Florida sunshine means Florida beaches and swimming pools, especially when visiting the stretch of paradise on the Atlantic coast from Palm Beach to Miami Dade county. Even if the beach seems like the obvious choice for soaking up some fun in the sun, every water lover knows there is a time and a place for the relative sanctuary of a pool, rather than the sandy ground and tidal waters of the beach. Beaches offer natural splendor, but pools can be built according to our exact wants and needs. Whether we hope for a wave pool to satisfy our sense of adventure, Olympic-length lap lanes to get our heart rates up, or the luxurious surroundings of a private hotel, a pool can be our slice of heaven amidst the chaos of the rest of the world. However, even the most perfectly-designed pools are only as perfect as the pool decks that surround them.
In this article we will cover:
- What is pool deck resurfacing?
- How do you know if you need to resurface?
- How often do you need to resurface?
- Residential pool deck resurfacing cost
- Commercial pool deck resurfacing cost
What is pool deck resurfacing?
The pool deck is the entire expanse of space that surrounds a swimming pool. This also includes the pool coping, which is the material that hugs the edge of the pool, often with a small overhang, providing a transition from the pool deck into the pool itself. The process of resurfacing a pool deck is a key aspect of overall pool maintenance, one that has significant impacts on the appearance and functionality of the pool deck. Resurfacing a pool deck gives pool owners a chance to revitalize the appearance and safety features of the area surrounding the swimming pool, increasing enjoyment while minimizing injuries.
How do I know I need to resurface?
The need to resurface your pool deck stems from either aesthetic or safety reasons. For instance, the pool deck might need to be resurfaced to match the design vision during an overall hotel remodel, or perhaps there are visual signs of damage and wear, such as cracks in cement, missing tiles, or peeling paint. Specific materials will show different signs to indicate whether a pool deck needs resurfacing.
Concrete damage – If your pool deck is made of concrete, the material can show signs of wear with many specific names, like spalling, honeycoming, crazing, blistering, delamination, dusting, or efflorescence. An engineer can diagnose the exact nature of the damage, but for concrete in wet environments like swimming pool decks, cracks or spalling are the most common need for repair. Spalling is a specific type of crack that occurs when water seeps into the concrete, and changes in external temperature cause the material to expand and contract. Luckily, cracks in concrete pool decks are easily repaired with surface resurfacing and sealant, and individual concrete pavers are even easier to replace.
Wooden damage – Wood is one of the most popular materials used in building pool decks because of its natural attractiveness; however, the wet environment of a swimming pool creates the perfect condition for wood rot to form. This type of damage is essential to repair, because wood rot can spread, affecting the foundation and structural integrity of any buildings in the vicinity. Signs that your wooden pool deck is in need of resurfacing are soft patches in the wood, areas of discoloration, visible mold, or insect damage. If you want to avoid future wood rot, consider resurfacing with a synthetic material instead.
Stone pavers or tile damage – Stones and tiles are frequent material choices for pool decks, because of their endless customizability, particularly in terms of hyper-local stone types, like Florida’s favorite: limestone. In commercial pool decks, tiles and pavers are exposed to much more frequent use, which can lead to cracking and breaking. On natural stones, you will also need to watch for the formation of mold, which loves to cling to the textural imperfections on stone and ceramic tiles. Mold growth can make the pool deck area slippery, which creates an additional safety hazard in an already slick environment. A trusted and experienced waterproofing and repair company will know how to properly remediate and prevent future mold growth.
How often do you need to resurface?
The frequency with which you need to resurface your pool deck depends on the type of material, and commercial pool decks need to be resurfaced more frequently than residential pool decks, due to heavier use.
Concrete pool decks installed properly can last for decades; although resurfacing every two years can extend the lifespan of the pool deck. If the concrete shows visible signs of wear, resurfacing quickly is recommended, as damage can escalate quickly with continuous exposure to water and pool chemicals.
Wooden pool decks require refinishing, resurfacing, or resealing every 2-3 years to maintain the material’s integrity. The chemicals used to treat commercial swimming pools can also cause wood finishing to deteriorate more quickly, so it’s important to complete frequent inspections to ensure the long lifespan of a wooden pool deck surface.
Stone pavers and tile pool decks are relatively low-maintenance, due to qualities of the natural materials that resist damage caused by weather exposure; however resurfacing services for mold remediation and crumbling tiles should be completed annually. This consistency of care will elongate the life of the pool deck and the health and safety of all swimmers.
Conditions affecting resurfacing timelines in Florida
Extreme heat or humidity creates greater wear and tear on any surface, and conditions in Florida are a perfect storm, sometimes literally. For outdoor pool decks, sun exposure exacerbates these corroding factors, and even though the Sunshine State may not actually be the sunniest state, it certainly sees a fair amount of sunshine! For these reasons, residential and commercial pool decks in Florida should be inspected regularly and assessed for signs of damage in need of repair.
Residential pool deck resurfacing cost
Resurfacing generally involves applying a sealant or an entirely new layer of materials over the existing layer; therefore resurfacing a pool deck can save pool owners time and money when compared to outright demolition and reconstruction. For decorative concrete with minimal design, expect to pay between $5-10 per square foot. The level of repair needed can also influence the cost. More damage means rising costs for the necessary amounts of labor and materials. Regular inspection and maintenance by a trusted professional will help to avoid these steeper rates..
Commercial pool deck resurfacing cost
Commercial pool decks may be cheaper per square footage to resurface than residential pool decks, because materials can usually be purchased in bulk for a discounted rate. However, commercial decks may also involve more elaborate designs, which could increase the potential resurfacing cost to up to $25 per square foot, particularly in geographical areas with a high cost of living. Lastly, it is important to consider that the quote for the price of resurfacing will increase as the size of the pool deck area increases.
Commercial pool deck resurfacing in Miami
Swimming pools are an important feature for hotels and apartment complexes in South Florida. With over 500 hotels in the Miami area, competition is fierce. A radiant pool deck design, combined with proper maintenance, will encourage guests to choose your establishment over others. If you are considering resurfacing your pool deck in the Miami area, contact Bengoa Construction for a quote. We are a waterproofing and repair company, handling pool replacement, waterproofing, tiling, and structural repairs for inground and rooftop commercial pools and pool decks in Palm Beach, Broward, and Miami Dade Counties. We can help you keep your pool deck shining and safe.
