Finish guide · Decorative & outdoor finishes
The best non-slip concrete finish for a pool surround
By Nathan Carter, owner, Gold Coast Concrete Services. Reviewed October 2026.
Quick answer
Salt finish and exposed aggregate are the most popular non-slip concrete finishes for pool surrounds on the Gold Coast, because both have natural texture that grips when wet and lighter colours stay cooler underfoot. Honed and stencil finishes also work around pools when they are sealed with an anti-slip additive. A glossy sealer without grit can make any finish slippery.
| Finish | Grip when wet | Heat underfoot | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Salt finish | Very good | Cool in light colours | Classic Queensland pool finish |
| Exposed aggregate | Very good | Depends on stone colour | Hides dirt; choose rounded stone |
| Honed | Good with anti-slip sealer | Cool in light colours | Smooth stone look |
| Stencil | Good with anti-slip sealer | Depends on colour | Tile look at lower upkeep |
| Steel trowel | Poor when wet | — | Not recommended around pools |
What makes a surface slip-resistant
Grip comes from texture. Wet, smooth surfaces let a thin film of water sit between your feet and the concrete. Textured finishes break up that film.
Australian Standard AS 4586 rates slip resistance, and wet barefoot areas such as pool surrounds are rated with a P rating. For pool surrounds, look for a finish and sealer combination in the higher P4–P5 range.
Salt finish
Rock salt is pressed into the fresh surface and washed out once the concrete hardens, leaving small pits. The result is a soft, subtle texture that grips well and is comfortable on bare feet. In light colours it is one of the coolest options for summer.
Exposed aggregate
Washing the surface back to show the stone creates a naturally grippy surface that hides dirt and pool chemicals. Choose a rounded river stone rather than sharp crushed stone for bare feet, and lighter blends if heat is a concern.
Honed and stencil finishes
Honed concrete is ground smooth to reveal the stone, and stencil gives a tile pattern. Both look great around pools but are smoother, so the sealer must include an anti-slip additive. We test the finish before handing it over.
Heat and colour
Dark colours like charcoal look striking but get hot in direct summer sun. If the area is unshaded, lighter colours such as sandstone, cream or light grey are kinder to bare feet.
Pool fences, coping and drainage
Pool surrounds need falls away from the pool so splash water doesn’t carry dirt back in, and drains where water could pool. We plan around pool fence footings, coping and any equipment pads before we pour.
Common questions
Is exposed aggregate good around a pool?
Yes. It is one of the grippiest finishes when wet. Choose rounded stones for comfort and seal it with a non-gloss sealer.
How do I stop my pool surround getting slippery?
Reseal with a sealer that contains anti-slip grit, keep algae off with regular cleaning, and avoid high-gloss sealers.
Can you resurface an old pool surround?
Yes. Sound pool surrounds can be resurfaced with a textured, non-slip coating in a new colour or pattern.
Does salt finish work in salt-water pools?
Yes. Salt finish describes the texture, not the pool type. Sealing protects any concrete around a salt-water pool.
