The Gold Coast has one of the highest rates of residential pools per capita in Australia, and the area surrounding your pool is just as important as the pool itself. A well-designed pool surround needs to be safe underfoot when wet, withstand constant exposure to chlorinated water and salt air, drain properly to prevent puddles, and look great while doing all of it. Concreters Gold Coast designs and installs concrete pool surrounds that meet these demands, using finishes and materials selected specifically for the coastal Queensland climate.
What We Offer
We provide complete pool surround solutions — from demolishing an old, tired surface through to pouring and finishing a brand-new concrete deck around your pool. Our pool surround finishes include:
- Exposed aggregate — The most popular choice for Gold Coast pool areas. The natural stone texture provides excellent grip when wet and creates a premium, resort-style appearance. We select aggregate blends that complement your pool colour and landscaping.
- Honed concrete — Ground smooth after pouring, honed concrete delivers a refined, semi-polished look with a subtle sheen. When finished to the correct level, honed surfaces achieve the slip resistance required for pool zones while offering a more contemporary aesthetic.
- Textured concrete — Broom-finished or stamped surfaces provide reliable traction at a lower price point. Suitable for straightforward pool surrounds where function is the priority.
- Coloured concrete — Integral oxide colouring throughout the mix ensures consistent colour that will not peel or flake, even under constant UV exposure and wet-dry cycles.
Coping and Edge Details
Pool coping is the cap or edge that sits between the pool shell and the surrounding concrete. We install:
- Bullnose coping — Rounded edges that are comfortable underfoot and reduce the risk of scrapes when entering or exiting the pool.
- Square nose coping — A clean, modern edge detail that suits contemporary pool designs.
- Seamless integration — Where the pool design allows, we can pour the surround concrete directly up to the pool edge, creating a seamless, coping-free look.
All pool surround installations include proper drainage falls (minimum 1:100 gradient away from the pool), ensuring water runs away from the pool and does not pond on the surface.
Our Process
- On-site consultation — We visit your property to assess the existing pool area, take measurements, and discuss finish options. We consider the pool shape, fencing requirements, drainage, and any existing landscaping.
- Design and quoting — Based on the site visit, we provide a detailed written quote covering demolition (if needed), preparation, concreting, coping, and sealing. We include aggregate or colour samples where relevant.
- Preparation — Old surfaces are demolished and removed. The sub-grade is excavated, compacted, and prepared with road base. We coordinate around pool fencing, plumbing, and any electrical services.
- Formwork and reinforcement — Formwork is set to follow the pool’s shape, including any curves or steps. Reinforcing mesh is placed to prevent cracking under foot traffic and furniture loads.
- Pour and finish — Concrete is poured and finished to your selected style. For exposed aggregate, a surface retarder is applied and the wash is timed precisely to achieve consistent exposure. For honed finishes, the surface is ground after curing.
- Sealing — We apply a salt-resistant, UV-stable sealer designed for pool environments. This protects the surface from chlorine splash, sunscreen, and organic staining while maintaining the slip-resistance properties of the finish.
Why Choose Us for Pool Surrounds
Pool surrounds require a higher level of care than standard flatwork. The surface must meet Australian Standards for slip resistance (a minimum P5 wet pendulum rating for pool zones), drainage must be engineered to prevent water flowing back into the pool, and the finish must endure constant exposure to pool chemicals, sunscreen, and bare feet.
Our team at Concreters Gold Coast has extensive experience working around pools. We understand the specific requirements including setbacks from pool fencing, coordination with pool builders and landscapers, and the importance of getting coping details right the first time. We also use sealers that are specifically formulated for chlorinated and saltwater environments — not generic products that break down within a season.
The Gold Coast climate adds another layer of complexity. The combination of intense UV, subtropical humidity, and salt air means pool surrounds need materials and finishes that will not fade, crack, or delaminate prematurely. Our finish selections and sealer choices are informed by years of working in these conditions.
Pricing Guide
Pool surround pricing varies depending on the finish, the size and shape of the area, and the amount of preparation required. As a general guide, expect to invest from $120 to $180 per square metre for exposed aggregate or honed pool surrounds on the Gold Coast, including coping installation and sealing.
Demolition and removal of old surfaces, complex shapes, and elevated or tiered pool areas will influence the final cost. For a detailed cost breakdown, see our pool surround cost guide for the Gold Coast. The most accurate way to price your pool surround project is to book a free on-site assessment with our team. We will measure up, discuss your options, and provide a clear, itemised quote with no hidden fees.
