tim0476

My main question right now is whether standard pavers with crush and run is what I should do vs. thin pavers over the existing concrete deck. I know all the potential issues with thin pavers over existing concrete. Problem is there seems to be a big debate over which one is better. It seems the pavers professionals favor the crush and run using standard pavers. But the guys that do the thin pavers are telling me that I will hate the paver over crush and run after a few years. They are telling me if will settle and look like crap. Others have told me that the pool and the existing concrete deck has been down for 8 years now, so the ground has already done the settling it is going to do. No gurantees either way, I know.

I am going to have pavers put over my pool deck, and oh boy what a mixture of information. First option is to have C&D Thin pavers placed right over the existing concrete slab, which is in good shape but has a decorative stain over it. There is all kinds of information on the internet that describes possible problems with paving over a concrete slab. Like heaving from freezing water, drainage, etc.... Second option, that seems to be preferred by professionals with a lot of paving experience, is to tear out the existing concrete deck and start from scratch. Preparing the substrate with crushed rock and sand, and using standard size pavers. Problem is, now I am having people tell me that will cause settling problems and weeds, and a concrete substrate will avoid that. So, two different opinions out there. Anybody with experience who can chime in here? Also, I have anchors for my pool cover. 2.5" in concrete. Since I might be using 1 1/4" pavers over concrete, can I still use the 2.5" anchor or do I have to go to the 18" rods. Contractor says I will be fine with the 2.5" anchor going through the paver and about 1" on the concrete. Man, this whole process is not easy!