Stamped Concrete Maintenance Tips: Pool Edition
One of the biggest outdoor design trends is a decorative concrete pool deck. Concrete is a tough and durable material, making it ideal for poolside use. It also comes in a wide range of colors, textures, and styles, giving flexibility in design. Aside from being perfect for achieving your design goals, a colored, textured, inviting area surrounding a pool also provides a safe-slip-resistant deck for sunbathing and barbecuing.
Uses for Concrete Pool Decks
When first introduces in the 1970s, there were very few choices of designs and colors of stamped concrete. However, as the industry grew, more stamping patterns along with different types of stains, were created, giving endless design possibilities for this material. A concrete pool deck can come in a variety of shapes and sizes depending on your desires, budget, and existing pool area. These areas make the perfect oasis for relaxing on lawn chairs, patio furniture, and beach areas. Stamped concrete also makes the ideal place to set up a barbecue or fire pit for everyday entertainment. However, once installed, it is important to keep up with proper maintenance.
Increase the lifespan of your concrete by following these tips
Cleaning
It is important to not let dirt and debris sit for prolonged periods on your stamped concrete. Allowing it to sit will encourage stains. When cleaning your concrete, use a mild detergent and a push broom. This will be enough to clear off most dust, debris, and stains. If needed, a pressure washer on a medium setting will also clean your concrete effectively without damaging your concrete. After cleaning, thoroughly rinse your pool deck with a garden hose. Leaving soap residue will encourage stains, which deters from the beauty of your stamped concrete. Allow one day for the deck to air dry or use a leaf blower to dry the deck faster. Another stain fighting tip is to mop up water from swimming pool use. When left on the deck, the water, along with the chemicals mixed into the water, will encourage stains to develop.
Avoid Harsh Chemicals
You can’t put just any cleaner on your concrete. Acid-based cleaners can destabilize the surface structure and make your color less uniform. It is best to look for a natural cleaner with a mild detergent. When you notice a stain on your concrete, find out what caused the stain and then use a cleaner specific for that stain. If you are unsure, call a professional to clean your concrete. Whether you own a residential or commercial property, we’ll pressure/ power wash away any unsightly dirt, grime, mold and mildew, fungus and algae, oil stains and more with our effective and most importantly eco-friendly biodegradable detergents that won’t harm people, pets or plants.
In the winter, stay away from de-icing salts. Using deicers on your concrete can cause surface damage by forcing the freeze-thaw cycle. Another problem is with products that contain ammonium nitrates and ammonium sulfates because they will attack your concrete chemically. Rock salt and calcium chloride will do less damage but can harm vegetation and corrode metal. If possible, avoid using deicers for at least the first winter after driveway placement. New concrete is more susceptible to the harmful effects of salt and other deicers. Instead, use sand as a safe alternative for traction.
Sealing
Sealing concrete both extends its service life and improves the appearance of the concrete. This will prevent your pool deck from fading and prevent moisture from absorbing into the concrete. Especially around a pool, your will need all the moisture protection you can get. It is vital that you reapply the sealant periodically to protect your pool deck. How often you clean and reseal your concrete depends on the weather conditions the concrete is exposed to and the amount of traffic it receives. In general, concrete should be resealed every two to three years, or when the finish begins to show wear.
Repairs
Stamped concrete is one of the most durable and long lasting paving materials available, and is highly resistant to cracking when installed correctly. However, over time, you may notice cracks in your stamped concrete. There are some basic steps you can take to minimize cracking and ensure good performance. If you notice cracks, do not leave them unattended as this can encourage more extensive damage. Apply a concrete patch to seal cracks in the area and prevent water infiltration into the concrete.
Protective Measures
There are other ways you can protect your stamped concrete that you may not have thought of. One of these involves your potted plants. Be sure to place dishes under your potted plants in your pool deck area. The dish will help to capture water and fertilizer that seeps out of the pot. When left to leak onto your concrete, water and fertilizer can cause stains and more maintenance work for you. Another preventative measure is to affix plastic glides on the bottom of your pool deck furniture. This will prevent scratches on the concrete. It is also important to lift furniture when rearranging rather than drag it across the concrete.