Concrete Pool Deck Sealer Guide

A properly applied sealer protects the beauty and longevity of pool decks. Decorative Coatings and Concrete Company in Aurora, CO.

Pool deck sealer is important for protecting the concrete around your swimming pool. Sealing your pool deck can also help enhance its appearance with sheen and color. Plus, you can use a non-slip sealer to reduce the chance that anyone slips and falls. Having your pool deck sealed is a quick process that makes a big difference.

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Do I need to seal my concrete pool deck?

One of the questions pool contractors most commonly get asked is, Should I seal my pool deck? The short answer is yes.

After investing in your pool, it is important to also invest in a sealer to protect your concrete. Concrete surfaces that surround the pool are subject to damage, and sealers reduce the chance that your surface will experience wear and tear. A sealer is non-porous, so it’s essentially water repellent. That means your decorative concrete surface will resist things that would otherwise soak into its surface.

Here are a just a few of the things that can compromise a pool deck over time:

• Chlorine from your swimming pool
• Foot traffic
• Mold and mildew
• Sunscreen and beverage spills
• Weather exposure (for example, UV rays, snow, etc.)
• Wet pool toys and floats sitting in one spot for too long

Swimming pools in areas of the county where it freezes during winter benefit greatly from sealers. Water can seep into the smallest of cracks, and when temperatures reach freezing levels, the water expands which leads to cracking. The same applies to all exterior concrete surfaces—not just pool decks.

When should I seal my concrete pool deck?

Your pool deck should be sealed as soon as sealer is able to be applied to the surface (in other words, after a freshly poured deck is completely dry or has cured properly). If you’re having a pool deck installed or resurfaced, ask your contractor when a sealer can be applied. The sooner you apply the sealer, the sooner it can protect your surface from damage.

When is it time to reseal a concrete pool deck?

Even a properly applied sealer will wear out over time due to use and exposure to the elements. Generally, a pool deck should be sealed every 2 to 5 years. The appropriate amount of time to wait between resealing your pool deck depends on several factors such as how much use it gets and whether it has a lot of exposure to the elements.

There are signs to look out for that indicate your pool deck needs a new coat of sealer. For example, you might begin to see signs of wear or water might appear to soak into the surface instead of beading up like it does when a sealer is newly applied.

It’s important to keep your deck properly sealed, so discuss how often you should reseal with a professional contractor.

How do sealers improve pool deck appearance?

In addition to having its functional purpose, a concrete pool deck sealer enhances the appearance of the deck by protecting it from wear and tear, stains, and color fading. Additionally, many pool owners also like the way their deck looks after the sealer is applied as sealer can enhance the color and intensify the look of colored concrete. You can choose a sealer depending on the look you’re going for—options range from natural matte finish to a high-gloss sheen.

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Will a sealer make a concrete pool deck slippery?

For your safety and the safety of anyone who walks around your pool, it is essential to ensure that your pool deck isn’t slippery. If you choose the right sealer for your pool deck, it will not be slippery when wet. You can either choose a sealer that is specifically formulated to be slip resistant, or you can non-slip additives that make the surface non-slip.

Can a pool deck sealer be colored?

Concrete sealers can be tinted. You can purchase them tinted or you can have them mixed with a tint color of your choice. Tinted concrete sealers are a great option if you want to get all the benefits of a sealer while also getting subtle color on your pool deck—they provide a little color without needing to stain your concrete surface. Learn more about tinted concrete sealers here.

What is the best concrete sealer for pool decks?

There are many options when it comes to choosing a sealer. Two commonly used types of pool deck sealers are:

• Acrylic sealers (water-based or solvent-based). Breathable, which means they repel water and allow moisture vapor within the slab to escape. Creates a glossy sheen on top of your surface.
• Penetrating sealers. Provides great protection against outdoor conditions without forming a surface film. A good option if you like a matte or natural look and don't want a sheen on your pool deck.

Here are some helpful tips for selecting the right sealer for your job.

How do you seal a concrete pool deck?

While it’s possible for a homeowner to seal a concrete pool deck, it’s not a simple task. That’s why many people opt to hire a professional to apply the sealer. An experienced contractor knows common pitfalls to be aware of when sealing a concrete surface and knows the tips and trips required to get the best result.

Here are the basic steps to sealing a concrete pool deck:

• Use a pressure wash (sometimes called “power wash”) or hose with a high-pressure nozzle to remove oil, grease, stains, dirt, and dust from the concrete.
• Rid the surface of any existing sealer or paint.
• Use an etching solution to open the pores of the concrete.
• Apply a thin coat of sealer using a roller or sprayer.
• Wait for the first layer of sealer to dry then apply a second coat in the opposite direction.
• Allow the sealer to fully dry before walking or driving on your concrete.

Learn more about sealing a concrete surface

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