Time to Resurface Your Pool Deck? When a Maintenance Coat Just Isn’t Enough By Chris Sigler, B.S.C.E., C.D.T. FIXING THE PROBLEMS – WHEN HAVE YOU ARRIVED AT THE LAW OF DIMINISHING RETURNS?
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ne of the most important amenities that many communities have are their swimming pools and spas. These are typically places where residents find socialization, rest, and a place to cool off during the hot summer. Having a well-maintained pool and recreational space is important for home values and serves as an attractive feature for anyone living or vacationing in the Coachella Valley. There are so many different types of pool deck surfaces throughout the Valley, but the most common pool deck surface treatment is a textured coating system. Coated and textured concrete can be challenging to maintain, but if inspections are performed regularly (every two to three years) by an independent professional or a trusted pool deck specialty contractor, the concrete decks can last for many decades. Concrete is a porous material and, like many building materials, it expands and contracts with temperature and exterior exposures, which must be considered when maintaining a deck.
Can these types of cracks, spalls, and rusted components be fixed and coated over to refresh the pool deck and make it pretty and comfortable on the feet again? I spoke to CAI-CV member, Marshall Cooper, owner of Cooper Coatings in Palm Springs, about this topic. Marshall indicated, “In many cases, yes. If there are a few hairline cracks here and there, and some corrosion at a few locations but the rest of the deck is structurally solid, you can probably repair the deck for another maintenance cycle. It’s mostly about whether the deck is still structurally sound.” Structurally sound, he explained, is when the cracks in the concrete are minimal and observed in a small percentage of the deck. Examples of excessively deteriorated pool decks:
KEY FACTORS IN A LONG USEFUL LIFE IN ANY CONCRETE DECK: • Plenty of expansion and control joints • High-quality sealants and coating materials • Regular touchups of concrete, corrosion treatment, and top coating If you are maintaining your pool decks on a regular cycle, check for water exposure. Water should not have the opportunity to undermine either the concrete or coating system.
Cracking
COMMON POOL DECK PROBLEMS
Delamination
If an association gets behind on the maintenance of its pool decks, the following common deficiencies and issues arise: • Excessive cracking • Spalling of concrete surface
Drain Issues
• Corrosion bleeds from metal components • Delamination of the coating system • Poor drainage
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HOA Living | MAY, 2022
Corrosion
