I do not agree with this response.
Sealers are used to help prevent staining and REPEL water, not shed water. Pavers are sealed for aesthetic effect. Most importantly, pavers are sealed to maintain their appearance by slowing their weathering and aging.
Water does not “pass through” a paver system. Some water will pass through the sand joints. After a while, sedimentation occurs in the sand joints effectively blocking most of the water from actually penetrating through the pavement system (ever wonder why they use sandbags to hold back floods?). The problem is that the water DOES penetrate into the pavers themselves. With concrete pavers, the mechanical action of rain on the surface, as well as the absorbed water going through freeze thaw cycles in the winter, causes paver deterioration.
By sealing the pavers, the water absorbtion is dramatically reduced which helps prevent freeze/thaw and ice melt chemical damage. If you use a coating sealer, this will further provide a “sacrificial layer” to take the abuse from rain, traffic and abrasion.
There are eco-friendly choices available that include non-toxic, ZERO VOC penetrating type water & oil repellants and very low VOC coating sealers.
Choosing to seal your pavers is proactive protection for what was most assuredly a substantial investment. It is not necessary, but is practical and will extend the lifespan of your pavement immeasureably.

Derek Schneider
derek@advancedpavement.net