Concrete Pool Deck Resurfacing Guide

Discover the best pool deck coating for your project, see color options and find out how much pool deck resurfacing costs
By Sarah Hutchinson | Updated July 1, 2025


Pool Deck Resurfacing Photos
SUNDEK of Houston
Houston, TX

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.

Pool deck resurfacing is a process that either repairs damaged concrete surfaces or updates their look. When applying an overlay product, the contractor is adding strength to your pool deck, patio or other surface. The overlay is typically a thin layer of cement, sand, polymer resins and other additives.

Find pool deck resurfacing contractors near me

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 resurfacing option and is easy to apply. But it might not last long and may require reapplication in just one year. As a result, your maintenance cost will make this option more expensive in the long-term.
  • Spray texture overlay: A popular choice for use in barefoot areas. The subtle texture is cool, comfortable and safe. Personalize the look with custom colors, scorelines, aggregate effects, and more. You may have heard this option referred to as a cool deck or knockdown finish.
  • Stamped concrete overlay: A stamped overlay fixes your damaged concrete, as well as adds a decorative component. Contractors texture the fresh overlay with special stamp mats to make it look like natural stone, brick, or even wood. It may be more expensive than other resurfacing options, but is still more cost-effective long term compared to a new pour.
  • Cementitious microtopping: These are very thin toppings good for recoloring stamped or broomed decks that still have good texture. You can tint or stain them in a wide range of colors to complement the surrounding landscape. These are also called skim coats.
  • Rubber coating systems: These are the cushioned surfaces found at children's playgrounds. Go this route if you need a soft, ASTM-compliant surface for kids, seniors, or adaptive-use pools. You can add these liquid rubber coatings to your current pool deck surface. They are soft, safe and come in a variety of colors. However, they don't offer as many design options as other concrete coatings and can be damaged by grills or outdoor furniture.
  • Epoxy pebble finish: This type of resurfacer consists of decorative pebbles mixed into and epoxy. They don't take long to install and have interesting color combinations and a seamless look. One downside is that the pebbles could pop out when subjected to wear and tear.

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.

WHAT COLOR OPTIONS ARE THERE?

One of the best things about resurfacing is that it allows you to bring life to a colorless pool deck. Popular colors for pool decks include shades of brown, tan or gray that blend well with the natural surroundings. However, the color choices are limitless—we’ve seen white, blue, black and bold color combinations used on pool deck coatings.

There are many coloring options for your pool deck refinishing project. Here are the most common choices:

  • Integral coloring is mixed into the material. It provides consistent coloring throughout that makes a great base for your new pool deck.
  • Color hardeners are a dry shake powder applied to the surface of the concrete, usually before stamping. They provide a bit more intense color palette, and improve the surface strength.
  • Surface-applied color can be used in conjunction with the first two options. They include dyes, stains, and tinted release agents. Topical colors create variations that help make textures look more like the natural materials they resemble.

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

HOW MUCH DOES IT COST TO RESURFACE A POOL DECK?

Decorative Concrete of the Tri-State in Ashland, KY

Resurfacing your pool deck will be more affordable than having it torn out and replaced. Pool deck resurfacing starts at $3-$5 per square foot, while pouring a new surface starts at $6-$10 per sq ft. Of course, the price will rise as you add customize with decorative options.

See a more detailed analysis of pool deck costs.

Can I save money with DIY resurfacing?

It may be tempting to do your resurfacing project yourself, but it is better to hire a professional contractor. The contractor will use their knowledge and experience to ensure the project meets your expectations. They will finish on time and without mistakes.

HOW DO YOU RESURFACE A POOL DECK?

You can spray or trowel apply concrete overlays to most sound concrete surfaces. You can also stamp or stencil some systems to achieve the same patterns possible with new concrete.

Here are the steps you can expect when your contractor is resurfacing your pool deck:

  1. Prepare - the surface might be ground or treated with chemicals
  2. Clean - any dust or debris will be removed with a broom and hose or pressure washer
  3. Mix - the overlay product will be mixed, along with any integral colors
  4. Apply - the material is sprayed or troweled on, and decorative treatments are added
  5. Seal - once cured, a sealer will be applied to make your pool deck last for years

Tip: Some coatings are formulated to dry quickly, making it possible to give a pool deck a decorative makeover in as little as a day.

POOL DECK RESURFACING BEFORE AND AFTERS

The transformations that take place are impressive, see for yourself with these pool deck before and afters:

Before
After

A hotel’s indoor pool deck had chemical and hard water stains, plus the surface was rough and unfriendly to bare feet. An acrylic overlay was used to provide a fresh color scheme, and a smooth, slip-resistant finish.

See the full project profile: Hotel Pool Deck Resurfacing

Before
After

This residential pool deck was badly cracked and settling in spots. It was transformed using a special cast-in-place concrete overlay featuring a fieldstone pattern and decorative medallion.

See the full project profile: Resurfaced Concrete Pool Deck Makes a Big Splash

Before
After

A micro-topping polymer was used to give the deck around this swimming pool the appearance of colored concrete.

See the full project profile: Pool Deck Goes from Boring to Beautiful with Microtopping Polymer

Case Study: A Family's Pool Deck Makeover

Project: Pool deck resurfacing with Sundek of Houston

Homeowner: Houston Family

Key Features:

  • Resurfacing: Cement-based coating system to refresh a 20-year-old pool deck.
  • Fast Turnaround: Completed in 4 days for minimal backyard downtime.
  • Color & Texture: Customized finish for a beautiful, cool surface underfoot.

Homeowner Feedback: "The guy was a true artist... the effort that it took for him to get the finish that we wanted on here... I would recommend them, and I have recommended them to a lot of people."

Sundek of Houston: A Family's SunStone Pool Deck Revival
Time: 02:05

More resurfaced pool decks:

When It Rains, It Pours

By Bob Harris, The Decorative Concrete Institute, Temple, Ga.

Concrete Staining is Gaining in Popularity by the Minute

from Conart Systems, Inc. in Carlsbad, California.

Company from El Salvador Finds Success in Decorative Concrete

Contractor Turns Boring Backyard into Outrageous Oasis

ARE THERE OTHER WAYS TO MAKE MY POOL DECK LOOK BETTER?

Pool deck resurfacing is great for covering up cracks or other imperfections. But there are many ways to get a fresh look, without having to apply a coating.

Here are more options for beautifying your pool deck:

RESURFACING COMMERCIAL POOL DECKS

Decorative Concrete pool deck at a resort hotel

Resurfacing is an effective way to upgrade worn or outdated concrete pool decks at hotels, waterparks, apartment complexes, and municipal pools. It can improve safety, refresh the appearance, and extend the life of the concrete without the expense of a full replacement.

Why resurface a commercial pool deck?

  • Enhance safety: Add slip-resistant texture to help prevent accidents.
  • Fast turnaround: Many resurfacing systems allow you to reopen the pool area quickly.
  • Attractive appearance: Choose colors and patterns that match your property’s branding and style.
  • Long-lasting protection: Durable coatings handle heavy foot traffic and exposure to water and pool chemicals.

If you manage a commercial property, resurfacing your pool deck is a cost-effective way to attract guests and maintain a clean, safe environment for years to come.

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