5 Pool Deck Resurfacing Myths Busted

Common myths about resurfacing concrete decks could be stopping you from getting the poolside oasis of your dreams! Many people think that you have to choose between "quick fixes" and expensive demolitions when your concrete pool deck starts to look old. It's not true. Let's get you one step closer to having a safe, attractive concrete pool deck at your home in the Northeast as we bust five common pool deck resurfacing myths.

Myth #1: DIY Concrete Overlays Will Save You Money

This so-called easy fix is anything but easy once you really dig down. If you've been researching the best way to resurface your concrete pool deck, there's no doubt you've come across online tutorials or advertisements for using concrete overlay products. Nobody can blame you for being tempted.

Unfortunately, the reality of overlays is that they are often more trouble than they're worth. While you may be able to change the appearance of your concrete pool deck, the difference is only superficial. That's because concrete overlays are thin veneers that rest on the surface of concrete. Over time, they are very likely to chip and peel. Since repairing one single area of a peeling or chipping overlay isn't possible, you'll end up needing to scrape away the entire veneer to redo the project.

The other big secret is that DIY concrete overlays rarely look good. Many people who try concrete overlays to resurface pool decks end up having the project professionally redone after a season or two. It adds up to more cost and expense than simply starting off with having your concrete pool deck professionally resurfaced.

Myth #2: Applying a Concrete Overlay Is Easy

Here's one more myth related to those popular concrete overlays that have left more than one surprised homeowner very frustrated. While these products are touted as being easy to use, they actually require a great degree of skill and preparation. You'll need to fully sand down your existing concrete slab before the overlay can be applied. Without this step, the wet overlay product won't stick. Sanding concrete is a messy, time-consuming process that will kick dust up all over your yard. The cleanup process is also pretty massive.

Myth #3: Pavers Are the Best for Concrete Pool Patios

Many homeowners have heard that pavers are considered the most elegant option for a pool patio. There's no doubt that pavers create an attractive, ornamental look for a patio. However, there are some hidden downsides that you may not know about until you're forced to live with pavers. Here's the truth about pavers:

• 1. Having pavers installed for a concrete pool deck is one of the most expensive options.

• 2. Pavers are extremely heavy. Over time, they can sink into the soil around your pool. This can create an uneven surface that creates trip hazards.

• 3. Pavers can wobble. Nothing is more frustrating than trying to balance patio chairs over unstable stones. In addition, this extra tripping hazard is the last thing you want when people gather around a pool!

• 4. Pavers require ongoing maintenance. In order to keep them preserved, you'll need to sand and seal your pavers every two to five years.

• 5. Overgrowth is a real problem with pavers. The spaces in between individual pavers create perfect areas for weeds and moss to grow. These spaces also attract hordes of ants. This can create a very unpleasant environment for anyone trying to relax by the pool!

It's understandable if you're drawn to the elegant look of pavers. What many people don't know is that you can recreate the look of individual tiles or stones without the cost or hassle. The technique is called concrete etching.

With concrete etching, special stenciling is done while concrete is still wet. The finished look creates the illusion of custom stone without the cost or need for maintenance. With your pool patio consisting of a single slab instead of hundreds of individual stones, it's also far more stable and durable. If you refurbish your existing concrete pool patio with RenuKrete, we'll create a custom look that mimics the appearance of real stone. With the patented RenuKrete system, nobody will believe that it's the same patio you've always had!

Myth #4: You Need to Demolish Your Existing Concrete Pool Deck

This is the costliest myth of all for homeowners. If your concrete pool deck is worn out, crumbling, or full of blemishes, you may have been told by other companies that the only way to fix the problem is to do a full replacement. That means demolishing your existing deck, cleaning the area, and having fresh concrete poured for a new deck. That sounds pretty expensive. It's also unnecessary.

Learn about the RenuKrete system instead. RenuKrete's proprietary system allows us to mold your existing concrete slab into a completely new design. Your concrete pool deck will be sturdy, safe, beautiful, and ready to give you many more years of enjoyment with minimal maintenance. What makes us different from companies that offer concrete overlays that they call "resurfacing" is that we don't just cover up the problem with a veneer. We actually use our proprietary process to reform your existing concrete into a new material. That's not all!

The finishing touch of a RenuKrete refurbished concrete pool deck is concrete stamping. Our talented crew will create realistic-looking faux stones and tiles throughout your pool deck using etching. You are able to choose from a variety of colors, shapes, and patterns that fully mimic the look of actual stone and tile types. Everyone will think you've had a custom, hand-laid stone patio installed when they see it!

Myth #5: You Don't Need a Permit to Demolish Your Concrete Pool Patio

Here's a lesson that far too many homeowners learn the hard way. If your pool patio is 20, 30, or 40 years old, locals permit laws may have looked very different back when it was built. All of the piping and wiring in the soil under your deck could now be in code violation. While it's grandfathered in as long as you don't touch it, you may need a special permit to do any kind of demolition work.

In situations where you can demolish a pool deck without a permit, you may still need one to build a new one in its place. This can be a lengthy process that requires several weeks to get approval. You'll also have to pay a fee. In many cases, your town will actually send an inspector over to take a look at the project in person.

A better option is to simply leave your existing pool deck in place. When you choose RenuKrete resurfacing, you don't have to worry about permits because we leave your existing concrete deck intact. It only looks completely new.

Don't fall for common myths about replacing your pool deck! Call RenuKrete at 800-406-5010 to get your quote for the easiest way to resurface a concrete pool slab. We have transformed countless pool decks for our clients throughout New York, New Jersey, Pennsylvania, and Massachusetts.