The curing process for Kool Deck® surfaces is a critical factor in ensuring its long-term durability and performance. Owners are advised to refrain from direct contact with the deck for the initial 48 hours after application. Following this, light walking traffic is permissible after 3 days, while normal walking traffic can be resumed after a 14-day curing period. To safeguard the integrity of the surface, heavy patio furniture placement is recommended only after a comprehensive curing duration of 28 days. Adhering to this curing timeline is essential for maximizing the effectiveness and resilience of the Kool Deck® surface over time.  I have over 20 year in cool deck applications so call me if you need a Kool deck installation expert.

Cool Deck, like any concrete surface, is susceptible to cracking due to various factors, with thermal expansion being a primary cause. When concrete is exposed to temperature fluctuations, it undergoes expansion and contraction. If the expansion joints are not correctly spaced or if they are insufficient, the concrete may develop cracks as a result of these temperature-induced movements.

In hot weather, the concrete can absorb heat and expand. If the surface temperature is significantly different from the interior temperature or if there are inadequate measures to accommodate this expansion, cracks may form as the concrete cools down.

The key factors contributing to cool deck cracking include:

1. Insufficient Expansion Joints: Improperly spaced or inadequate expansion joints can restrict the concrete's natural movement during temperature changes, leading to cracking.
2. Temperature Fluctuations: Significant temperature variations, especially in hot weather, can result in thermal expansion and contraction, contributing to cracks if the concrete is not designed to accommodate these changes.
3. Inadequate Substrate Preparation: Poor substrate preparation, including improper cleaning or surface irregularities, can impact the adhesion of the cool deck material, potentially leading to cracks.

To minimize the risk of cracking, proper installation, attention to expansion joint spacing, and consideration of temperature fluctuations during the application process are crucial. Additionally, regular maintenance and addressing any signs of cracking promptly can help prolong the life of the cool deck surface. If you need a Cool Deck contractor contact us. 

Concerns about slipperiness on cool decks when wet are mitigated through careful application and texture techniques employed by reputable contractors. A skilled contractor ensures that the cool pool deck coating is textured in a manner that minimizes slipperiness when wet. Additionally, the incorporation of aggregates directly into the sealer during the mixing process provides an extra layer of slip resistance to the surface. By leveraging these methods, a well-executed cool deck not only maintains its functionality but also addresses safety concerns, offering a secure and slip-resistant environment, even in wet conditions. It is advisable to consult with professionals who employ these techniques to ensure the optimal performance and safety of your cool deck surface. Learn more about our cool pool deck coatings. 

Similar to the maintenance schedule for your house, cool deck paint requires periodic attention and recoating, typically every 8-10 years.

It is essential to monitor the condition of the deck, and if severe cracking or chipping is observed, it is advisable to seek professional assistance for the necessary repairs and refinishing. This proactive approach ensures the longevity and aesthetic quality of the cool deck coating, enhancing its performance and appearance over time. Regular maintenance and timely recoating contribute to the overall durability of the surface, providing a resilient and visually appealing environment.

See more info about our pool deck resurfacing.

To ensure optimal durability and performance of the cool deck, it is recommended the pool owners refrain from direct contact with the surface for an initial 48-hour period. Furthermore, even light usage of the deck should be restricted for a more extended duration of one week following the application. Commencing pedestrian traffic on the deck is advisable after a curing period of two weeks. It is crucial to exercise caution throughout the entire four-week curing process by avoiding the placement of patio furniture and refraining from wearing hard-soled shoes on the surface. This proactive approach will contribute to the long-term integrity and aesthetic appeal of the cool deck.

Contact us if you have any Cool Deck questions. 

All the time we get phone calls from people that are do-it-yourselfers that enjoy doing several projects around their home. With YouTube On The Rise and all of the information that's out there it's a do-it-yourselfers dreamland. 

 Or is it?

The truth is with there being a lot of information there is the opportunity for information to be misconstrued or incorrect. Other than just being information that is incorrect it could also just be information that is not completely whole or missing important steps in the process that created better outcome. 

What are the questions that we have been asked time and again is what special preparations need to be made before resurfacing a concrete deck around a pool? 

The very basic truth to anything in a project is cleanliness is Next to Godliness. 

Preparing the concrete pool decking around a swimming pool is absolutely essential in the final outcome. In fact if you've ever watched a painter work they usually spend more time taking off and doing prep work than what the actual job takes time to do. 

Keep that in mind as you prepare your pool decking for a refinishing. When refinishing we suggest that you take a very good look in inventory of the condition of the concrete. If the condition of the concrete has elapsed its lifetime you may want to consider not refinishing and completely tearing out and replacing. 

Again however if you are a do-it- yourself-er and have a concrete deck that just simply needs a resurfacing cleaning it with a power washer is your first step. 

By cleaning off any flaking or any old surfacing corrosion you prepare a surface that is completely clean and clear. This will give the resurfacing agents the ability to adhere with more longevity. Ideally creating a longer finish that you will have less maintenance to do. 

So again to recap make sure that cleaning is a priority. In some cases using types of brushes to clear off any flaking or debris areas would be a very good idea. 


The other consideration is to consider the type of textured you're dealing with. In this particular case I've attached a photograph of some beautiful natural wood concrete stamp surface around a pool in San Antonio.


By just looking at it it looks exactly like what. The concrete stamp has created small grooves that need to be cleaned extremely well with a power washer. If you had a regular concrete surface that was smooth this preparation could be much quicker and more efficient. 


Consider the type of concrete deck that you have and consider your cleaning time to be more with things that have depth and texture like this attached picture.


Aside from the preparation and cleaning that must be done when you get ready to prepare the re-taining agent or a top coat clear coat you must make sure you apply it evenly. If it is not applied evenly you will have a completely different  look that you might not be happy with. After you have cleaned your surface typically most people apply another coat of stain just like if you had a house that was good and needed to be re-stained or repainted.


By taking the necessary steps you will end up with what you want. Do-it-yourself-ers have done a great job at giving excellent information. However, it is important that if you're looking for a particular look or feel for a pool deck stain or refinishing talking to a professional is always the best advice that I can give.

A professional pool decking contractor can give you the exact finish that you love and desire from acrylic lace and stamp pattern, textured surfaces, new pool deck construction with pavers and stone, slate, flagstone decking, kool deck, cantera stone, marbella stone, travertine stone, flagstone, slate, textured slate. 
 
San Antonio is full of qualified individuals that know exactly what they're doing. If you have any questions feel free to reach out to me here directly and I would be happy to give you some advice as well as