In-ground pools are already a fantastic luxury, providing welcome relief after those long Colorado summer days. If you’re planning on installing one, don’t neglect the decking. While wood or composite decking might seem like the straightforward choice, natural stone is an underrated and affordable option for pool decking. It adds unrivaled character and unique flair, and can make for a more natural and relaxing atmosphere.
Here are some ideas for incorporating beautiful natural stone into your pool environment, courtesy of the local stone experts at The Rock Garden.
A pool deck needs to be more than just good-looking—it has to be safe, durable, and comfortable to walk on. Flagstone checks every box. Its naturally textured surface helps prevent slipping, and unlike concrete, flagstone won’t crack over time.
The variety of colors and stone types means you can refine the look to fit any style. Warm sandstone creates a relaxed, beachy vibe (while also matching natural Colorado hues, while on darker bluestone provides a more modern feel. If you want something bold, slate offers rich, dark tones that bring a dramatic flair to the space. No matter the choice, flagstone blends perfectly with both residential and commercial landscapes.
Beyond aesthetics, flagstone stays cooler than many other materials under the sun, so you won’t be doing that painful tiptoe dance across your deck in the summer heat. If you’re looking for a pool deck material that balances beauty with practicality, flagstone sourced in Fort Collins is a top contender.
A well-designed pool area should feel effortlessly connected to the rest of your outdoor space, and natural stone steps are one way to make that happen. Whether leading from the pool deck to a patio, garden, or lounge area, they provide a smooth, more naturally looking transition than traditional concrete steps, which can look harsh and wear down over time.
There’s plenty of room for customization, too. If you love a rugged, nature-inspired look, opt for large, irregular slabs. For a more refined aesthetic, cut stone steps provide clean lines and a polished appearance. Perfect for multi-level backyards or expansive poolside designs, natural stone steps can help define and connect your outdoor space.
Nothing says “luxury retreat” like the soothing sound of trickling water. Picture a cascading waterfall made of stacked natural stone, or a bubbling rock fountain nestled within the landscape. You can practically hear the peace. Stone spillways that blend effortlessly into the pool’s edge add that perfect touch of elegance. These stone water features don’t just look beautiful—they also help keep the water circulating, improving filtration and eliminating stagnant spots.
For a truly jaw-dropping pool design, you can’t go wrong with the power of landscape boulders. These oversized, natural stones bring instant visual drama—whether as diving rocks, structural elements, or just eye-catching accents scattered around the pool.
Boulders give the impression that your yard is part of a natural environment, making your pool feel like it’s always belonged there, tucked into nature’s embrace. They offer endless customization options as well, from creating hidden nooks for a private escape to highlighting waterfalls or framing lounge areas with rugged beauty.
The Rock Garden offers a stunning variety of locally sourced, exquisitely cut natural stone for all kinds of landscaping purposes. Reach out to our team or visit the garden today to select the perfect natural stone for your pool area!