers Start Moving
Without mortar bond, pavers shift when you walk on them. They rock back and forth. Edges start chipping. Soon you have trip hazards.
Problem #3: Concrete Cracks Still Grow
Sand doesn't fix cracks in your concrete. Those cracks keep growing underneath. Eventually they telegraph through, and you see cracks between your pavers.
Problem #4: Sand Washes Into Pool
Every time it rains, sand washes toward pool. Your pool filter fills with sand. You're constantly vacuuming sand off pool bottom. Pool pump works harder and wears out faster.
Real Example from Orlando:
Lake Nona homeowner paid $8,000 for sand-based overlay in 2022. By 2024:
30% of pavers were loose and rocking
Sand completely washed away in some areas
Pool filled with sand after every rain
Had to tear everything out and redo properly
Total cost: $8,000 (bad job) + $14,000 (tear out and proper install) = $22,000
If they'd paid $14,000 for mortar method in 2022, they'd still have a perfect deck today.
Contractors Who Use Sand Method Say:
"It's just like a regular paver installation!"
Translation: We're taking shortcuts and hoping you don't know better.
Pool Deck Overlay Cost vs Complete Replacement (Orlando Pricing)
Let's compare your three options for a typical 500 square foot Orlando pool deck:
Option | Cost Range | Lifespan | Pros | Cons |
Mortar Overlay (Right Way) | $7,000-$10,000 | 15-20 years | Saves money vs tear-out, fixes appearance, keeps existing base | Existing concrete must be solid, costs more than sand method |
Sand Overlay (Cheap Way) | $6,000-$9,000 | 2-3 years | Cheaper upfront | Fails fast, sand washes out, not warrantied, costs more when you redo it |
Complete Tear-Out | $10,000-$15,000 | 25-30 years | Brand new start, proper base prep, maximum lifespan | Most expensive, takes longer, louder demo |
Which Should You Choose?
Choose Mortar Overlay If:
Your concrete base is structurally sound
You want to save $3,000-$5,000 vs tear-out
Cracks are cosmetic only
You plan to stay in home 10+ years
Choose Complete Tear-Out If:
Concrete has major cracks or settlement
Water has eroded underneath
You want maximum lifespan (25-30 years)
Selling home soon (adds most resale value)
Never Choose Sand Overlay:
It will fail
You'll pay twice
We've never seen one last more than 3-4 years in Orlando
Local Pavers LLC Pricing:
We only do mortar overlays ($14-18/sq ft) or complete tear-outs ($16-22/sq ft). We don't offer sand overlays because we won't put our name on work that fails. Call (689) 221-5641 for honest assessment of your concrete,
Special Considerations for Orlando Pool Deck Overlays
Orlando's climate creates unique challenges for pool deck overlays:
Challenge #1: Afternoon Thunderstorms
We get 50+ inches of rain per year. Water testing happens fast. If your overlay isn't waterproof (mortar method), water will find every weakness.
Challenge #2: Pool Chemicals
Chlorine, salt, and acids are hard on pavers. Overlays need:
Chemical-resistant sealers
Proper drainage so chemicals don't pool
Non-reactive materials (travertine handles chlorine better than some natural stones)
Challenge #3: Screen Enclosure Posts
Most Orlando pools have screen enclosures. Overlay installation must:
Template around every post perfectly
Maintain proper clearance (building code requirement)
Not damage screens during construction
Challenge #4: HOA Approval
If you live in Winter Park, Windermere, or Celebration, your HOA might require:
Design review application before starting
Specific paver colors that match neighborhood
Proof of licensed contractor
Permits from Orange County
We handle all HOA approvals as part of our service.
How to Check If Your Concrete Pool Deck Is Good for Overlay
Do this inspection before getting quotes:
[Checklist format]
✓ Crack Test:
Cracks are less than 1/4 inch wide
No pieces are loose or crumbling
Cracks don't go all the way through
✓ Movement Test:
Concrete doesn't rock when you walk on it
Edges don't bounce or flex
No hollow sounds when you tap with hammer
✓ Water Test:
No standing water pools stay after rain
Water drains toward pool (not toward house)
No water stains on house foundation
✓ Foundation Test:
No visible erosion under edges
Pool equipment area is stable
Coping is firmly attached
If you checked all boxes: Mortar overlay will probably work great
If you missed 2+ boxes: You need complete tear-out
Not sure what to look for?We do free inspections. We'll check your concrete and tell you honestly if overlay makes sense or if you need tear-out.
📞 Call (689) 221-5641 for free pool deck inspection
Common Questions About Pool Deck Overlays
Q: Can I DIY a pool deck overlay?A: Not recommended. Mortar work requires experience. Mistakes are expensive to fix. Plus, Orlando requires permits for pool deck work, and you need a licensed contractor to pull permits.
Q: How long until I can use my pool after overlay?A: Mortar method: 5-7 days for mortar to cure fully. Sand method: Same day (but remember it'll fail soon).
Q: Will overlay make my deck higher?A: Yes, 2-3 inches higher. That's why coping must be replaced to match new height.
Q: Do I need permits in Orlando?A: Usually yes for pool deck work. We handle all permits as part of installation.
Get Expert Pool Deck Overlay in Orlando
Local Pavers LLC does pool deck overlays the right way - with mortar, new coping, and proper waterproofing. We don't do cheap sand overlays that fail.
What we include:✓ Free inspection of your concrete✓ Honest recommendation (overlay vs tear-out)✓ All Orange County permits✓ Mortar installation method✓ New travertine or concrete coping✓ 5-year workmanship warranty
Call (689) 221-5641 for free pool deck inspection | 6100 Stevenson Drive, Orlando, FL 32835
Related Resources Section (Bottom of Post):
→ Pool Deck Pavers vs Concrete: 20-Year Cost Calculator Full cost comparison with interactive calculator
→ How to Fix Sinking Pavers Around Pool Decks What to do if overlay pavers settle
→ Travertine vs Concrete Pavers for Pool Decks Material comparison for pool deck overlays
→ Why Choose Local Pavers for Pool Decks? See our complete pool deck installation process
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