If you find that you aren’t spending much time enjoying your pool, chances are your pool deck needs a serious refresh! Custom concrete is a popular medium to elevate pool decks because it offers a combination of design versatility, low maintenance, and cost efficiency.
Our team of concrete resurfacing experts has compiled a definitive guide to reviving your in-ground or above-ground pool deck! We’ll cover:
Stamped Concrete vs Pavers for Your Pool Deck
Pool Deck Resurfacing
How to Repair the Concrete Around Your Pool
Concrete Pool Ideas
Cost of Concrete Pools
Whether you’re looking for a concrete pool deck or want to refurbish an existing pool deck, contact B&W Custom Concrete for a consultation!
Stamped Concrete vs Pavers for Your Pool Deck
Stamped concrete and pavers are both excellent choices for a pool deck—and their trade-offs make them comparable when it comes to material costs, performance, and longevity.
STAMPED CONCRETE PROS:
Flexible Design – Stamped concrete comes in a wide variety of patterns, allowing you to mimic natural materials such as brick, cobblestone, and even wood. You can also introduce bold, sophisticated colors through stained concrete finishes.
More Affordable – High-quality stamped concrete tends to be cheaper than natural stone pavers. Stone pavers need to be quarried, which drives up the price.
Easy to Install – Unlike pavers, which require an involved installation process, stamped concrete can be done quickly by pouring the material and then applying the pattern.
Easy to Maintain – You’ll need to regularly clean and seal your concrete to protect your pool deck. This makes stamped concrete a good choice around pools. Maintaining pavers is more complex because you have to replace the joint sand routinely. Natural stone can also be suspect to pool water damage if not properly sealed.
Slip-Resistant – When sealing stamped concrete, we add anti-skid agents to ensure that it too slipper around the pool. Safety is a top priority for pool deck construction.
Natural stone pavers have high up-front costs due to material sourcing, installation, and complex routine upkeep. However, they’re unmatched in longevity and can be easily repaired by swapping out cracked pavers. Ultimately, the choice comes down to personal preference and maintenance commitment level.
Pool Deck Resurfacing
Pool deck resurfacing involves pouring a new concrete overlay on top of an existing pool deck. This is an affordable approach to updating your pool deck’s look and feel by changing the overlay’s color, pattern, and finish.
Depending on your deck’s age, material, and condition, concrete resurfacing can also help reinforce and cover minor cracks or spalling (surface deterioration) in your pool deck. The new overlay uses the most up-to-date concrete techniques available to extend your deck’s lifespan.
It’s important to note that concrete resurfacing is not the same as concrete pool deck repair. An extensively damaged deck caused by ground erosion beneath the concrete will require a professional to assess.
How to Repair the Concrete Around Your Pool
Prepare & Repair Cracks – For small cracks, you can use a concrete patching compound or crack filler designed for use on horizontal surfaces. Clean out the crack, removing any loose material, and follow the manufacturer's instructions to apply. For larger or structural cracks, you should consult a professional.
Clean & Prime – Thoroughly clean the pool deck to remove dirt, debris, and any loose or deteriorated material. Use a pressure washer or scrub brush along with a mild detergent or concrete cleaner. Rinse the area well and apply primer as needed. Allow the deck to dry completely before proceeding.
Mix Overlay Product – Use a commercial concrete resurfacing product. Mix the product according to the manufacturer’s instructions and add in your coloring agents.
Apply Overlay – Apply the product following manufacturer instructions. Different methods like spraying, rolling, and troweling will give you different final products. Once you’ve applied the overlay and checked its leveling, you may add patterns to the concrete before it cures.
Cure & Seal – Allow your overlay to cure according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Then, apply a concrete sealer suitable for outdoor use. Look for a product that also offers anti-skidding to prevent slippery surfaces when wet.
While it’s possible to DIY a concrete resurfacing project, accurately assessing your pool deck’s damage and applying the appropriate solution requires experience. It’s best to consult a professional when in doubt.
Concrete Pool Ideas
A concrete pool deck offers flexible design options. We’ve talked about how stamped concrete can update your patio, and the same design techniques apply.
Alternate between areas of plain and patterned or colored concrete to create visual contrast. Pick colors that stay cool in the summer heat and complement your environment. Mix organic shapes with sharp lines to define focal points.
If you’d like to make a real statement with your renovation, consider installing an above ground pool deck. The height gives a flare of drama, and swimmers will enjoy their elevated viewpoint! Architectural Digest also offers several clever ways to incorporate concrete into your backyard decor.
Need more inspiration? Check out these Instagram-worthy concrete pool decks!
Cost of Concrete Pools
So, how much does stamped concrete cost around a pool? On average, the cost of stamped concrete is about $8–$18 per square foot. However, the final price varies depending on several factors, including:
Pool deck foundation assessment
Services (e.g., concrete resurfacing vs building from scratch)
Colors and textures
Design complexity
Types of sealants and finishers
Transform Your Pool Deck with Custom Concrete
At the end of the day, concrete is a high-performing and cost-effective option for pool decks. Stamped concrete is a good investment for homeowners that want to update their property’s look and feel without committing to extensive maintenance regimens.
Customizable designs, concrete resurfacing options, and easy resealing every few years will keep your deck in top shape for decades to come.
Ready to take your pool deck to the next level? Build your custom concrete pool deck with B&W Custom Concrete. We offer free estimates!