How to Repair Acrylic Pool Deck

Investing in a pool has always been an expensive and long-term decision. While many build one to combat the hot summer days from the comfort of their home, others use it as a business accessory to drive more guests. Regardless of why they got one, most pool owners realize how much time and work goes into maintaining one. So, how to repair acrylic pool deck to ensure your family and guests can fully enjoy it?

By discovering the different types of pool decks and what it takes to maintain them, you’ll easily find the best option for you. Each separate type has its own unique characteristics and maintenance needs. If you’re a new pool owner or thinking of investing in one, you’ll be well prepared to face any issues that come your way. 

Continue reading to discover how to repair different types of pool decks and the best options you’ll find!

What Are Pool Decks?

In simple terms, a pool deck is the area that surrounds the pool’s basin. It’s the closest area near the water, so it’s most often used for lounge chairs and fun activities. Thus, its quality and design often make or break a pool experience.

Since you’ll be spending most of your time on the deck when you’re not in the water, you must ensure that it’s safe and comfortable. No one wants to deal with cracks that can potentially hurt you or cause an accident. 

So, before learning about fixing damages in an acrylic deck, you first need to know the different types available.

Different types of pool decks

The type of pool deck you choose mostly depends on your personal preference. Before you invest in such an expensive construction, it’s best to inform yourself of the options beforehand. 

That being said, the most common pool decks you’ll find are the following:

• Concrete pool deck
• Acrylic pool deck
• Wooden pool deck
• Tile pool deck
• Natural stone pool deck

Concrete pool deck

The first common pool deck type you’ll come across is the concrete one. It offers unparalleled durability and can be customized with different textures. By doing so, you’ll ensure to prevent slipping and staying cool even during the warmest weather.

Furthermore, concrete pool decks are easy to maintain regularly. All you need is a quick pressure wash and apply a sealant to protect the concrete. If you don’t take care of your deck regularly, it’ll be more prone to physical damage caused by water and sun exposure.

Acrylic pool deck

Acrylic pool decks are the second common type you may stumble upon. It allows various customizable textures, such as bricks, flagstone, and Saltillo tiles. 

Moreover, it can be applied both to new and old concrete, so you won’t have to worry about its construction. By combining it with acrylic pool wall-viewing panels, you’ll achieve a breathtaking design that will leave any guest in awe.

As for maintenance, using a solvent-based sealant as a finish will save you a world of trouble. It’ll make your acrylic pool deck stain-resistant and easy to clean, so you won’t have to spend much time on it.

Wooden pool deck

While wooden pool decks are known for their stylish design and luxurious look, you must ensure they’re done with suitable materials. Remember that this type of deck can’t be properly constructed with just any wood type. It’s best to use ones that are intended for exterior use to prevent any damage due to exposure.

Some of the most reliable options for a wooden deck are:

• Cedar
• Ipe
• Teak
• Redwood

To ensure the color of the wood stays as vibrant as possible, use a wood stain that protects it from UV rays and sun damage. Also, while most wood types used for pool decks are water-resistant, some may require a deck stain.

Tile pool deck

Your next option is a tile pool deck. This type of pool deck offers various customizable options suitable for everyone’s style and needs. 

Some of the most common options people choose are:

• Ceramic tiles
• Porcelain tiles
• Soapstone tiles
• Decking tiles

You can choose between glazed or unglazed tiles, which have several key differences. While glazed ones give more of a shine, they’re more slippery. So, it’s best to choose unglazed ones if you want to ensure your safety. 

Natural stone pool deck

Lastly, a natural stone pool deck can add an authentic touch to your poolside. While they can come in many different designs and looks, the most common stones used for them are:

• Limestone
• Travertine
• Slate
• Sandstone
• Granite

Many people prefer this option due to its water resistance, sturdiness, and durability. Additionally, they’re suitable even during times of extreme heat and frost. By choosing such a deck, you’ll ensure your safety since you can hardly slip on them.

How to Repair Acrylic Pool Deck

After discovering the different pool deck types, it’s important to know how to maintain them. It’s only natural for this surface to get damaged over time. Remember that it’s exposed to various weather conditions, water, and usage. Thus, you may notice your pool deck getting cracks and scratches the more you use it.

To ensure no further complications arise, you should always repair acrylic pool deck at first sight of damage. While new pool owners may have difficulty repairing cracks on an acrylic pool platform, the following section will help explain each step in the deck restoration process.

That being said, here are the repair and maintenance processes that every new pool owner must know.

Repairing concrete pool deck

Even though concrete pool decks are known for their endurance, they may still need some occasional patching. The most common problems that need your attention are cracks, discoloration, and spalling.

If you’re experiencing cracks, fillers, patches, and joint sealants are the best solutions. The fillers don’t only fill the small cracks but also add additional strength to any weakened areas on the surface. Moreover, patches are used to fill larger cracked surfaces, while joint sealants prevent any moisture from going inside.

Pressure washers, cleaners, and coloring agents best deal with discoloration or stains. Applying a new coat of water or acid-based stain will give you a fresh look back in no time.

For spalling or flaking, try using patches and an overlay. However, be aware that overlays include creating a new surface for the entire deck area.

If your concrete pool deck has excessive damage, investing in resurfacing is best. This process involves filling up and covering any flaws while also allowing you to upgrade the look. With a concrete overlay or microtopping, you can add patterns, colors, and textures to your existing design.

Repairing acrylic pool deck

Like concrete, an acrylic pool deck is susceptible to cracks and discoloration over time. Thus, there are several important steps in fixing acrylic pool deck. 

First, always ensure you regularly indulge in proper maintenance. It’s best to weekly use a leaf blower to remove any debris and dirt that has gathered on the deck. 

You should also regularly use a hose to clean it. This type of pool deck also requires its stamped materials to be sealed every two to three years.

If you’ve started noticing stains or discoloration, a 3500 PSI power washer will remove even the most stubborn parts. 

You can also try using a sturdy nylon brush together with mild detergent to scrub and hose off those areas. In case you stumble upon an unremovable stain, your best option is additional touch-up paint.

For cracks, you can implement the same methods used in repairing concrete pools. If fillers don’t work, try patching or resurfacing the area.

Repairing wooden pool deck

Repairing wooden pool decks differs slightly from the two already mentioned. Since these decks have less endurance, many people experience different problems. The most common issues that need fixing are splinters, discoloration, and rotting.

The easiest to deal with is discoloration. As mentioned, it’s only natural for a surface to sustain some damage after exposure to the elements for longer periods. 

So, you may notice that the wooden deck is losing its vibrant colors. You can always add wood stain to protect it from further damage and bring back the lively color. Not only will it refresh its look, but it will also protect it from any further damage.

In case of splinters, you’ll need to sand the rough areas where you’ve noticed the splinters. Since the wood will be exposed during the process, don’t forget about refinishing and adding a layer of wood stain or sealer. 

Lastly, the most severe wooden pool deck damage you can experience is rotting. It can come in the form of insect damage, mold, and soft patches. The best way to deal with this damage is to replace the rotten board. Failing to do so will spread the rot to other healthy wood.

Conclusion

After discovering how to repair acrylic pool deck, remember that it’s best to hire a professional service to fix it for you. 

Even though the process may seem easy, it’s quite delicate. You don’t want to risk further damaging your pool deck and paying more for it. 

Regardless of the type you settle for, always remember to maintain it regularly to minimize the risk of damage.