Dear Maurizio, We will be building a pool soon and, living in Phoenix, pool decks get VERY hot in the summer. We bare-foot tested several materials in the afternoon summer sun at different pool builders' displays and found that travertine pavers, besides being gorgeous, really were cooler than anything else we tested, including the ubiquitous "cool-deck". However, we're concerned about its ability to withstand pool chemicals, especially when we(or our teenagers)will be adding acid to the pool to adjust the pH. No matter how careful, there's always some splash back of acid when you're adding it to the pool, which, I'm pretty sure, will eat away at the travertine. Will it just add to the "patina" (that word designers love to use as an excuse to use any material in any situation!)or will it really lead to problems? What do you know about this and do you have any better suggestions for a pooldeck/coping stone material that stays relatively cool? Thanks for your help, Karen

 

 

Dear Karen:

The risk of chemical attack is real but you know what?... I would go for it! I mean, you're talking about saw-cut and unfilled travertine, right?

I don't think that the splatters of acid will eat into the stone to the point of creating a real problem. And even if every 10 years or so it will reach the point that you will have to replace a few tiles (which I doubt), what's the big deal?...

The patina has nothing to do with it. If you want to know what patina really is, Google it!

 

May I ask you now to please read and e-sign our Statement of Purpose at: http://www.marblecleaning.org/purpose.htm?   :-)

Ciao and good luck,

Mauri zio Bertoli

 

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