REVIEW OF POOL DECK COATINGS FOR CONCRETE OPTIONS
There are many different options from which to choose when it comes to repairing your pool deck, and pool deck coatings are often a cost-effective solution, especially in comparison to replacing the concrete. Pool deck coatings come in all shapes and sizes, from cheap paint-on coatings to brilliant, designer, durable coatings. We’ll explain what to look for when deciding which system is best for your project by reviewing each of the following systems: Pebble Technology, Paint, Cement-based Coatings, Vinyl Chip, and Sandbroadcast.
REPLACE YOUR POOL DECK OR INSTALL A COATING?
First, when do you know when it’s time to replace your concrete vs. install a coating? Many people tell us that their pool is probably chipping, cracking, heaving, or spalling way too much for a coating. Sometimes this is true, however, often we can install our coating system after we repair and prep the surface. This often involves: cleaning the surface, filling cracks, patching spalled surfaces, grinding the surface, and washing again to ensure the coating adheres. We can handle multiple repair issues, but sometimes it might be best to replace the concrete. We’ll give you the best recommendation, even if that means not installing a coating. An example of when the concrete should be replaced is when it is a small area, such as less than 2,000 square feet; in that case, the cost per square foot just becomes too high for the coating. Another example would be if the concrete is crumbling and there are chunks of concrete missing from the surface. This would not be an optimal surface to hold a coating, and thus should be replaced.
Now that you have an idea of whether you should replace your concrete or install a coating, which should prolong the life of your concrete, considering you choose a quality system and a team of experienced professionals to install it, we will discuss each system, starting with Pebble Technology, also known as Pebble Tec.
OVERVIEW OF POOL DECK COATING OPTIONS:
Pebble Technology:
This is an aggregate pool finish that offers different textures and colors to create a natural environment, using small to large pebbles from around the world.
Pros:
- Nature-inspired appearance
- Slip-resistant
- Cooler than some other coating options, like paint
Cons:
- Difficult to repair
- Tends to delaminate and peel
- Installers not in every state, like Colorado
- High cost
- Traps dirt, therefore harboring bacteria
Concrete Paint:
Concrete paint is exactly what it sounds like; it is a paint designed for concrete pool decks. It is like painting a wall in your house, except you paint a thin layer onto the concrete, then often seal it and apply a texture for slip-resistance.
Pros:
- Less expensive upfront
- Large range of color options
Cons:
- Tends to chip and peel
- Can be slippery if texture is not added
- Highlights flaws in the concrete
- Looks like paint
Cement-based Coatings:
A cement-based coating is a polymer modified cement that is installed onto the concrete surface at about ¼ inch thick.
Pros:
- Customizable look
- Good texture when not sealed
- Decorative appearance
- Can hide flaws
- Some are UV-resistant
Cons:
- Usually requires a high gloss sealer, which can be slippery
- Tends to chip, peel, and crack
- Needs sealer applied often
Vinyl Chip:
Decorative vinyl chips systems, or flake systems, are resin-based chip/flake flooring systems with paint aggregates that is either applied to a pool deck with a hand broadcast or by a hopper-blower gun.
Pros:
- Customizable: comes in many colors and sizes
- Hides sub-surface imperfections
- Colorfast, UV-stable pigments
Cons:
- Can be slippery
- Can blister
Sand Broadcast:
This is our unique pool deck resurfacing system that we created with years of knowledge and experience in the concrete coatings and repair industry. It takes the strength of a parking deck coating with a resin-based base layer and blends it with local quartz that is thrown by hand evenly over the surface for a natural finish.
Pros:
- Slip-resistant
- Decorative, but natural appearance
- Cost-effective
- Durable
- Hides sub-surface imperfections
- UV-resistant and chemical-resistant
- Crack-resistant
- Easy to maintain
- Optional sealer
Cons:
- More expensive upfront investment than other options
In summary, there are several different options you have in comparison to replacing your pool deck. By looking carefully at each of the options listed in this blog, hopefully you have a better idea on where to spend your money: repairing or replacing, and which system to use that will best fit your needs. There are benefits to each kind of system, but when deciding which pool deck coating system, keep in mind the long-term investment decision. For a better system, like the sand broadcast pool deck system, it might cost more upfront, but it will be worth it in the long run, prolonging the life of your pool deck and making it look beautiful with a flexible, high technology sandy coating that looks like you’re on the beach.
Contact Us Today For Your Free Estimate
If you’re looking for concrete floor refinishing, concrete staining, epoxy coatings, concrete repair or other services, our team can provide high-quality, effective solutions for commercial and industrial companies in Denver, Colorado, and the surrounding areas.
Give us a call at (720) 835-1013, or fill out the form below to get started today!
