Pool Deck Overlays vs. Pavers: A Breakdown

Although the swimming pool is the highlight of a pool, the concrete pool deck also plays a huge role both in the aesthetics and function of the entire space. An old or ugly deck will lessen enjoyment and comfort and that shouldn’t be the case. It should be in good form for lounging, walking barefoot, and other outdoor activities. When you do decide to enhance or repair, make sure you choose the right material. Two of the most popular options is a concrete resurfacing overlay or pavers. If you are torn, here are the pros and cons of each one:

Pool Decking Overlay

Installation

A pool deck coating or overlay can be installed on both a new or old deck. It is a highly recommended solution for cracks, scaling, and other concrete surface issues. It can be installed in as little as a day.

Cost

Pool deck resurfacing is one of the most affordable solutions today. Since it uses the existing deck as a base, it requires just a small amount of new material to change the look and improve the function of the pool deck. The total cost may vary depending on customization, size of the job, and how much surface preparation or repairs are needed prior to installation.

Aesthetics

It gives the deck a breath of new life, thanks to the wide range of colors and patterns to choose from. It can be designed to replicate the look of natural stone, tile, and even pavers.

Maintenance

A resurfaced pool deck requires minimal cleaning and maintenance. Since any pattern has gaps that do not cut all the way through, you won’t have to worry about anything growing in between or having water and dirt penetrating past the surface.

Pavers

Installation

This is a durable and appealing option for pool decks but it requires a great amount of time and effort to install. Each piece must be placed by hand to ensure proper fit, especially if it involves a pattern.

Cost

Pavers are priced per piece and are a bit more expensive than an overlay. The installation itself could cost more because of the tedious process. The subgrade or deck must also be prepared really well to make sure that the pavers install very well. The gaps would also require to be filled in with polymeric sand or the filler of your choice.

Aesthetics

Pavers come in a variety of shapes and colors. It can be arranged in different patterns but the choices are quite limited.

Maintenance

Pavers require a lot of cleaning and maintenance. Weed can grow in between the pieces. The filler may settle and the pieces could shift.

Learn More Here:} Pool Deck Overlays vs. Pavers: A Breakdown

3 Easy Pool Decking Tips from Pros

Whether you have had a pool deck for a while or just installing a new one, it is important that its form and function satisfies your needs and wants. If you are in the planning stage, here are a few helpful tips from pool decking pros:

Pool Decking for Inground and Aboveground Pools

Choosing a pool deck material in the past used to be based on the type of pool you have. An inground pool use tile or stone while aboveground types use wood. However, the availability of decorative concrete resurfacing options nowadays make it easier to choose. If you want a natural stone deck, there is no need to spend an exorbitant amount of money to acquire one. Pool deck resurfacing coatings and overlays are highly recommended both for inground and aboveground pool decks. They can be installed on an existing deck and they are durable, appealing, and easy to maintain.

Concrete Pool Deck Maintenance Tips

Power washing is necessary for pool decks but make sure you don’t overdo it. An annual schedule is good enough even for decks around salt water pools. Make sure to seal and reseal the deck to maintain the protective layer. Schedule yearly service checks with a pool deck professional, even if it does not involve a repair. A thorough assessment from a pro will help detect signs of damage even before it manifests itself. This will actually save you from having to deal with expensive and extensive repairs.

Designing the Pool Area

If you are installing a new pool deck, a pro can easily design you one with great consideration to your needs and wants. However, if you have an existing concrete pool deck, altering the design can be quite restricted. There are ways you could enhance the look and function of your pool deck affordably:

• Color - Concrete stains come in acid and water-based types. These can effectively change the color of a concrete pool deck. These yield luxurious results.
• Design - Patterns on concrete pool decks can also be changed. If you are tired of your old deck, add a flagstone pattern on it in various hues of brown. You may also add a textured coating for a subtle but still gorgeous appearance.
• Layout - The way the pool deck is designed is permanent unless you remodel or renovate. To give the illusion of a new layout, rearrange the furniture instead. You may also want to add potted plants, shades, and even stand-alone walls for extra privacy.

Original Post Here:} 3 Easy Pool Decking Tips from Pros

3 Tips on Choosing the Best Pool Deck Fall Color that is Perfect All Year Round

The fall season is popular for a natural phenomenon when most deciduous trees change their colors from green to a variety of autumn colors. The most common colors include red, yellow, orange, brown, and pink. Some leaves even turn to purple, blue, and magenta. If you want to incorporate fall colors on a pool deck repair or remodeling project, here is how you can make it look trendy all year round.

Choose One Fall Color

Just because there are several fall colors, doesn’t mean you have to have all of them on your pool deck. Although it would definitely look like autumn in your pool area every day, it would look inappropriate when other seasons come around. Instead, choose one color and stick to it. For example, if you choose orange, use that hue and different tones on the pool deck or strategically around the area.

Do Not Overdo It

Now that you have chosen one color to incorporate on the deck, make sure that you do not overdo it. Pool deck overlays can be stained to an orange color or a variety of similar tones. If you have a striking color on the deck, there is no need to make everything on and around it in the same color. Imagine an orange pool deck, orange lounge chairs, orange pool lining, orange cabanas, and everything else orange. Definitely an eyesore. If the pool deck is already orange, put some more orange on the throw pillows on the lounge chairs. Maybe you can just add orange flowering plants somewhere nearby for added color. Do not make it look like a giant orange fruit threw up on the deck.

Consult a Paint Swatch

The safest way not to overdo is to use different similar hues or different tones of a similar color. This can be pretty tricky. If you are planning on concrete stain colors to use on pool deck coatings, you may consult a designer or a paint swatch. Swatches are strips that feature a palette of colors that go together. You can also use these to test how colors would look against or along with the rest of the pool area or the exterior of the home itself. While fall colors look absolutely stunning on those trees and on the fallen leaves on your lawn, using them all year round requires careful planning.

Source Here:} 3 Tips on Choosing the Best Pool Deck Fall Color that is Perfect All Year Round

4 Ways to Prepare Your Pool For Fall

Once the smell of pumpkin spice is evident in the air and the leaves start to acquire beautiful fire-like hues, you know that Fall is on the horizon. When the air becomes cooler and cooler, everyone knows that swimming season is over. It is important to prepare the pool for the upcoming season. Although it won’t be used, it needs to be in good shape and must be well-maintained while it goes through the season. Here are basic ways you can prep your pool.

Clean the Pool

If the pool will be unused for several months, it is important to clean it really well. Any debris could contaminate the water. Organic debris, like algae, could spread like crazy when summer comes back around. There are winterizing pool chemicals that can be added to the water to maintain its cleanliness and to control bacterial growth. The pool deck should also be kept clean and in good condition. If a pool deck repair is needed, have someone repair it immediately before rain or storms start to make it impossible to do. If there is surface damage, pool deck overlays and coatings can effectively make it more durable, more appealing, and more resistant to the upcoming season.

Balance Pool Water Level and pH

Water should be at an appropriate level before it can be covered. It is best to ask help from an expert to check if you need to drain water off from it. The drainage level will depend on the material used, the type of cover you have, the type of lining, the finish of the pool, and more. As for the water’s pH level, chlorine and calcium levels should be checked prior to covering the pool. If you are not sure, a pro can help you with this.

Check the Filtration System

The filtration system may need to be shut down through Fall and Winter. But before you do that, make sure that it is clean and in good working condition. Make sure that there is no water in the lines. Also, check to see if any plug or lid or anything that needs to be replaced. If it is clean and well-maintained, there would be no issues once it needs to be started back up again.

Cover the Pool

Falling leaves will always be an occurrence during the Fall season. Except some of those to fall on or be blown over by the wind to the pool. These can cause bacteria and algae to grow, making it more difficult to clean the pool once swimming season begins again.

See Full Article Here:} 4 Ways to Prepare Your Pool For Fall

How to Blend Your Pool Deck with Your Home’s Exterior

There are various ways to enhance and improve a concrete pool deck, making it quite challenging to zero in on just one option that would fully satisfy your desires. A customer’s preferences are often influenced by his or her home’s architectural design. So, if you want the pool deck to blend in utmost harmony with your home, here are ways you could make that a reality.

Color

The most common method of making the pool deck blend in with the rest of the house is by having it in the exact same color as the exterior of the house. However, this can be quite an eyesore. Instead, use a color that is similar to the house, probably a tone or shade lighter or darker. If you have a brown wooden house, a beige or tan pool deck will look great with it, both colors being in the same range. Another way is to choose a contrasting yet complementing color.

Theme

If the theme of the house is traditional, an abstract pool would seem inappropriate. If you want the pool deck to blend with the house, it should both belong to the same design concept. Here are some of the most popular themes:

 

• Old World -This theme features the beauty of antiquity which was popular centuries ago. These usually feature natural stone. 
• Traditional- This features formal and classic elements. A pool deck with an ashlar or slate look would be a great choice. A spray-concrete resurfacing solution also features a subtle stucco-like design, perfect for traditional homes. 
• Modern -A modern theme is either utilitarian, sleek, industrial, or geometric.  
• Tropical - Featuring elements relative to the sea, sand, and sun, this concept is both warm and relaxing. A spray texture on a concrete pool deck is an ideal method of making the deck look like sand. Plus, this coating stays cool to the touch despite exposure to sunlight. 
• Rustic- This is a popular theme for homes, featuring charming elements often used in ranches and country farmhouses. Natural stone and wood

Pattern

If the exterior of the house features a brick pattern, a brick pool deck seems most appropriate. However, to keep it from looking redundant, choose to add brick only on borders, coping, and focal points. This way, there is a point of connectivity without being too overpowering.

 

Material
While any material should do, it is best to work with similar or at least complementary materials to create a well-blended look. A wooden house may have a wooden deck and a stone house would look great with a natural stone deck. If you are concerned with budget, concrete is your best bet. It can be made to look like most materials, including wood, stone, brick, tile, and more. With the help of a professional concrete contractor, explore your options.

Read Full Article Here:} How to Blend Your Pool Deck with Your Home’s Exterior

Pool Deck Project: When to DIY and When to Hire a Professional Concrete Contractor

Remodeling a pool deck, be it to repair or update, is always interesting. Homeowners often love a DIY project. More often than not, people regard things as something simple to do. This confidence is fueled by the fact that most tools and materials are already available for purchase in local handy stores. Also, there are tons of DIY tutorial videos on the internet that homeowners can take a crash course from. But where do you draw the line for a DIY? Surely, you’ve heard the strong recommendation to hire a pro for concrete pool deck projects. Here is a brief guide to determine which work can be DIY and which ones should be handled by a licensed concrete contractor.

DIY Concrete Work

In general, minor damage on a concrete deck can be done on your own. Say, there is minor hairline cracking on the surface. There are crack filling agents you can purchase to fill them with and seal them shut. If there are small holes or pits, just fill or pour new cement to cover it up but make sure that the surface stays leveled. If you wish to paint a concrete deck, you can do this, too. Sealing a concrete slab is also something you can do, but make sure to consult a pro about which type of sealer is appropriate.

Concrete Work Best Left to a Pro

For major repairs and upgrades, it is always best to seek the help of a pro. This include:

• Resurfacing a pool deck, for one, involves a process that needs to be followed strictly. Spray-down concrete resurfacing requires the use of a hopper gun and only pros are trained for that job. Stamping an overlay also requires the right stamp patterns and efficiency.

• Refinishing may seem like something simple but this requires proper surface preparation. Staining a plain, spray texture, or stamped concrete slab will only be effective if the surface is in a state for perfect adhesion. The stain also needs to be sprayed or applied evenly for an even color coat.

• Widespread or deep damage needs to be handled by pros. These may cause underlying issues that need to be dealt with. For example, working cracks may mean that the subgrade did not undergo compaction properly or thoroughly. It may also mean that there is movement underneath the slab and the whole thing needs to be replaced.

Article Source Here:} Pool Deck Project: When to DIY and When to Hire a Professional Concrete Contractor

Choosing the Right Surface Materials for Your Patio

Resurfacing a concrete patio yields better results if done by a licensed contractor. The materials, however, need to be chosen by you as the property owner. There are many reliable options out there but not all of those will be appropriate for your patio. So, how do you make the right choice? Here are important factors you should consider.

Usage

The way you use your patio will help determine the type of materials you need for the patio. If you use the patio often, doing activities that involve heavy foot traffic, then you definitely need something durable, like a stamped concrete patio. You have to focus on functional traits for this one.

Climate

This is one of the factors that most homeowners fail to consider when choosing a material. Some patio paving options are quite sensitive to heat and snow. If you live in an area that experiences heavy snowfall or rainfall most days of the year, choose a material that can withstand that. If you live in an area where the sun is up most days of the year, choose a material that can stay cool despite the hot weather. One ideal option is a knockdown texture which stays 30% cooler than other materials in the market.

Maintenance

Are you a busy person? Do you hire someone to clean for you? If you don’t have the luxury of time to clean and maintain meticulously, go for a material that does not demand it from you. An acid stain on the patio, for example, can look luxurious even without special cleaning products and regimens. Plus, it does not require a daily and arduous cleaning as some other high-end materials do.

Cost

Budget is very important. You should always choose a material that you can afford. But please do not be a cheapskate and choose something that you know would not hold up. Decorative concrete coatings and overlays will give you the best value for your money. They provide great aesthetics and durability at an economical cost.

Consult an Expert

After considering all these, have you come to a decision? If not, do not worry. It might be high time to consult an expert concrete patio expert to help you out. Most contractors give free consultations so take advantage of that offer. List down the key information you need to help you decide on a material. Ask for samples or visit patios they have worked on before. Truly, all these efforts will be worth the investment.

Source Here:} Choosing the Right Surface Materials for Your Patio