Pool Deck Resurfacing Guide

Apex Concrete Designs, Inc. in Roseville, CA

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.

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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 inexpensive resurfacing option and easy to apply; however, it does not last long, needing to be reapplied in just one year. As a result, your maintenance cost will make this option more expensive in the long-term.
• Spray texture overlay: One of the most popular choices, this option features a subtle texture that is comfortable and safe, perfect for use in barefoot areas. Custom colors, scorelines, aggregate effects and more can be used to personalize the look. You may have heard this option referred to as a cool deck or knockdown finish.
• Stamped concrete overlay: A stamped overlay is a way to fix your damaged concrete surface, as well as add a decorative component that looks like natural stone, brick or even wood. It may be a more expensive option to install, but it is still more cost-effective in the long term, when compared to a new pour.
• Rubber coating systems: Often seen at children's playgrounds, liquid rubber coatings can be applied on top of your existing pool deck surface. They are soft, safe and come in a variety of colors. However, they do not offer as many design options as other concrete coatings listed here.
• Epoxy pebble finish: This type of resurfacer consists of decorative pebbles mixed into and epoxy. They can be installed quickly with 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 blend resins with cement, sand and other additives to improve performance, slip resistance, appearance and the ability to bond 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 are dyes, stains, and tinted release agents that can be used in conjunction with the first two options. Topical colors create variations that help make textures look more like the natural materials they resemble.

Tip: Some contractors can blend custom colors or even do hand-applied special effects that will replicate bluestone or other materials.

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. Basic pool deck resurfacing costs $3-$5 per square foot, as opposed to $6-$10 per sq ft to pour a new surface without any decorative options. Of course, the price will rise as you add customization.

See a more detailed analysis of pool deck costs.

While you might be tempted to complete your resurfacing project as a DIY, it is recommended that you hire a professional contractor. The contractor will bring in their years of knowledge and experience to make sure the project is done to your expectations, on time, and without error.

HOW DO YOU RESURFACE A POOL DECK?

Concrete overlays can be sprayed on or trowel applied to most sound concrete surfaces. Some systems can also be stamped or stenciled, allowing you 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

More resurfaced pool decks:

Concrete Pool Deck Gets Stylish Redesign By Thad Orr

When It Rains, It Pours By Bob Harris, The Decorative Concrete Institute, Temple, Ga.

Pool Deck Revived with Stamped Concrete and Creative Landscaping from Concrete Oasis Co. in Malvern, PA

Concrete Staining is Gaining in Popularity by the Minute from Conart Systems, Inc. in Carlsbad, California.

Contractor Turns Boring Backyard into Outrageous Oasis from Concrete Oasis in Malvern, Penn.

Puerto Rico: Hotel Gets New Look for Pool and Spa with Decorative Concrete Submitted by Concrete Designs

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:

• Change the color of your pool deck using concrete stains or a tinted sealer
• Thouroughly clean the concrete around your swimming pool to remove dirt, grime and more
• Have the top layer of the concrete sandblasted away to expose the aggregate
• Remove the old sealer and reapply a new one to bring the surface back to life