There is no clear best choice or 'standard' when it comes to a swimming pool apron in terms of dimension or material. Most of the decision will be based on your preference and budget. In most cases folks have a good idea of what they want to have around their swimming pool because they want to match what they already have or because of past experiences with a particular material.
We can replace your existing apron with brushed concrete, colored concrete, stamped concrete, field stone, blue stone, travertine, and even pavers. To help you decide we can tell you the pros and cons of each material to help you make the best decision for your family.
Our estimate will including hauling away of the material unless you have a reason to keep it or haul it yourself. The estimate also includes new caulk between the apron and coping (if needed).
You can try having it mud-jacked. Sometimes it works, sometimes it doesn't. Not very helpful, we know, but we get asked this a lot.
It doesn't matter if it's brushed concrete or stamped concrete, we can get the color close. New concrete always looks like new concrete, and the old concrete always looks older.
The best time is a matter of opinion. We can't do concrete/mortar work when it's too cold. We prefer to do it when the ground is not saturated with rain or melting snow as it makes a mess of everything. In a perfect world, after June 1 and before Thanksgiving is ideal.
We do not. We have seen one of these once in 2020. It was installed in May and by July the heat had it blistering off the concrete. We are always searching for a solution like this, but so far we have found nothing can handle the Maryland temperature extremes or the chlorine in your pool!