When you’re choosing a surface for your pool deck, it’s not just about how it looks. It needs to stay cool, feel good underfoot, and keep your family safe from slips and falls. One option many North Texas homeowners ask us about is salt finished concrete. So, is it a good choice around pools?
Here’s what you need to know.
What Is Salt Finished Concrete?
Salt finished concrete is a type of textured surface created by pressing rock salt into freshly poured concrete. Once the concrete sets slightly, the salt is washed away, leaving behind small indentations. This creates a light, speckled texture that looks similar to natural stone.
According to Marcos, the founder of Professional Brick & Stone Works, “Salt finish offers the right mix of grip and beauty. It’s subtle, but practical — and that’s exactly what pool decks need.”
Why Homeowners Choose Salt Finish for Pool Decks
Salt finish is becoming a top pick for pool deck finishes in Collin County and beyond because it checks all the boxes:
- Slip resistance: Those tiny indentations help reduce slips, even when wet.
- Cool surface feel: Unlike darker or smoother surfaces, salt finish stays cooler underfoot, especially in the Texas sun.
- Natural look: It blends easily with stone, grass, and water features, making it a great choice for outdoor spaces.
- Budget-friendly: Compared to stamped overlays or pavers, it’s more affordable to install.
How Salt Finished Concrete Improves Pool Safety
Concrete pool safety is one of the most important factors when designing a pool deck. Here’s how a salt finish helps:
- Minimizes slipperiness: While it’s not rough like broom finish, the texture still offers grip.
- No sharp edges: It’s gentler than exposed aggregate, which can feel coarse under bare feet.
- No standing water: The surface texture allows for better drainage in light rain or splashing.
Marcos explains, “We recommend salt finish when families want a safe surface that doesn’t sacrifice style. It’s safer than slick concrete but still easy on kids’ feet.”
Is Salt Finish Comfortable and Cool Around Pools?
Yes — that’s one of the biggest reasons clients in McKinney, Wylie, and Murphy choose it. The cool concrete texture of salt finish makes it ideal for hot climates like North Texas. It doesn’t retain as much heat as stamped concrete or darker overlays.
To keep your pool deck even cooler, consider choosing a lighter color finish. This reflects sunlight better and makes barefoot days more comfortable.
Maintenance and Durability of Salt Finish Around Pools
Like all outdoor concrete, a salt finish pool deck benefits from routine maintenance:
- Sealing: Reseal every 2–3 years to protect against chlorine, sun, and freeze-thaw cycles.
- Cleaning: Power wash occasionally to remove buildup from sunscreen, leaves, and water stains.
- Crack control: Proper joint spacing and installation reduce the risk of cracking.
Marcos adds, “We’ve seen salt finish decks in Texas hold up beautifully over the years — even in high-use pool areas. With a good installer and some basic care, it’s one of the most durable pool deck finishes you can get.”
Salt Finish vs Other Pool Deck Finishes
Here’s how salt finished concrete compares to other common pool deck finishes:
| Finish Type | Slip Resistance | Heat Retention | Aesthetic | Maintenance |
| Salt Finish | High | Low | Natural, subtle | Low |
| Broom Finish | Very High | Medium | Basic, clean look | Low |
| Stamped Concrete | Medium | High | Decorative | Medium |
| Exposed Aggregate | High | Medium | Rustic, bold | Medium |
| Pavers | High | Low | Varied, upscale | High |
For many homeowners, salt finish offers the perfect balance of safety, cost, and style.
When Is Salt Finish the Right Choice?
Salt finish concrete is ideal for:
- New pool builds or resurfacing pool decks
- Families with children who want a safe, walkable surface
- Homeowners looking for cool concrete surfaces for pools
- Projects that need to balance budget, beauty, and function
Marcos recommends it especially for pool decks with large sun exposure: “If you want something that won’t scorch your feet or get slick when wet, salt finish is one of the smartest upgrades.”
Ready to Install Salt Finished Concrete Around Your Pool?
If you’re looking for salt finish concrete pool deck installers in North Texas, our team at Professional Brick & Stone Works is here to help. We’ve delivered durable, safe, and beautiful pool decks to happy clients across McKinney, Wylie, Murphy, and Collin County for over 15 years.
Whether you’re building a new pool, resurfacing with a salt finish, or comparing options like salt finish vs broom finish, we’ll walk you through the best fit for your space and budget.
Let’s build a pool deck you’ll love to walk on — and that will last through every Texas summer.
Contact us today for a free salt finish pool deck cost estimate and design consultation.
More Information:
https://www.tdhca.state.tx.us/single-family/training/docs/14-TMCS.pdf
