3 Tips For Maintaining Your Stamped Concrete Pool Deck
Stamped concrete is a terrific way to bring some life to your plain pool deck. You can get the look of brick, slate, or even cobblestones without having to pay the money to have your concrete taken out and replaced with these more expensive materials. However, once you've improved your pool deck with stamped concrete, you'll need to know how to maintain it so that it continues to look new and beautiful. Here are a few tips that will help you keep your stamped concrete looking great.
Sealing
Your stamped concrete installers will add sealant when they install your deck; but, this sealant eventually wears off. You'll need to replace it every few years so that it can continue to protect your stamped concrete.
Fortunately, applying sealant is a relatively manageable do-it-yourself job. All that you need is a five-gallon pail and a roller. Just apply the sealant to the deck in smooth, even strokes, and allow it to dry for a full day before walking on it. The best time to apply sealant is in the fall or spring, when the weather is neither too hot or too cold. Since it's a pool deck, it's not a bad idea to mix an anti-skid formula in with the sealant to prevent slip-and-fall accidents.
Cleaning
The sealant will help, but it can't protect your deck if you don't clean it regularly. Furthermore, accumulated dirt will wear down the sealant, resulting in a need for more frequent applications.
Stamped concrete is easy to clean. You can rinse the surface off with a garden hose. Once a week, add some mild soap--like dish soap--to the wet surface, and scrub the soap across the deck with a push broom. Then, rinse it until all of the suds are gone. You can allow the deck to air dry, or you can dry it quickly with a leaf blower.
Avoiding Damage
A pool deck is subject to more traffic and furniture movement than many other concrete surfaces. You'll want to take steps to protect your stamped concrete from scratches and scuffs. It's best not to move furniture by dragging; if you can pick an item up and move it, that's usually a better option.
You can also apply non-scuff plastic glides to your pool and patio furniture to protect the concrete. If you have plants in containers on your deck, placing plastic dishes underneath all of the containers can help you avoid scratches.
Maintaining a stamped concrete pool deck isn't difficult, and it's worth making the effort. Protect your investment, and you'll have a beautiful pool deck to show off for years to come.
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