Pool Deck Repair Versus Replacement: The Better Option for Your Budget

The pool areas in our Arizona homes provide an ideal location for relaxing, recreation, family fun, and entertaining.   We’re fortunate that our climate allows us to enjoy them longer for the year than most places.

The deck surrounding the pool deck creates the look and style of the area so keeping up its appearance assures continued enjoyment of the pool.  If your pool deck needs attention, there are two ways to make it more structurally sound and visually appealing.  The first is to completely replace it; the second is to repair it.  There are a number of factors to be considered when deciding the best approach to meet your needs.

Should I Replace My Entire Pool Deck?

Probably not. There is rarely a reason to replace an entire pool deck. The process is very expensive and often unnecessary because the majority of wear and tear issues can be repaired.  We seldom see the extent of damage necessary to make a concrete pool deck completely irreparable. Since replacing the deck will cost nearly twice as much as repairing it, we advise you to consider the repair approach first.

How Can My Pool Deck Be Repaired?

Concrete Pool Deck Paint:  Concrete pool deck paint can be used to change the color of your deck.  While this is a quick and relatively inexpensive surface application, it will soon start to look weathered and sunlight will cause the color to fade.  In order to maintain a decent appearance, the deck will require annual maintenance and paint reapplication.

Overlay:  After proper preparation and repairs to the existing pool deck and any desired deck additions are made, a polymer fortified cement overlay can be applied which will provide years of service. This overlay can be textured or embossed to look like Kool Deck or lace or to resemble slate, flagstone, granite ashlar stones or travertine

Natural Travertine, Flagstone, or Decorative Pavers:   Installation requires either removing concrete (an unnecessary expense) or installation on top of the existing deck.

 Travertine and flagstone are naturally occurring stones. Travertine is saw cut to 3cm or 5cm (1-3/16’ or 2”) thick. Other natural stones vary in thickness, size, and shape.  Manufactured pavers are all a uniform thickness. (Driveway type pavers are not recommended)  However, thickness is determined by each manufacturer so there are industry variances.  Some suppliers of pool products offer the public outdoor displays of the travertine and pavers that they sell.  Usually, there are four colors of travertine available:  Ivory, Noche, Silver, and Scabos.  Samples can be seen in the showroom at Pioneer Pools. A few examples are here.

Travertine and manufactures of pavers for pool decks produce a “bullnose” (semicircle) edge coping stone (12”wide) that overhangs the pool waterline tiles. Some people prefer a straight edge coping stone rather than the bullnose coping. The sides of the coping stones should be  saw cut to be perpendicular to the pool.  Thus, the space between adjacent coping stones is uniform (NOT pie shaped).  The coping stones are cemented to the pool bond beam and grout is applied in the space between the stones.

The “field” (the area between the pool coping and the outside edge) is generally applied in a pattern of stones. The most popular is a pattern of two, three, or four different size rectangular and square pieces of travertine or pavers. There is no space between these stones. The outside edge is a row of stones of uniform width (6” or 8”) and is set in mortar. of traffic it receives.

If We Don’t Remove All the Concrete, How Do We Treat the Pool Coping Face?

The pool coping face is the 3-1/2” high vertical end of the concrete deck above the pool waterline tiles. When the travertine or pavers are applied over the old pool deck, all of the cement coping face is visible and it is a glaring mismatch with the beautiful travertine or pavers on the deck.

Method 1.  About 1”- 2” of the concrete coping face is cut off then pieces of travertine (or pavers) are cut and applied to the concrete face. The length of these pieces must match the width of the coping stone on the deck above. This method is expensive

Method 2.  A very economical procedure in to apply a smooth acrylic cement overlay to the coping face and then color it to match the coping stone above.  We have the skilled craftsmen required for this procedure. It looks great!

How does it cost to repair the pool decking?

The only thing that’s for certain is that repairing your pool deck is going to cost a lot less than replacing it.  Unless you have severe structural problems, your replacement will be as strong and as beautiful as a new deck.  A variety of factors must be considered to arrive at a project’s cost.  These include:  How big is your pool deck? What kind of finish, color, or texture do you want? Are you interested in an acrylic overlay?

Since every project is unique, the best way to know the cost involved is to request an estimate.

Are You Ready For Your New Pool Deck?

 Pioneer Pools serves homes in Tucson and most Southern Arizona neighborhoods.  If you’d like to get a pool deck renovation estimate or wish to speak with a specialist, give us a call at (520) 881-7031.   If you’re considering having your entire pool refinished, mention that as well.  It’s a lot smoother and cost effective to streamline both repairs.    If you are not sure what you want, our professionals will provide all the information you need to make a decision that is right for you.  We’ll be happy to give your family the pool they’ve always dreamed of.