Both Shell Stone Pavers and Travertine have an excellent reputation in the pool stone market. However, Travertine offers more lucrative designs and extra protection against microbes than Shell Stone Pavers.
Purchasing the best pool stone is a prerequisite to creating your swimming pool. Shell Stone Pavers and Travertine pool stones have exceptional products that offer superior quality and long-lasting service.
Here is a quick comparison chart highlighting the key specifications of Shell Stone Pavers and Travertine pool stones.
Quick Comparison Table
| Specifications | Shell Stone Pavers | Travertine Pool Stones |
| Materials | Diatomaceous Earth Materials | Limestone, and Diatomaceous Earth Materials |
| Durability | Resistant to UV rays, Prone to cracking | Extra Resistant to UV Rays, Not Prone to Cracking |
| Anti-Microbial Properties | No Anti-Microbial Properties | Strong Anti-Microbial Protection |
| Eco-Friendly Product | Washes Out Bacteria, and Parasites | Feature Natural Sea Mineral |
| Price | $6 to $8 per square foot | $9 to $15 per square foot |
Key Differences Between Shell Stone Pavers And Travertine Pool Stones
You got a brief idea about the specifications of Shell Stones Pavers and Travertine pool stones. It’s time to identify the key features of the two products.
- Materials
Diatomaceous Earth (DE) is the main component of Travertine and Shell Stone Pavers pool stones.
The material ensures quick drying of water and versatility.
In the case of Shell Stone Pavers pool stones, diatomaceous earth can absorb moisture and kill bacteria and parasites to protect the surface.
Moreover, DE is an odorless substance that prevents the smell of wet fabrics.
Travertine pool stones offer similar advantages due to their construction materials. Besides soaking up water quickly, Travertine sticks firmly on the ground.
The anti-microbial properties of Travertine pool stones make the product unique. The pool stones eradicate harmful bacteria and protect your feet from allergies.
Since limestone plays a massive role in the composition of Travertine pool stones, you will get proper balance and a robust grip from it.
- Absorbency Features
One of the main functions of a pool stone is its absorbing capabilities. Regarding absorbency, Travertine features better soaking capability than Shell Stone Pavers pool stones.
Users have showered massive praise for the absorption power of Travertine pool stones. The products provide maximum water evaporation rate and incredible drying.
Moreover, Travertine pool stones are more efficient at keeping water from the floor. Even without absorbing chemicals, Travertine can produce the best-absorbing pool stones.
On the other hand, Shell Stone Pavers pool stones feature basic absorbing materials that can catch stains after a while.
Therefore, Travertine pool stones are better with high-absorbing capability that will suit your caliber.
- Designs And Layouts
You wish to purchase the best pool stones with lucrative designs that will give a dazzling touch to your swimming pool.
Regarding styles and vibrant colors, Travertine offers the best pool stones.
Travertine is regarded as a luxurious product due to its sophisticated designs and layouts.
Moreover, you can select your preferred color combination from many formats and styles.
Travertine also enables you to customize the perfect design that will match your swimming pool’s interior.
In contrast, Shell Stone Pavers offer limited designs and layouts. The absence of customization features has costed Shell Stone Pavers to become the market leader.
Therefore, if you want an elegant and dazzling swimming pool, you should purchase Travertine pool stone.
- Price
Pricing is the final segment of this discussion. When it comes to price and cost, Travertine pool stones are more expensive than Shell Stone Pavers.
Since Travertine is a luxurious product, the market price is also high compared to other brands. The price of Travertine pool stone ranges from $9 to $15 per square foot.
However, the superior quality and exceptional features justify the high price range of Travertine pool stones.
Shell Stone Pavers, on the other hand, offers affordable products that will fit your budget. Shell Stone Paver pool stone’s price range from $6 to $8 per square foot.
Therefore, if you are tight on budget, you should go for Shell Stone Pavers. Otherwise, you should select Travertine pool stones for a better experience. Here is a Shell Stone paver quick overview for you.
Shell Stone Pavers – Key Features
- Durability
One of the main benefits of using shell stone pavers is their durability. Made from shells and concrete, these pavers are incredibly hardy and can withstand decades of foot traffic, harsh weather conditions, and other elements without showing signs of wear.
The concrete binder helps hold the shell pieces together in a tough, unified surface that resists cracks and chips. Many homeowners choose shell stone pavers for busy patio areas because they hold up so well under frequent use.
- Unique Appearance
The multi-toned, natural look of shell stone pavers sets them apart from traditional concrete or clay paving materials. Each paver displays an array of earthy colors and textures from the seashell fragments embedded within.
No two pavers look exactly alike. When installed, shell stone pavers create a visually interesting surface that brings a touch of the ocean to your landscaping. The pavers complement gardens, patios, walkways, pool decks, and more.
- Traction
The bumpy, uneven surface of shell stone pavers provides excellent slip-resistance and traction underfoot. Wet or dry, the pavers give you a grippy walking surface, making them ideal around pools, hot tubs, and other areas that see a lot of wet foot traffic.
The rough texture also provides traction in snowy or icy conditions. Shell stone pavers can help prevent slips and falls.
- Drainage
With their porous, bumpy surface, shell stone pavers allow for drainage and air circulation between pavers. Rainwater can seep between the joints, preventing puddles or water buildup on the surface.
The drainage capacity helps prevent erosion and also inhibits the growth of mold, mildew, and other moisture-related issues.
- Low Maintenance
Aside from occasional sweeping or hosing off dirt, shell stone pavers require very little upkeep once installed properly. They won’t rot, splinter, warp, or degrade like natural wood or clay pavers can. You don’t have to apply sealants, stains, or other treatments to maintain their appearance.
Due to their durable nature, shell stone pavers maintain their attractive look for years with minimal care required.
- Versatility
Available in a range of sizes and shapes, shell stone pavers can be used in diverse applications. Their versatility makes them popular for walkways, patios, pool decks, driveways, garden paths, parking areas, and more.
Their neutral tones and visual texture complement any style from traditional to modern. Shell stone pavers are suitable for large projects as well as accent areas like a kitchen backsplash.
- Cost Effectiveness
Compared to natural stone, brick, and other paver materials, shell stone pavers provide an affordable option. Their reasonable cost combined with long-lasting durability makes shell stone an economical choice for any budget.
The availability of uniform shell stone pavers also lends to more efficient installation compared to working with irregularly sized natural stone.
Travertine Pavers – Key Features
- Natural Beauty
The aesthetic appeal of travertine pavers lies in their natural, earthy beauty. Made from travertine limestone formed by mineral deposits in hot springs, these pavers display a range of warm, creamy colors from ivory to rusty brown.
Travertine features natural pits, holes, and veining patterns that give each paver a one-of-a-kind look. When installed, travertine pavers create naturalistic stone surfaces that enhance the landscape.
- Varied Textures
From smooth and polished to tumbled and textured, travertine pavers come in a variety of surface finishes. Tumbled travertine has an aged, timeworn appearance, while travertine with chisel-dressed finish displays visibly chiseled lines across the surface for more texture.
This versatility of textures allows homeowners to choose just the right finish for their needs. Textured travertine offers added traction around pools and patios.
- Strength and Durability
As a form of limestone, travertine is a strong and dense stone able to withstand significant weight and foot traffic without cracking or crumbling. Properly installed travertine pavers will maintain their structure and appearance for decades.
Travertine’s resistance to salt erosion makes these pavers a sensible option for oceanside properties as well. Travertine holds up well in extreme cold, heat, and other outdoor conditions.
- Easy Cleaning and Maintenance
With basic cleaning using soap and water, travertine pavers can maintain their like-new look for many years. No sealing or staining is required, unlike other natural stone. Travertine’s naturally light color doesn’t grow dark or show stains as easily as other stone.
Periodic pressure washing keeps travertine clean. Re-sanding joints may be needed over time, but travertine upkeep is minimal overall.
- Good Drainage
The natural holes and pores in travertine allow rain and spilled liquids to drain through easily. This porous quality prevents hazardous puddles from forming on travertine surfaces.
Water drainage keeps the stone dry and minimizes slip risks, mold growth, and other moisture-related damage. Travertine pavers resist cracking caused by water pooling between paver joints.
- Variety of Options
Travertine pavers satisfy design needs with a wide scope of size options – from large rectangular tiles for driveways to miniature mosaic tiles for backsplashes.
Tumbled or polished finish, square-edged or beveled profile, and vein cut or seamless patterns allow for customized looks. Travertine also comes in wall caps, slabs, and pool coping to complete the overall design.
- Distinctive Look
The natural beauty and texture of travertine pavers lend a distinctive, prestigious look to any home or business landscape. Travertine immediately upgrades plain concrete or asphalt with an elegant yet earthy stone aesthetic.
Its visual interest and versatile appeal make travertine a popular choice for everything from driveways to patios. Interior or exterior, travertine pavers enhance the environment.
- Environmentally Sustainable
Unlike manmade materials, natural travertine is inherently environmentally friendly. Travertine quarrying avoids harmful toxins, and using this natural stone in landscapes helps reduce the demand for greenhouse gas-emitting concrete. Minimal processing also makes travertine an eco-smart option.
With proper installation, travertine pavers form a durable surface that won’t need replacing for decades.
Which One To Pick?
Travertine pool stones lead the race against Shell Stone Pavers due to their exceptional features and top-notch service.
Quick absorption, eco-friendly components, and dazzling designs are the significant aspects of Travertine pool stones.
Moreover, the anti-slipping bottom provides a firm attachment to the floor and prevents stains. The product doesn’t contain any toxic elements that can cause health hazards.
However, Travertine pool stones compromise some drawbacks. You might feel uncomfortable on the ceramic surface, which may creak after a certain period.
Price is another drawback of Travertine pool stones. But the top-class materials prove the high worth of the product.
Therefore, if you can manage your budget, you should go for Travertine pool stones.
Besides the flaws, Travertine pool stones are the best that will enhance your pool’s beauty and keep it odor-free.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Designs and layouts are the biggest differentiators between Shell Stone and Travertine. Travertine offers more lucrative designs and extra protection against microbes than Shell Stone.
Travertine pool stones are better than pavers due to their superior quality and long-lasting products.
Travertine pool stone is more expensive than pavers due to its quality features. The price of Travertine pool stone range from $9 to $15 per square foot.
Travertine is the best stone to put around your swimming pool. Shell Stone Pavers come in the second position for its affordability.
Conclusion
Clearly, Travertine pool stones triumph in this in-depth comparison of the two stone brands. The combination of eco-friendly materials and excellent absorption capacity make Travertine pool stones unique.
Despite a high price range, you can enjoy a wide range of features and increase the standard of your swimming pool by purchasing Travertine pool stones.
Travertine pool stones are the best option to satisfy your demand considering the pros and cons.
