Tired of your boring pool deck? Concrete pool deck resurfacing can spice up your old pool deck without the hassle of tearing out the old concrete and pouring new.
Resurfacing covers sound concrete with a new surface, while concrete pool deck repair fixes structural problems like sinking, heaving or deep cracks.
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SHOULD YOU RESURFACE OR REPLACE YOUR POOL DECK?
Resurfacing only works if the concrete underneath is in good shape. An overlay bonds to the existing slab, so it can’t fix problems below the surface.
Resurfacing is a good fit when:
- The slab is structurally sound and stable
- The damage is cosmetic, such as fading, staining, spalling or a worn texture
- Cracks are narrower than about 1/4 inch
Replacement is the better choice when:
- Sections of the deck are heaving or lifting
- The slab is settling or sinking
- Structural cracking is widespread
- The sub-base has failed or washed out
An overlay placed over these problems will crack or fail along with the slab underneath.
When the slab is sound, resurfacing is the better value. It starts at $3-$5 per square foot, compared to $6-$10 per square foot for a new pour. See a full breakdown of pool deck costs.
WHAT IS THE BEST POOL DECK COATING?
Below is an overview of the most popular resurfacing options for pool decks. Contact a contractor near you for help deciding which option is best for your pool.
- Concrete pool deck paint: Pool deck paint is the most affordable option and easy to apply. But it may need reapplying in as little as a year, which raises long-term cost.
- Spray texture overlay: Popular for barefoot areas. The subtle texture stays cool and slip-resistant, and you can customize it with colors, scorelines and aggregate effects. Also called a cool deck or knockdown finish.
- Stamped concrete overlay: A stamped overlay covers surface damage and adds the look of stone, brick or wood. It costs more than other resurfacing options, but less than a new pour.
- Cementitious microtopping: Very thin skim coats for recoloring stamped or broomed decks that still have good texture. They can be tinted or stained in a wide range of colors.
- Rubber coating systems: Cushioned, ASTM-compliant surfaces like those at playgrounds. A good choice for kids, seniors or adaptive-use pools. Design options are limited, and grills or furniture can damage them.
- Epoxy pebble finish: Decorative pebbles bound in epoxy for a seamless, multicolor finish that installs quickly. Pebbles can pop out with heavy wear.
Many of today’s overlay products mix resins with cement, sand, and other additives. This improves performance, slip resistance, appearance, and bonding to the existing concrete. Some coatings used for concrete pool deck resurfacing resist damage from salt, pool chemicals, UV exposure, freeze-thaw conditions, and abrasion.
Here’s how the most popular pool deck coatings compare:
| Option | Cost | Lifespan | Slip Resistance | Heat Reflectivity | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| POOL DECK PAINT | $ | 1-5 years | Low to moderate (needs anti-slip additive) | Varies by color | Tight budgets, short-term refresh |
| SPRAY TEXTURE OVERLAY | $$ | 10-15 years | High | High | Barefoot areas, hot climates |
| STAMPED CONCRETE OVERLAY | $$$ | 10-15 years | Moderate (improves with slip-resistant sealer) | Varies by color | Stone, brick or wood looks |
| CEMENTITIOUS MICROTOPPING | $$ | 5-10 years | Moderate (with textured finish or additive) | Varies by color | Recoloring decks with good texture |
| RUBBER COATING SYSTEM | $$$ | 12-15 years | High | Moderate | Kids, seniors, adaptive-use pools |
| EPOXY PEBBLE FINISH | $$ | 5-10 years | Moderate to high | Moderate | Seamless, multicolor finish |
Tip: Lifespans assume regular maintenance. Most systems need resealing every 2-3 years. Paint is the exception, since it’s recoated instead.
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WHAT COLOR OPTIONS ARE THERE?
Resurfacing brings life to a colorless pool deck. Popular colors for pool decks include browns, tans and grays that blend with natural surroundings. But we’ve also seen white, blue, black and bold color combinations.
Here are the most common coloring options:
- Integral coloring is mixed into the material for consistent color throughout.
- Color hardeners are dry-shake powders applied to the surface, usually before stamping. They intensify color and strengthen the surface.
- Surface-applied color, like dyes, stains and tinted release agents, can be used with the first two options. It adds variation that makes textures look more natural.
Tip: Skilled contractors can mix custom colors or apply special effects by hand to mimic bluestone or other materials.
What the Pros Say
"Cementitious coatings like Cem-Coat Plus are the go-to solution for complete pool deck makeovers. They give you so many options for color, allowing worn-out surfaces to be transformed into beautiful, long-lasting finishes.”
— John Reynolds, Brickform Technical Expert
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