By Elena Danke

Deck coating systems provide protection and extend the service life of a concrete pool deck. The following are some additional benefits:

Waterproofing
There is a variety of deck coating systems available; therefore, pool builders should be aware of the difference between ‘water-resistant’ and ‘waterproof’ coatings. Coatings that are 100 per cent waterproof will provide much greater protection against water penetration. This will significantly increase the life of the pool deck by decreasing cracking, spalling and other related problems.

Easy to clean
The coating’s surface has much smaller capillaries and pores than a concrete deck. This provides fewer avenues for stains to penetrate and become locked into the surface. Further, finishing the coating with a sealer makes it even easier to clean stains. Keep in mind; however, if leaves or other dirt are left to sit for an extended period before being cleaned, stains may not be able to be completely removed.

Less expensive
In the case of existing concrete decks, it is far more economical to over coat, than to rip it out and replace it. Concrete removal is a loud and messy process; as long as the deck is structurally sound there is no reason to remove it. This is especially true in residential applications.
A coating system can generally be installed in two to three days, depending on the level of surface preparation involved and how intricate the design of the finished deck.
Concrete removal alone can take up to two or three days when taking into consideration demolition, clean-up, material removal and the installation of the new deck.

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A deck coating system should be considered on every project to enhance the look of the pool deck. Photo courtesy Aquafin Inc.

By Elena Danke

While decorative concrete certainly has its benefits and applications, concrete pool decks are better protected and will last longer if a coating system is used. Thus, a deck coating system should be considered on every project to enhance the look of the pool deck, while also increasing its longevity and client satisfaction with the project.

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By Elena Danke

Some concrete coating products use innovative rubber fillers, which can provide a very soft surface. This is a great advantage when designing areas where children are prone to ‘horsing around’ and potentially falling. However, this coating system is not waterproof. If the project requires waterproofing, an additional coating system must be applied first.

Similar to cementitious coatings these systems can be used on pool decks, pool interiors and on splash pads. It should be noted, however, due to the nature of these products, they provide a porous surface and it is important to check with local health department regulations to ensure porous systems are approved for use in that specific region.

One advantage to a porous surface is its ability to eliminate standing water, as water runs through the system. This prevents mould, mildew and moisture buildup, in addition to a significantly cooler surface in comparison to other deck coating products.

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By Elena Danke

Some deck coating systems (generally epoxy and urethane based) allow different sized aggregates to be broadcast into the coating’s surface, while it is still wet, to vary the degree of slip resistance. Other products, such as cement-based coatings, already have a mix of aggregates in the product. This allows applicators to select a coating system with varying degrees of slip resistance, such as ‘heavy duty,’ ‘regular,’ ‘fine,’ or ‘ultra fine’ to achieve the desired surface.

Both methods work, it is simply a matter of budget and preference of application, as broadcasting an aggregate is an additional step that requires more labour hours.

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By Elena Danke

By using different aggregates in deck coating systems it is possible to create surfaces with increased slip-resistant characteristics than plain concrete. This is an important consideration when selecting a deck coating system to help eliminate or reduce potential slip and fall accidents—especially on wet surfaces—which account for billions of dollars in injuries and insurance claims each year.

Slip resistance is measured by the American Society for Testing and Materials (ASTM) Standard C1028–Standard Test Method for Determining the Static Coefficient of Friction of Ceramic Tile and Other Like Surfaces by the Horizontal Dynamometer Pull-Meter Method and the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA) guidelines, which recommend a coefficient of friction (COF) of 0.6 or higher in dry and wet conditions, and 0.8 on ramped surfaces, to provide safe surfaces for all people to traverse across. Slip-resistant characteristics are graded using a COF scalar value, which describes the ratio of force of friction between two bodies and the force pressing them together. These guidelines and local requirements should be evaluated when selecting a pool deck coating, especially since slips are more likely to occur where splashing and puddles are common.

There are various coating systems available today, which approach the solution in different ways.

Read the full article: Concrete Coating Systems