If you have a pool you know how much trouble the area surrounding it can be.  If it is made of brick then it gets hot on the feet, tends to be slick when wet, and fades after a few years in the sun.  A great alternative is to install travertine pavers.  Travertine has been popular in the Florida region as pool surfaces for years and it is now starting to make its way into other areas of the country. These pavers, (you can also get tiles), are cut from a sedimentary rock that works great as a surface because it is tough and offers good traction for footing.

Travertine is a stone from the limestone family although it is incorrect to call it travertine limestone because of the many other minerals present.  Travertine stone is formed over eons at the bottom of hot spring pools.  As the hot water travels through the ground it picks up surrounding minerals and brings them to the surface.  As the water evaporates in the pools the minerals drop out and collect on the bottom.  This mixture of differing minerals is what gives these pavers their distinct colors and patterns.  In fact, no two pavers will have the same shades and hues which can give a very appealing look around the pool.

There are three surfaces to choose from when buying pavers.  The tumbled, honed, and polished.  Generally, the tumbled surface is used around pools because of the texture allows for a good footing even when wet.  Also, the natural voids and air pockets allow the water to dissipate instead of standing on the surface like concrete.  This also keeps the slip factor down.  Sealing concrete pavers is something to think about as well, since it will make them last longer.

Recently people have been using these tiles inside the home also.  A travertine bathroom is very nice because it offers the feel of an ancient Roman bath.  Travertine was very popular during the time Rome ruled the known world because the original quarry, where the stone gets its name, was located just 60 miles from the city.

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