Secrets to Resurfacing Your Pool Deck Like a Pro

Resurfacing a pool deck can increase the value of your property, attract visitors, and completely change the feel of your aquatic area. But resurfacing water- and sun-soaked concrete takes special care.

If you want your next pool project to be successful, it’s important to pick out materials and use techniques that give your concrete surfaces the perfect combination of look, style, and performance. This article will highlight the best materials to use for your next pool or deck resurfacing project and outline what you’ll need to upgrade all of your pool surfaces.

Why Resurface Your Pool Deck or Patio?

If you’re updating your concrete pool deck or patio, resurfacing is a cost-effective and powerful option. And it’s a convenient alternative to completely replacing the concrete. Ultimately, by repairing and polishing existing concrete, you can see many of the same benefits of brand-new concrete, without the costs, downtime, and labor of a complete replacement.

Here are some benefits of resurfacing pool decks, driveways, and patios:

• Redefine an area’s look: Whether you want to impress residential guests or bring in customers, resurfacing concrete gives you the power to completely change the look of spaces for the better.
• Add to your investment’s value: By resurfacing cracked, worn, or tarnished surfaces, you’ll be adding value to your property.
• Set the ambience for customers: Resurfacing concrete lets you choose from an array of colors and styles to brighten the look and feel of spaces.
• Save money on a replacement: In addition to saving on the high up-front costs of replacing concrete, resurfacing existing concrete cuts down the amount of time a space is out of commission. As a result, you can save time, effort, and money by resurfacing.
• How much thicker will my concrete surface get with an overlay: When applying our coatings to your concrete surface, you can expect a noticeable increase in thickness. Our overlays add a layer that is approximately equivalent to stacking two quarters on top of each other, resulting in a total thickness of just under a quarter-inch.
• Why are concrete coatings a popular choice for pool deck repair: Concrete coatings are a highly sought-after option for pool deck repair due to their host of advantageous features. Firstly, homeowners and commercial property owners gravitate towards concrete coatings because of their exceptional durability. These coatings are specifically formulated to withstand the rigors of frequent foot traffic, exposure to sun, water, and chemicals, making them an ideal choice for pool decks that often encounter heavy use.Additionally, the ease of maintenance associated with concrete coatings is another reason behind their popularity. These coatings provide a protective layer over the concrete surface, making it resistant to stains, cracks, and other forms of damage. With regular cleaning and minor upkeep, a coated pool deck can maintain its aesthetics and functionality for an extended period, saving both time and money in the long run.

  Moreover, the ability to customize concrete coatings with various colors, textures, and patterns greatly adds to their appeal. Property owners can select coatings that seamlessly blend with their pool area’s existing design or create a unique and personalized look. This customization option allows for endless possibilities to enhance the overall aesthetic appeal and create a visually appealing space that complements the surrounding environment.

  In summary, the popularity of concrete coatings for pool deck repair can be attributed to their durability, easy maintenance, and the ability to customize them according to one’s preferences. These factors combine to create an attractive and long-lasting option for homeowners and commercial property owners alike.

What to Consider When Resurfacing Your Pool Deck

Prior to choosing products for resurfacing your pool deck, it’s important to understand the unique challenges these surfaces face. Concrete around pools generally needs to hold up to sunlight, erosion, water, and foot traffic. Before deciding what products to use for resurfacing, ask yourself these key questions:

Is your concrete in good enough shape to resurface? 

If you have small cracks, pores, or surface wear, you should be able to use prime and base coats to restore your surface. However, if your surface has major cracks and breaks, you may need to repair the surface before moving forward.

Do the products promote safety? 

It’s important to keep yourself, your guests, and your customers safe. Be sure you use products that have anti-slip properties, are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), and are freeze- and thaw-stable.

Will the products support the look I want? 

The final products you work with should allow you to create the look, style, and feel you desire. Make sure the materials let you pick the gloss, color, texture, and pattern that you want.

These general questions should help you determine what products and techniques you should use to restore your concrete surface. In most cases, you’ll want to start with single-component polymer-modified concrete, such as Uberdek, which holds up in these challenging environments. From there, you have several options for restoring pool decks and other concrete surfaces.

Pool Deck Restoration Options 

The final products and techniques you use to restore your pool deck surface will depend on the condition of your surface, the amount of downtime you can afford, and your final intended look. In general, if your concrete is mildly pitted, worn out, or stained, there are three ways to restore your surface without completely replacing the concrete:

Option No. 1: Use a One-Coat System

One-coat systems are ideal for surfaces that have minimal structural damage but need a freshened or updated look. Here’s how to apply a one-coat system:

1. Apply the resurfacing mixture: After mixing water with your Uberdek resurfacing formula, apply a single coat to the surface you want to refinish.
2. Add color: You can integrally color your Uberdek formula by adding Colorfast. Colorfast is made up of synthetic iron oxide pigments and is designed to hold up in wet environments. You can also use UV-resistant dyes, such as Pellucid Dye, to add intricate designs to your overlay.
3. Add nonslip qualities: By using a broom to groom your surface, you can create a nonslip surface.
4. Seal and finish: In order to preserve your surface’s design and add durability, you’ll want to add a sealant. Be sure to use a highly water-resistant product with nonyellowing protection, such as Dekguard, to seal your fresh concrete.

Pros 

• Provides a simple nonslip option
• Lets you choose from bright and diverse color options
• Is more cost-effective than a full concrete replacement

Cons

• Doesn’t include stenciling or advanced patterns
• Will add less protection with a single coating than multiple-coating methods

Option No. 2: Resurface, Coat, and Redesign

For more intricate designs and detailed resurfacing, you’ll want to use a resurface, coat, and redesign method. Here’s how to resurface your pool deck using this second technique:

1. Apply a base coat: Add a base coat of Uberdek to your surface. You can add Colorfast to integrally color your base, use Pellucid Dye to add colors, or leave it as a gray or white base.
2. Design your surface: Use a predesigned stencil to lay out the patterned design of your new surface.
3. Add a second coat: Apply a second coat of either Uberdek or a microtopping such as Skraffino. You can either use a hopper gun or trowel down to complete this step. This resurfacing video will give you a more detailed look at the process.
4. Seal your surface: Use a water-friendly sealant, such as Dekguard, to preserve your surface.

Pros

• Offers more diverse texture and pattern options
• Allows for creative and colorful results
• Utilizes microtoppings, which are easier to work with when you’re making custom designs
• Adds extra surface protection with multiple coats

Cons

• Requires more labor
• Extends your return-to-use time with multiple coats

Option No. 3: Recolor and Seal

If your surface is in fairly good shape but you want to add color, you can use a recolor and seal approach:

1. Add color: Use an exterior, UV-stable dye, such as Pellucid Dye, to add the color you want to your concrete surface. You can also use Colorfast pigmentation to create unique color combinations.
2. Seal your surface: You can preserve your new design and protect the concrete from wear by sealing your surface with a pro-grade sealer.

Pros

• Offers unique and interesting color combinations
• Is quick and easy

Cons

• Not recommended for chipped surfaces or surfaces that are in bad shape
• Adds less protection than other methods

Expected Timelines for Resurfacing Your Pool Deck 

Whether you’re resurfacing your pool deck at home or upgrading it for commercial use, it’s important to know how long the process will take. Here are more details about the resurfacing process:

Surface Preparation

If you’re using a pro-quality product such as Uberdek, you can lay down your coating with minimal surface preparation. Just make sure the surface is clean and solid. Remove any spalling or loose pieces. At the same time, make sure to clean any potential bond breakers, such as oil, grease, mold, tar, asphalt, or sealers.

If you have cracks or divots in your surface, fill them with a fiber-reinforced concrete patching compound such as Param FP. Although this is all you need for Uberdek to bond to the substrate, it’s a good idea to prime your surface with a pure acrylic copolymer primer.

Mixing Your Coating 

If you’re using Uberdek, the mixing process will be quick and simple. Just pour four quarts of water into a clean bucket, and slowly mix the product with a drill and mixing paddle. Keep mixing until all the powder is damp and flowing. If your product appears to be too dry, slowly add small amounts of water as needed.

Cure Time  

Uberdek will cure quickly. Even with foot traffic, the curing process will be complete in as little as 2-4 hours. The working time will be approximately 20 minutes, depending on the heat, cold, wind, and direct sunlight. If you seal your surface with a water-based sealer, it will take approximately 3-4 hours to cure. If you’re planning on applying a solvent-based sealer, it’s best to let it cure overnight.

Wrapping Up

Promoting safety is our utmost priority. We understand the importance of keeping yourself, your guests, and your customers safe, which is why we take great care in providing products that offer not only aesthetic appeal but also enhanced slip-resistance. Our surfaces are designed with anti-slip properties, ensuring a secure footing even in wet or slippery conditions.

Additionally, we are committed to using materials that are free from volatile organic compounds (VOCs), ensuring a healthier environment for you and your loved ones. Our products are also freeze- and thaw-stable, guaranteeing their durability and performance even in extreme weather conditions.

We take pride in our dedication to safety, and we go above and beyond to provide surfaces that prioritize slip-resistance. However, it is important to note that while our products are designed to minimize the risk of slips and falls, we cannot assume responsibility for any slip and fall incidents that may occur. We encourage our customers to exercise caution and use our products in accordance with recommended safety guidelines.

Choose our products with confidence, knowing that we prioritize your safety and strive to provide surfaces that are both visually appealing and slip-resistant. Your peace of mind is our ultimate goal.”<

Get Expert Advice for Your Next Pool Project

When done correctly, resurfacing your pool deck or patio can breathe new life into your space. However, you don’t need to start your next project on your own. Contact our experts for advice about your next pool project.

Please CLICK HERE to learn about the installation over pool deck.

{{cta(‘2608f96e-615f-43c5-a2df-a4515593e045’)}}