Pool Deck Pavers Cost in San Diego (2025): Prices for Porcelain, Travertine & Concrete
Updated August 2025 — San Diego County
Planning a pool deck in San Diego? This guide breaks down installed pricing, spec tiers, heat underfoot, slip resistance, saltwater durability, coping options, and timelines—so you can budget confidently and choose the right surface for your home and lifestyle.
TL;DR — 2025 San Diego ranges
- Porcelain pool deck pavers: typically $28–$40+/sq ft installed (light, modern, low maintenance).
- Travertine pavers: typically $26–$38+/sq ft installed (natural stone, classic look, cooler feel).
- Concrete pavers: typically $22–$32/sq ft installed (broad styles, strong value).
- Typical sizes: 600–1,200 sq ft (remodels often 700–1,000 sq ft).
- Timeline: Most ~3–5 days for 700–1,000 sq ft with a 4–6 person crew (site-dependent).
Do-This-First (San Diego County)
- Verify jurisdiction & overlays: City of San Diego vs. County; check Coastal Overlay/ESL, steep slope & VHFHSZ; confirm HOA/ARC requirements.
- Pick a legal drainage path: On-site BMPs vs. curb/ROW tie-in. ROW connections may need a Minor Right-of-Way permit and an EMRA.
- Stormwater paperwork (City): Include DS-560 when building permits are pulled; design to City Stormwater Standards/BMP Manual.
- Foundation-adjacent slopes: Within 10 ft of the house, impervious deck/paving must slope ≥2% away (CRC R401.3).
- Slip standard: Specify ANSI A326.3 products with EW (Exterior Wet) use classification + published wet DCOF.
Still comparing surfaces? See Porcelain vs. Travertine Pool Decks (San Diego 2025), Concrete vs. Pavers (San Diego 2025), and Stamped Concrete vs. Pavers (San Diego 2025). For patios and driveways, visit Paver Patio Cost (San Diego 2025) and Paver Driveway Cost (San Diego 2025). Ready to move forward? Talk to our San Diego paver installation contractors.
Cost Breakdown
Installed price (San Diego): Porcelain $28–$40+/sq ft, Travertine $26–$38+/sq ft, Concrete pavers $22–$32/sq ft. Premium materials, complex access, major drainage, steps/retaining, inlays and lighting can increase totals.
| Area | At $22/sq ft | At $30/sq ft | At $40/sq ft |
|---|---|---|---|
| 600 sq ft | $13,200 | $18,000 | $24,000 |
| 900 sq ft | $19,800 | $27,000 | $36,000 |
| 1,200 sq ft | $26,400 | $36,000 | $48,000 |
Tip: Porcelain projects commonly price in the middle-to-high columns; travertine ranges from mid to high depending on selection; concrete pavers often land low-to-mid.
Spec Tiers (Good / Better / Best)
| Tier | Typical Spec | Use-case | San Diego Price Tendencies |
|---|---|---|---|
| Good | Concrete pavers or 2cm porcelain / 3cm travertine; ~4–6″ Class II base (95% compaction), geotextile as needed; 1″ bedding sand; standard joint sand; basic bullnose coping | Flat lots, normal access, fresh deck or simple remodel | Often $22–$30/sq ft |
| Better | Porcelain (textured, light tone) or premium travertine; 6–8″ base, geotextile over native soils; polymeric sand; matte sealer; channel drains near coping | Coastal moisture, saltwater pools, more complex shapes | Often $28–$36/sq ft |
| Best | Porcelain (vehicular-rated zones if needed) or select-grade travertine; 8–10″ base; geogrid where required; permeable sections / under-drains; LED step/rail lighting; decorative inlays; upgraded coping | High-end remodels, complex drainage, premium finishes | Typically $34–$42+/sq ft |
Pool decks generally price lower than driveways but higher than basic patios due to coping, cuts, and drainage details.
Heat, Slip & Saltwater (Real-world Comfort & Safety)
- Cool underfoot: Travertine generally feels cooler; porcelain stays comfortable in light tones and with textured surfaces. Avoid very dark colors in full sun.
- Slip resistance: Specify products tested to ANSI A326.3 with a declared EW (Exterior Wet) use classification and a published wet DCOF. Prefer textured + matte systems for traction.
- Saltwater durability: Porcelain is highly salt-resistant. Travertine performs well with the right sealer and maintenance. We match the sealer system to your water chemistry and exposure.
Coping & Edges (The Pool’s “Picture Frame”)
Common choices: Porcelain bullnose/T-coping, travertine bullnose, or custom curb/copings. Linear-foot pricing varies by material, profile, and radius work.
- Typical coping budget: ~$35–$90 per linear foot installed (material + labor). Complex curves, thick profiles, and premium miters can price higher.
- Transitions: We’ll align deck heights, cover skimmer/expansion gaps cleanly, and integrate channel drains where needed.
Drainage & Waterproofing
- Slopes: Provide 1–2% (1/8–1/4 in./ft) pitch to area or trench drains. Use split slopes so water flows away from the house and does not sheet into the pool; add a narrow slot/trench drain parallel to the coping where needed. Where hardscape is within 10 ft of the foundation, maintain ≥2% slope away from the building (CRC R401.3).
- Drains: Use trench/slot drains along long runs and at the pool perimeter to intercept splash/windblown water. Place area drains at low points, pipe to an approved discharge, and provide cleanouts at direction changes and system ends.
- Decks over living space: Set the waterproofing plane at 2% min to primary drains and include overflow provisions.
- Permeable options: Consider PICP sections (case-by-case). Design with underdrains/geotextiles per soil/site conditions—permeable systems augment, not replace, positive surface drainage.
Permits & HOA
Most at-grade paver pool decks don’t need a building permit by themselves. You may need permits/approvals when:
- Adding or modifying retaining walls (over ~3 ft, supporting surcharge, or on slopes).
- Installing area/slot drains that connect to the public system or discharge at the curb (Minor Right-of-Way permit may apply). Private features in the ROW often require an EMRA.
- Projects that trigger City/County stormwater requirements (for City permits we include the DS-560 checklist and design to the applicable BMP Manual).
- County grading thresholds: Work generally becomes permit-triggering above 200 cubic yards of movement or 8 ft vertical cut/fill (plus other conditions in the County Grading Ordinance).
- Rancho Santa Fe & similar HOAs: Art Jury/ARC rules apply; HOA approvals are secured before work begins.
San Diego Compliance Package (Typical Pool Deck Scope)
- Digital plan set: site plan with slopes & drainage arrows, hardscape sections, drain/catch-basin schedule, cleanouts, discharge detail, coping movement joint, lighting if included.
- City forms: DS-560 Storm Water Requirements Applicability Checklist; WPCP/BMP sheets if requested by reviewer.
- Cut sheets: trench/slot drains, geotextile/geogrid (as specified), joint sand/sealer, coping profiles, lighting.
- If tying drains to curb/ROW: Minor Right-of-Way permit package; EMRA if required.
- HOA/ARC: samples, finish palette, plan notes.
Timeline
Most 700–1,000 sq ft pool decks complete in ~3–5 days with a 4–6 person crew. Demolition, tight access, heavy drainage, complex coping, steps, and lighting can add time. Pavers are ready for use at completion (no long cure windows).
Common Add-ons & Allowances
- Channel drains: ~$45–$85/LF installed (material & labor vary by brand/finish).
- Under-drains/subdrain: ~$18–$30/LF installed (site-dependent).
- Lighting: Step/railing/marker lights ~$95–$240 per fixture installed.
- Sealing (matte): Optional on concrete pavers/travertine; typically $0.75–$1.50/sq ft depending on coverage and system.
- Decorative inlays/borders: Material + cut labor; priced per LF or per feature.
- Steps/retaining: Priced by LF and height/profile (range varies widely by design).
Quote Comparison Checklist
- Base & compaction: Depth (inches) by area + ~95% compaction; geotextile/geogrid where specified.
- Material spec: Porcelain/travertine/concrete paver + texture and slip rating (ANSI A326.3; Exterior-Wet confirmed).
- Joints & movement: Joint material (polymeric vs. standard) + perimeter movement/expansion joint at coping with backer rod and elastomeric sealant.
- Edge restraint: Hidden concrete toe/curb at perimeters not restrained by walls/structures.
- Drainage plan: Slopes, channel/area drains, permeable sections; approved discharge path.
- Coping: Profile, LF allowance, radius work, and transition details.
- Permits/approvals: Any ROW/stormwater items, HOA coordination.
- Logistics: Demo/haul, deliveries, cleanup, pallet fees.
- Warranty & timeline: Materials + labor; start/finish targets.
FAQs
How much do pool deck pavers cost in San Diego?
Porcelain runs about $28–$40+/sq ft installed; travertine about $26–$38+/sq ft; concrete pavers about $22–$32/sq ft. Premium specs, complex drainage, steps and lighting increase totals.
Which stays cooler—porcelain or travertine?
Travertine typically feels cooler. Porcelain stays comfortable in light tones and with textured finishes. Avoid very dark colors in full sun.
Are porcelain pavers slippery when wet?
Choose textured porcelain with a suitable wet slip rating under ANSI A326.3 and an EW use classification. Use a matte sealer system. We’ll recommend products rated for exterior wet areas.
Do saltwater pools affect the deck?
Porcelain is highly resistant to salt. Travertine performs well with proper sealing and maintenance. We’ll match sealer systems to your pool chemistry and exposure.
What thickness should I use?
Most San Diego decks use 2cm porcelain (paver-rated) or 3cm (1¼”) travertine. Both are typically sand-set over a compacted base; coping/steps may be mortared.
Sand-set or mortar-set?
Most pool decks are sand-set over a compacted base for flexibility and easy repairs. Mortar is common at coping, steps, and detail edges.
How long does installation take?
Roughly 3–5 days for 700–1,000 sq ft with a 4–6 person crew. Complex coping, drainage, and lighting can add time.
Do I need to seal my pool deck?
Sealing is optional for concrete pavers and travertine but recommended for stain resistance and maintenance. Use a matte, breathable system for traction.
What about weeds/ants in joints?
Proper base prep + tight joints help. Polymeric sand further reduces weeds/ants. Occasional top-off or spot treatment keeps things tidy.
Will sunscreen or oils stain the deck?
They can, especially on natural stone. Choose a matte sealer and clean spills promptly. We’ll recommend care kits for pool environments.
Can I mix materials (e.g., porcelain field with travertine coping)?
Yes—common on custom projects. We’ll align thicknesses, edges, and finishes so transitions are clean and code-compliant.
Do you handle permits and HOA approvals?
We’ll advise on permit needs (drainage/structural changes) and provide samples/plan notes for HOA approvals as required.
Serving San Diego County: Rancho Santa Fe, Del Mar, La Jolla, Carmel Valley, Encinitas, Carlsbad, Poway, Fairbanks Ranch, Oceanside, San Marcos, and more.