A neglected or damaged pool deck doesn’t make for an inviting atmosphere for yourself, friends, and family to gather around. To keep your pool environment in top shape, it pays to consider how well you’re taking care of its coating or surfacing material. This quick guide will discuss how to clean your new pool deck coating and the steps you should take to maintain a quality finish over time, ensuring your pool area remains beautiful and inviting all year long.
Inspect Your Deck
Prevention is key to maintaining your pool deck coating, so start by inspecting your pool deck. Check it at least once to twice a year to prevent small problems from turning into bigger issues. When inspecting your pool deck coating, consider factors such as color, texture, and pattern.
There are two main things to look out for: algae growth and cracks. Algae growth is dangerous because it makes the deck slippery, which is hazardous when you have wet feet walking across the ground. Small cracks can occur periodically, but they shouldn’t be too hard to repair if you catch them early enough. Left unattended, small cracks can grow into big ones and potentially cause damage. Regular inspections help you catch these issues and fix them before they escalate.
Clean Regularly
Regular cleaning is crucial for maintaining your newly resurfaced pool deck and coating. Outdoor environments naturally accumulate dirt and debris, such as leaves and grass clippings, which can negatively affect your pool deck coating. Leaves, in particular, contain tannic acid and tannins that can stain your deck.
Here’s how to clean your pool deck coating:
- Weekly Cleaning: Sweep your deck once or twice weekly using a broom or dry mop to remove dirt and debris.
- Spot Cleaning: For tough spots, spray a little water. Use a nylon brush with a light soap and water solution (half water and a small amount of soap) for stubborn stains. Avoid using metal brushes, as their hard bristles can damage the coating.
- Standing Water: Regularly clean areas with standing water to prevent stains. Lightly pressure wash the deck as needed.
*Photo showing stains on pool deck from standing water and dirt.
Use Sealant
Pool deck coatings and sealants are designed to last, but constant exposure to water, sun, and outdoor elements can wear them down. While some sealants recommend reapplication every two to three years, it's better to reapply a top coat of sealant bi-annually or annually, depending on your location. Concrete in Las Vegas, in particular, is exposed to abundant sun. Applying sealant extends the lifespan of your pool deck and helps prevent problems. Please let us know if you'd like us to install sealant on your new pool deck coating. This is optional but recommended to help extend the life of your coatings.
Avoid Damage Preventing damage is the best way to keep your pool deck coating well-maintained. Here are common mistakes to avoid:
- Don’t Screw Into the Protective Coating: Whether installing a hammock, umbrella, or satellite dish, never screw into the surface of your pool deck. This creates holes in the coating and weakens it.
- Keep Your Grill Off Your Pool Coating: Hot embers from grills, especially charcoal grills, can burn through waterproof deck coating. Ash and other burning materials are also problematic. Relocate the grill to another location.
- Use Protective Attachments on Heavy Furniture: Unprotected furniture legs can damage your pool deck coating. Use felt or nylon protectors on furniture legs. Avoid rubber attachments, as heat and pressure can cause rubber polymers to bond with the coating and accidentally remove it when moving furniture.
- Don’t Put Down Rugs: Outdoor carpets and rugs trap moisture inside their thick fibers and under their rubber membrane, preventing the pool deck coating from drying. This leads to moisture entrapment, bubbling, and other issues. Use breathable rugs such as bamboo rugs instead.
- Raise Plants Off the Deck Surface: Never place potted plants directly on the pool deck coating. Water gathers underneath, leading to moisture problems over time.
- Clean Your Deck Often: Sitting water can cause stains and moisture damage. Pool water can leave stains due to chemicals like chlorine, bromide, and cyanuric acid, as well as salt deposits and mineral buildup. Remove dirt, leaves, and debris regularly to prevent staining and damage.
By following these guidelines, you can keep your pool deck coating in excellent condition, ensuring a safe, beautiful, and inviting pool area for years to come. If you have any questions or need further assistance with your pool deck coating, please feel free to contact us.
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