Care & Maintenance Instructions: PAVING & COPING STONES
Protecting Your Natural Stone Pool Surround
Natural stone paving and coping provide a beautiful, durable and comfortable finish around a swimming pool.
At Splash Pool & Spa, we commonly work with natural stones such as Travertine, Limestone, Aria, Willow and other natural stone products. Each stone is a natural material and may have its own characteristics regarding colour variation, texture, porosity, density and maintenance requirements.
Natural stone is not a manufactured product, and therefore variations in colour, veining, texture, pores and natural markings are normal characteristics of the material.
With appropriate cleaning, chemical care and maintenance, your paving and coping can remain beautiful and perform well for many years.
1. Regular Cleaning
Regular cleaning is one of the simplest and most effective ways to maintain natural stone.
We recommend:
Sweep the paving and coping regularly to remove leaves, dirt, sand and other debris.
Rinse the surface with clean water when required.
Use a pH-neutral cleaner specifically suitable for natural stone for routine cleaning.
Use a soft-bristle broom, soft brush or suitable non-abrasive cleaning pad.
Rinse the surface thoroughly with clean water after cleaning.
Sand, dirt and grit can act as abrasives and may gradually affect the surface of natural stone. Regular removal of these materials helps protect the finish of the stone.
Recommended routine
Weekly / regularly
Sweep and remove leaves and debris.
Remove dirt and sand.
Rinse areas affected by pool splash or heavy contamination.
As required
Carry out a more thorough clean using a suitable natural stone cleaner.
Periodically
Inspect the stone, joints and drainage areas for staining, organic growth or other issues.
2. Cleaning Products
For routine maintenance, use products specifically designed for natural stone.
A pH-neutral stone cleaner is generally the safest choice for Travertine, Limestone and similar natural stones.
Avoid using products simply because they are marketed as "tile cleaners". Some tile-cleaning products contain acids or abrasive ingredients that may permanently damage natural stone.
The Natural Stone Institute recommends neutral cleaners or mild cleaning solutions for natural stone and warns that acidic products can dull or etch calcium-based stones.
Avoid:
Vinegar
Lemon or citrus-based cleaners
Hydrochloric / muriatic acid
Acid-based tile cleaners
Acid-based grout cleaners
Strong descaling products
Abrasive powders
Harsh scouring products
Unapproved rust removers
Unapproved chemical treatments
Important: Travertine and Limestone are calcium-based stones and are particularly susceptible to acid etching. Even relatively mild acids can permanently alter their surface.
3. Sealing of Natural Stone
Natural stone is porous to varying degrees.
A suitable penetrating / impregnating sealer can help reduce water absorption, improve resistance to water-based staining and make the stone easier to maintain.
However, a penetrating sealer does not make natural stone completely waterproof or stain-proof.
The Natural Stone Institute explains that impregnating sealers function primarily as repellents and increase resistance to staining rather than making the stone completely stain-proof.
The correct sealer should always be selected according to:
The type of stone
The porosity of the stone
The surface finish
The location
Exposure to pool water and salt
The expected use of the area
4. Where Chemforce Fortifier Plus™ Has Been Applied
Where the paving and/or coping has been treated with Chemforce Fortifier Plus™, the specific characteristics of this product should be taken into consideration.
Fortifier Plus™ is a deep-penetrating, breathable impregnating sealer and consolidator designed for porous natural stone and outdoor applications, including pool surrounds.
Chemforce specifically lists Travertine, Limestone and other porous natural stones among the suitable materials for the product. It is also designed for saltwater pool surrounds and is intended to reduce water absorption, water-based staining, mould growth and salt-related deterioration.
Fortifier Plus™ is non-film-forming and is designed to retain the natural appearance and breathability of the stone.
Important limitations
Fortifier Plus™:
Does not make the stone completely stain-proof.
Does not prevent acid etching.
Does not prevent physical wear.
Is not a waterproof membrane.
Does not eliminate the need for regular cleaning.
Does not eliminate the need for appropriate pool chemical maintenance.
Chemforce specifically states that Fortifier Plus™ cannot prevent acid etching or physical wear.
5. Care of Fortifier Plus™-Treated Stone
The stone should continue to be cleaned and maintained normally after the sealer has been applied.
For routine cleaning:
Use a pH-neutral or mild alkaline cleaner suitable for natural stone.
Remove spills as soon as possible.
Rinse the surface with clean water when necessary.
Avoid acidic cleaning products.
Avoid abrasive cleaning methods.
Chemforce recommends appropriate outdoor stone cleaners and advises prompt removal of spills to reduce the possibility of staining.
Oil and grease
Fortifier Plus™ is primarily designed to provide water repellence and protection against water-related staining.
For areas where significant exposure to oils, grease, BBQ fats or other oily substances is expected, Chemforce recommends its Stain Protector™ product rather than Fortifier Plus™ alone.
This is particularly relevant for entertaining areas where food and drinks are regularly consumed.
6. Fortifier Plus™ and Acid Etching
This is one of the most important points when caring for Travertine and Limestone.
Fortifier Plus™ does not create a film over the stone. Therefore, acidic substances can still come into direct contact with the stone surface.
Avoid contact with:
Vinegar
Lemon juice
Citrus-based products
Acid-based cleaners
Hydrochloric / muriatic acid
Acid-based grout cleaners
Strong descaling products
Other acidic chemicals
If an acidic product is accidentally spilled on the stone, rinse the area immediately and thoroughly with clean water.
Do not attempt to neutralise the spill by applying another chemical unless specifically instructed by the chemical manufacturer or a qualified professional.
Acid etching is a chemical reaction with the stone itself and is not the same as staining. Sealing cannot completely prevent this type of damage.
7. Fortifier Plus™ Curing Period
If Fortifier Plus™ has recently been applied, the product requires time to fully cure within the pores of the material.
Chemforce states that Fortifier Plus™ can take approximately 2–4 weeks to fully cure, with at least 2 weeks recommended before exposure to saltwater or solvents.
During the curing period:
Avoid unnecessary chemical exposure.
Do not carry out aggressive cleaning.
Do not apply additional sealers or coatings.
Follow any specific curing instructions provided by the installer.
Where the sealer has been applied as part of a new pool installation or renovation, the installer’s instructions regarding the initial curing period should take priority.
8. Resealing & Future Maintenance
Where Fortifier Plus™ has been applied, do not automatically reseal the stone simply because a certain number of years has passed.
Fortifier Plus™ is designed as a long-term, penetrating treatment that chemically bonds within the pores of suitable materials. Chemforce describes it as a permanent impregnating sealer and offers a 15-year performance warranty when the product is applied according to its guidelines by an Approved Applicator and the project is registered within its warranty system.
This does not mean that the stone will remain permanently stain-proof or visually unchanged.
The condition of the stone and its water-repellent performance should instead be assessed periodically.
The actual service life may depend on:
Stone type and porosity
Exposure to weather
Sun exposure
Saltwater exposure
Pool usage
Cleaning methods
Foot traffic
Previous treatments
General environmental conditions
If the stone appears to absorb water significantly more readily than it previously did, professional assessment is recommended before applying another sealer.
9. Spills & Staining
Clean spills as soon as possible.
This is particularly important for:
Sunscreen
Tanning products
Oils
Grease
Food
Drinks
Wine
Coffee
Fertilisers
Plant material
Pool chemicals
Recommended procedure
Remove the source of the spill.
Blot or absorb excess liquid where possible.
Clean with a suitable pH-neutral stone cleaner.
Rinse thoroughly with clean water.
Allow the area to dry.
Do not aggressively scrub a fresh spill, as this may spread the contaminant.
A sealer improves stain resistance but does not make natural stone completely stain-proof.
10. Pool Water & Chemical Maintenance
The stone around the pool is regularly exposed to pool water, chlorine, salt and other chemicals.
Correct pool water chemistry is therefore an important part of maintaining the surrounding paving and coping.
We recommend:
Maintain pool water chemistry within the manufacturer's recommended parameters.
Avoid allowing concentrated chemicals to remain on the stone.
Clean chemical spills immediately.
Rinse areas that receive significant chemical splashing.
Remove salt deposits rather than allowing them to accumulate.
Ensure the surrounding area drains correctly.
For saltwater pools, appropriate protection is particularly important for porous natural stone. Fortifier Plus™ is specifically designed by Chemforce for applications such as saltwater pool surrounds.
11. Leaves, Plants, Algae & Organic Matter
Leaves, flowers, soil and other organic material should not be allowed to remain on the paving for extended periods.
Organic material can retain moisture and contribute to:
Algae
Mould
Organic staining
Discolouration
Increased cleaning requirements
Regularly remove leaves and debris, particularly around garden beds and areas with significant vegetation.
For biological growth, use a cleaning product specifically suitable for natural stone.
Chemforce recommends oxygen-based outdoor cleaning products for removing mould and organic contamination from outdoor stone and advises care when cleaning softer stones.
12. Pressure Washing
Pressure washing should not be considered a routine requirement for natural stone.
If pressure cleaning is required to remove significant mould, dirt or organic contamination, it must be carried out carefully and at a pressure suitable for the specific stone.
Softer stones such as some Travertine and Limestone products can be damaged by excessive pressure.
Excessive pressure may cause:
Surface pitting
Erosion
Damage to softer areas of the stone
Damage to joints
Premature wear of the surface
Chemforce recommends using reduced pressure on softer stone and avoiding holding the nozzle too close to the surface.
Ezarri also recommends avoiding abrasive tools and high-pressure water jets when maintaining mosaic surfaces around the pool.
13. Rust & Metal Staining
Rust marks can develop when metal objects remain in contact with wet natural stone.
Avoid leaving rust-prone objects directly on the paving, including:
Metal furniture
Tools
Metal containers
Steel objects
Rusting fixtures
If rust staining occurs, do not use a conventional rust remover without first confirming that it is safe for the particular natural stone.
Some rust removers contain aggressive acids, including hydrofluoric acid, which can cause serious damage to natural stone.
Persistent rust stains may require professional stone treatment.
14. Furniture & Heavy Objects
Take care when moving outdoor furniture, pots, umbrellas and other heavy objects.
Do not drag heavy objects across the stone.
Where possible:
Lift furniture rather than dragging it.
Use suitable protective pads under furniture.
Avoid metal feet that can rust.
Take additional care with heavy planters and pots.
Softer natural stones can be more susceptible to scratching, chipping and surface wear.
15. Grout, Joints & Expansion Areas
The joints between paving and coping stones are an important part of the overall installation.
Keep joints free from:
Dirt
Leaves
Soil
Organic growth
Excessive chemical deposits
Do not use aggressive acid-based products on joints unless the product has been confirmed as suitable for both the stone and the grout.
If you notice:
Cracked joints
Loose material
Significant deterioration
Movement
Water accumulation
professional assessment is recommended.
16. Efflorescence & White Deposits
White or powdery deposits can occasionally appear on paving, coping or grout.
These deposits may be efflorescence, which occurs when soluble salts migrate through moisture and are deposited on the surface.
Efflorescence does not necessarily indicate a problem with the stone itself.
Do not immediately attempt to remove these deposits with strong acids, particularly on Travertine or Limestone.
If the deposits persist, contact a qualified stone or paving professional for assessment and an appropriate cleaning method.
17. Natural Colour Variation & Weathering
Natural stone will naturally vary in:
Colour
Shade
Veining
Texture
Pores
Fossils
Surface markings
Density
These characteristics are inherent to natural stone.
Over time, outdoor stone may also develop a subtle natural patina due to exposure to:
Sunlight
Rain
Pool water
Salt
Organic material
General weathering
Foot traffic
This gradual change is a normal characteristic of natural stone and should not automatically be considered a defect or failure of the sealer.
18. Protecting the Stone During Other Works
If maintenance, landscaping, painting, construction or renovation work is carried out around the pool, protect the stone from:
Cement
Mortar
Grout
Paint
Adhesives
Sealants
Solvents
Metal filings
Construction debris
Fertilisers
Soil and organic material
Particular care should be taken with cement and grout residues.
Do not use acid-based products to remove cement or grout residue from Travertine or Limestone without professional confirmation, as acids can etch and permanently damage these stones.
19. Pool Mosaic & Grout Considerations
Where natural stone paving and coping are installed together with glass mosaic or other pool finishes, care should be taken to use cleaning products compatible with all materials present.
Ezarri recommends appropriate products for the cleaning and maintenance of its mosaics and advises against abrasive tools and high-pressure water jets for general maintenance.
Where cementitious grout is used, its protection and maintenance requirements may differ from epoxy grout. Ezarri recommends appropriate waterproofing/protection products for cement grout in high-moisture environments such as swimming pools.
When cleaning the pool area, always consider the compatibility of the cleaning product with:
Natural stone
Glass mosaic
Grout
Silicone joints
Pool equipment
Sealers
When in doubt, consult the relevant manufacturer before using a chemical cleaning product.
20. Recommended Maintenance Schedule
Weekly / Regularly
Sweep paving and coping.
Remove leaves and organic debris.
Remove dirt and sand.
Check for visible staining.
Rinse areas affected by heavy pool splash.
Remove standing water where practical.
Every Few Months
Carry out a more thorough clean using a suitable natural stone cleaner.
Inspect joints and movement areas.
Check for algae or mould.
Inspect areas around garden beds.
Check drainage points.
Periodically
Assess the condition of the stone.
Check for staining or surface deterioration.
Assess the performance of any existing sealer.
Check for cracked or deteriorated joints.
Fortifier Plus™-Treated Stone
Do not automatically reseal at a fixed interval.
Instead, assess the condition and water-repellent performance of the stone periodically and seek professional advice if the stone begins to show increased water absorption or other signs that additional treatment may be required.
21. What NOT to Use
Unless specifically approved for your particular stone and installation, do not use:
❌ Vinegar
❌ Lemon or citrus-based cleaners
❌ Hydrochloric / muriatic acid
❌ Acid-based tile cleaners
❌ Acid-based grout cleaners
❌ Strong descaling products
❌ Abrasive powders
❌ Harsh scouring pads
❌ Unapproved rust removers
❌ Aggressive pressure washing
❌ Unapproved sealers or coatings
When selecting a cleaning product, always confirm that it is suitable for natural stone and the specific type of stone installed.
22. When to Contact a Professional
Professional advice should be sought if you notice:
Persistent or severe staining
Rust stains
Acid etching
Significant colour changes
Cracked or damaged coping
Loose paving
Deteriorated joints
Persistent efflorescence
Algae or mould that cannot be removed through normal cleaning
Water pooling around or beneath the paving
Significant surface deterioration
Unexpected changes in the performance of the sealer
Attempting to remove difficult stains with aggressive chemicals can cause permanent damage to natural stone.
When in doubt, do not experiment with acids or strong cleaning chemicals.
IMPORTANT DISCLAIMER
The information provided in this guide is intended as general care and maintenance guidance for natural stone paving and coping commonly used in swimming pool environments.
Natural stone products can vary significantly in composition, porosity, finish, treatment and performance. Cleaning and maintenance requirements may therefore differ between individual products, even where stones appear visually similar.
Always follow the care and maintenance recommendations provided by the relevant stone, sealer and cleaning-product manufacturers. Where specific manufacturer instructions differ from the general information provided in this guide, the manufacturer's instructions for the relevant product should be followed.
Before applying any cleaning chemical, stain remover, sealer or other treatment to natural stone, its suitability for the specific stone, surface finish and existing treatment should be confirmed. Where appropriate, the product should first be tested on a small, inconspicuous area in accordance with the product manufacturer's instructions.
Particular care should be taken with Travertine, Limestone and other calcium-based natural stones, as unsuitable acidic products can cause permanent surface etching.
Splash Pool & Spa recommends that persistent staining, chemical damage, acid etching, deterioration of joints, or other maintenance issues be assessed by a suitably qualified stone-care professional rather than treated with unverified chemicals or methods.
These recommendations are provided as general information only and are not intended to replace the specific manufacturer's instructions, project-specific documentation, or professional assessment of an individual installation.
