Pool Deck Calculator
— How Much Do You Need?

A pool deck project usually requires several layers of aggregate working together from the ground up. The deepest layer is a compacted sub-base of crushed stone or gravel, which gives the entire structure a firm, load-bearing foundation that resists shifting and settling over time. On top of that, a bedding layer of coarse sand is typically used to create a smooth, level surface for pavers or other materials to sit on. If you want a natural, affordable surface without pavers or poured material on top, pea gravel or decorative crushed stone can serve as the finished layer itself. In some cases, fill dirt is also needed to grade the area around the pool so water drains away rather than pooling near the structure. Hello Gravel delivers all of these base and surface aggregates by the truckload, so whether you need crushed stone for a sub-base, sand for a bedding layer, or pea gravel for the finished surface, you can get everything in bulk with free delivery and upfront pricing. Use the Hello Gravel calculator to estimate quantities for each layer, or reach out to the team if you have questions about what your specific project needs.

Yes, and it is more popular than many homeowners realize. Pea gravel is one of the most widely used pool deck surface materials because its smooth, rounded edges are comfortable underfoot, even for bare feet on a hot day. It also drains exceptionally well, so water from splashing or rain moves through quickly rather than sitting on the surface the way it might on concrete or solid pavers. That drainage performance is a real practical advantage around pools where wet feet are the norm. A typical pea gravel pool deck surface is laid at 2 to 3 inches of depth over a compacted gravel base. The result is a natural-looking, low-maintenance surface that works well for both above-ground and in-ground pool settings. The material tends to stay cooler than concrete under direct sunlight, which is another reason pool owners favor it. If you're planning a gravel surface deck, Hello Gravel can deliver the volume of pea gravel or decorative stone you need right to your property. Just use the calculator to enter your dimensions and get a quantity estimate before you order.

The right material really depends on which layer you are building. Here is how to think about each one. For the sub-base layer, crushed stone such as 57 stone or crusher run compacts firmly and drains well. This makes it the most reliable choice for a stable foundation beneath pavers, slabs, or other surface materials. Crushed concrete is another option for the base layer that performs similarly and tends to be more affordable. For the bedding layer directly under pavers, coarse concrete sand creates a smooth, level setting bed. When properly compacted, it locks pavers into position and holds them there even as the ground experiences minor movement from moisture and temperature changes. For the surface layer of a decorative gravel deck, pea gravel is the go-to choice because of its comfortable texture, good drainage, and clean appearance. If you prefer something that stays in place a bit better underfoot, a small angular crushed stone can also work well as a surface material. If you are not sure which materials make the most sense for your soil conditions or project layout, the Hello Gravel team is glad to help you sort it out before you order.

The quantity you need comes down to three things: the square footage of your deck area, the depth of each material layer, and the density of the material itself. As a practical starting point, one ton of crushed stone covers roughly 80 to 100 square feet at approximately 3 inches of depth (or 60 to 70 square feet at 4 inches) at a 2-inch compacted depth. For pea gravel used as a surface layer, one ton covers approximately 70 to 90 square feet at a 2-inch depth. If you are building a 20 by 20 foot pool deck area, that is 400 square feet of coverage. At a 4-inch compacted base of crushed stone plus a 2-inch surface layer of pea gravel, you are looking at several tons of material in total before accounting for any waste or overage. Deck shapes around pools are rarely perfect rectangles, and the ideal base depth also varies based on your soil conditions. That is why the most accurate way to size your order is to use the Hello Gravel online calculator. Enter your dimensions and depth, and you will get a solid quantity estimate for each material so you can order with confidence rather than guessing.

For a residential pool deck, most contractors recommend a compacted gravel base of at least 4 inches for standard conditions. If your soil is soft, clay-heavy, or tends to stay wet, increasing that depth to 6 inches gives you a much more stable foundation. On top of the compacted gravel base, a 1-inch bedding layer of coarse sand is the standard before setting pavers. The reason depth matters especially around pools is that the ground near pool structures is often exposed to more water than other areas of the yard. Saturated soil shifts more easily, and without a deep enough base, pavers and other surface materials can settle unevenly, creating tripping hazards and drainage problems. Getting the base right from the start is the single most important factor in how long your pool deck holds up. If you are unsure about what your specific site conditions call for, a local contractor can assess the soil, and the Hello Gravel team can help you translate that into a material order that makes sense for your depth requirements.