When people think about pools, they usually picture the water. But the concrete around the pool? That’s what actually ties the whole backyard together.  It’s the stage around the show.

 

Good pool decking makes everything feel finished, comfortable, and intentional. Bad decking makes people hop across the yard like they’re avoiding lava in July.

And yes—different pool types can influence what concrete options work best.

 

Shotcrete/Gunite Pools: Endless Design Possibilities

Shotcrete/Gunite pools are highly customizable, which means the surrounding concrete design can get pretty creative too.

 

Popular options include:

• Broom-finished concrete for a clean, classic look
• Stamped concrete that mimics stone or pavers
• Exposed aggregate for texture and grip
• Modern smooth finishes for a sleek resort-style feel

 

Because shotcrete or gunite pools can be built in almost any shape, the decking often follows flowing curves, custom elevations, tanning ledges, fire features, and outdoor living areas.

In other words, shotcrete gives designers a lot of room to show off a little.

 

Fiberglass Pools: Clean, Simple, and Beautiful

Fiberglass pools tend to pair best with streamlined decking designs that complement the smooth finish and clean lines of the shell.

That doesn’t mean boring—not even close.

 

Concrete options around fiberglass pools often include:

• Traditional broom finish
• Decorative stamped concrete
• Colored concrete finishes
• Paver-style concrete layouts

 

The key with fiberglass is proper installation and flexibility. Since fiberglass pools can naturally move slightly with soil conditions and temperature changes, the surrounding concrete needs to be installed thoughtfully to allow for that movement.

That’s why experienced builders pay close attention to expansion joints, drainage, and spacing around the shell.

 

It’s not dramatic. It’s just smart construction doing smart construction things.

 

Meramec Pools and Outdoors – Years of Knowing What Makes Great Pool Concrete

Honestly, it’s usually not the flashy part people notice first. Great concrete comes down to:

• Proper base preparation
• Good drainage planning
• Correct reinforcement
• Skilled finishing work
• Allowing for natural expansion and movement

 

That’s the difference between concrete that still looks fantastic years later… and concrete that starts developing “personality cracks” way too early.

And in Missouri, where clay soil likes to shift around every season just to keep everyone humble, proper prep work matters even more.

 

Picking the Right Look

This is the fun part.

• • Want a modern luxury vibe?
    Smooth finishes and lighter colors work beautifully.

• • Want something natural and textured?
    Stamped or exposed aggregate can create that high-end resort feel.

• • Want the surface cool on your feet in the summer?
    Lighter finishes help with that too—which your feet will appreciate greatly in August.

Because nobody wants the pool experience to include sprinting across hot concrete like a raccoon on a griddle.

 

FINAL THOUGHTS

Concrete around your pool does more than fill space—it shapes how the entire backyard feels.

 

Shotcrete pools open the door for highly customized concrete layouts and creative designs.

Fiberglass pools pair beautifully with clean, efficient decking styles that complement the shell and keep installation smooth.

In either case, quality installation matters. Great concrete should look good, feel good, and hold up season after season.

If you’re thinking about a pool, Meramec Pools and Outdoors is here to help.  We offer free at-home consultations.

 

We walk your yard, talk through ideas, explain what works best with shotcrete and fiberglass pools, and help you create a backyard that looks just as good outside the pool as it does inside it.

 

And yes—we’ll also help make sure nobody burns their feet running to the deep end.