Here in Sarasota, and across the Sunshine State peninsula, swimming pools are quite common, creature-comfort home amenities. The balmy, warm, subtropical like climate suits this recreation feature perfectly, and, because there’s an abundance of sunshine and hot days, pools can be used most of the calendar year.
Swimming pools are generally works of art. These not only are a great source of cool enjoyment, but also, help to complement the landscaping, and, the home itself. Designed in a variety of materials, shapes, and colors, pools can be simple or exotic. What’s more, these can be customized to accommodate almost any yard, and, nearly regardless of its configuration.
Though a pool is a welcome escape from the heat and makes an ideal place to relax and entertain, the surrounding patio will endure a lot of wear and tear. This is due not only to the heat and sunlight, but also, inclement weather, and normal use. Eventually, there are unmistakable signs a pool patio is ready to be refinished.
Types of Pool Patio Resurfacing
One concern of many homeowners facing pool patio resurfacing comes-in right alongside of cost: type. When a patio is refinished or resurfaced, it doesn’t necessarily have to be the same as the original. Homeowners can elect to put-in a different type of surface for a fresh, new look. Another piece of good news is that there are quite a few varieties of materials and designs. What was a plain, boring pool patio can be transformed into something eye-catching and spectacular.
Taking the time to resurface a concrete pool deck will instantly bring a renewed and enhanced sense of beauty to your backyard and the costs for resurfacing are far less than the costs of replacing old concrete pool decks with new concrete. Anyone can hire an independent contractor to resurface a pool deck but unknown to many people, the job of swimming pool resurfacing is quite manageable for most motivated DIY homeowners. —Hunker.com
This seemingly inconvenient predicament provides the opportunity to add color, style, and even function to your outdoor area. You can choose concrete as a finish, which is one of the most popular, and, most versatile available. Concrete allows for stamping, a process which produces a finish, like rock, brick, stone, wood, marble, tile, or practically any other kind. For those wishing to splurge on their pool patio refinish, flagstone, slate or brick are options, but are among the most expensive. Unlike concrete, these are authentic materials and perform quite well over their lifetime. Tile is one of the least expensive options, but, it’s not necessarily as exotic durable as other materials.
Pool Patio Refinishing Prep Guide
Once you’ve chosen the finishing material, you’ll need to prepare the area for resurfacing. It’s important to keep children and pets away from your outdoor space during the process to keep them safe. While prepping the area might not seem like a big deal, it will save you money on the resurface cost. You should set aside some time to have this done in advance of resurfacing. Here’s a quick guide on how to prepare a pool patio for refinishing:
- Clear the area completely. Refinishing takes a significant amount of time and work-space to complete. Because many patios are at a premium for space, you’ll have to relocate all outdoor furniture and anything else, like grills and fire pits. This is not only to prevent tripping hazards, but also, to protect your patio furniture and other items.
- Cover your pool thoroughly. Resurfacing broadcasts dust and other debris particles all over, far and wide. To protect your pool water and filtration system, it’s necessary to cover it completely. There’s no reason to chance debris shards wreaking havoc on your pump and filter. A right-sized pool cover will be the best option to protect your pool and maintenance equipment.
- Clean off any loose debris. After the pool is completely covered, it’s time to clean the patio thoroughly. You can use a broom or leaf blower first, then, use a garden hose or a power washer. Be cautious about spraying a worn patio surface with a pressure washer because it might dislodge large debris.
- Repair any cracks and chips. If there are any cracks or chips, these will need to be repaired prior to applying the finishing material. There are many commercial repair kits on the market which are designed for different surfaces. Be sure to use one that will work on your patio and to follow the manufacturer’s application instructions carefully. Allow ample time to set and dry before proceeding with refinishing.
It’s highly recommended you don’t attempt to tackle the entire project yourself. Refinishing requires a lot of experience and the right equipment. If you try to resurface the patio yourself, you could well inadvertently cause serious and costly damage. It’s best to hire a licensed contractor for this type of work.
