When you look out at your back yard, are you pleased with everything you see? If your home has second or third floor windows, how pristine does your yard look from up above? Do you see any spots in your lawn that need attention? Are there any tree limbs of concern? Is the patio and concrete deck surrounding your pool in spotless shape, or is it stained, cracked, or just plain boring?
Regular maintenance and a little TLC can take care of most problems in the backyard. But when it comes to your pool deck, any signs of decay will only get worse if not addressed. Small cracks in concrete can grow larger when exposed to repeated cycles of winter freezing and thawing such as we have in the Northeast. And a worn deck will more easily collect sand, grass clippings, dirt, and silt in any crevices which will inevitably get tracked into your pool, making your filter work harder and less effectively.
When a concrete pool deck begins to break down, the walking surface can become less safe and more likely to cause injury. Stubbing a big toe on a raised concrete slab is enough to make the toughest hombre hop, skip, and reach for the closest towel to scream and bite into.
If regular maintenance and cleaning are no longer enough to whip your concrete pool deck back into shape, alternative measures might be required to restore your deck’s appearance and put you back in the swim.
Not all resurfacing technologies are created equal.
If you live in the mid-Atlantic states or farther north in New England, concrete pool deck resurfacing costs can fluctuate by five or more dollars per square foot. In states like New Jersey, New York or Pennsylvania, or up north in Massachusetts and its bordering states, there are many things to consider when weighing the costs and appropriateness of the available concrete pool deck restoration processes.
For one thing, the weather in the Northeast can determine not only how much your resurfacing will cost, but how long the resurfacing will last. Some resurfacing processes, such as concrete overlays, might only last for several years if the concrete underneath should shift or crack. While overlays can be an economical choice, if you’re looking for long-term durability it’s best to look at processes that are integrated with the existing concrete surface.
Here are a few other resurfacing options to you might hear about when you call vendors for cost estimates:
Demo and new construction
Concrete overlay stamping
Pavers
Engineered Concrete Flooring
Choose the right resurfacing technology for your concrete pool deck.
Ordinarily pavers and concrete demolition and new construction wouldn’t be part of a discussion about concrete pool deck resurfacing, but people often include these when considering their options. Either way, if you have an existing concrete pool deck, both options will require you to break it up and rip out the old concrete before replacing it with a new pour and/or brick or concrete pavers. So even before you’ve addressed the new installation you will already be several thousand dollars or more out of pocket.
When a concrete pool deck has fallen into disrepair, demolition and replacement might seem like your only recourse. But demolishing and removing an old concrete pool deck can be the worst thing you can do to the walls of the pool. While a pool deck that’s cracking or sinking is an eyesore and seems beyond repair, demolishing it and removing it should be avoided if possible.
Unlike a concrete sidewalk, a pool deck isn’t supported on both sides by even pressure. Ripping up sidewalk has no effect on the stability of the turf on either side of the walkway.
A pool deck is a completely different story. That’s because the pressure of the ground on the turf side of the concrete deck is much greater than on the pool side. Demolition can pose significant risks to the pool walls. You also run the risk of damaging the plumbing running underneath the slab, which in itself can be a significant cost to replace or repair.
Stamped Concrete Overlay
Stamped concrete is a popular option that will last longer than overlays, however it can be much more expensive to install. Stamping allows for interesting colors and a variety of patterns which are “stamped” into a new layer of concrete after it’s poured and before it hardens. While stamped concrete will endure better than overlays, it shares one important characteristic in that it is essentially a thin topcoat no more than one-quarter to three-quarter inches thick. Again, in a region where weather plays a huge part in how concrete performs, the top coat of concrete stamping can also break up over time unless it’s regularly maintained and resealed.
ECF restores beauty to existing concrete surfaces
Unlike concrete stamping and overlays, RenuKrete® Engineered Concrete Flooring (ECF) integrates with the existing concrete surface rather than acting as a cosmetic, topical layer. Through RenuKrete’s proprietary resurfacing technology, RenuKrete can create the beauty of natural flagstone and slate tile from the surface of your existing concrete pool deck, bringing new life to your backyard at a price that’s highly competitive with the cosmetic alternatives, while being much less than demolition and replacement.
Where concrete decking has deteriorated, cracked, and become worn, RenuKrete ECF miraculously restores the original surface to new beauty. Even if your concrete decking is fractured with cracks and uneven expansion joints, RenuKrete will make them disappear as if they never existed. Concrete surfaces that have been scarred and stained by neglect can be rejuvenated and made into an authentic looking natural flagstone or slate tile deck that will leave you delighted for years to come.
And unlike some other resurfacing techniques, RenuKrete® maintains the natural foothold and texture of your concrete deck while it gives it the look and feel of natural stone.
Acquire the renewed pool deck you dream about.
A pool deck that shows obvious signs of wear and tear, as well as cracks and other imperfections that are safety hazards, can be reclaimed anew by RenuKrete ECF’s patented and proprietary processes. To learn more, call 800-406-5010 to speak with a RenuKrete concrete deck restoration expert.