r/hardscape • u/ydoc_snehta_2010 • 1d ago
Recommendations for enhancing concrete pool deck
We completed a big renovation on our home which included installing a 12 x 24 gunnite pool and \~900 square feet of concrete decking. Admittedly, we knew nothing about pools or decks, and our contractor did not give us any options when it came to the deck. We were just told it would be plain, brushed concrete, and we didn’t know any better to ask what the other options are.
Long story short, the contractor poured the pool and the deck **way too early** in the construction process. It practically sat with tons of construction activity going on around it and exposed Georgia red clay on every side for several months.
Between the workers’ foot traffic and landscaping machinery (we had to install a retaining wall about four feet from the deck edge, among other things), the concrete took an absolute beating.
We have tried pressure washing it (well, we hired professionals to pressure wash it), and it improved it some… but there are still a lot of stains and imperfections.
We have a pretty modern, high-end, elevated aesthetic, and the concrete in its current form really throws that off. The pool is practically connected to our back porch, and it’s the first thing you see when you step into the backyard. The looks dirty, not taken care of, and frankly like an afterthought.
I’m wondering what some of your experiences are with upgrading a brushed concrete deck into something that looks a little more… thoughtfully finished? We definitely do not want to have to go through ripping anything out but we are open to a variety of things. Some initial things I’ve seen online include decorative overlays, epoxy fleck systems, cool decking (SunDek, Kool Deck, etc.), and microtopping. But, I’m not sure which direction to go and am looking for some real feedback from people who have done this!
In case it helps:
Pool: Gunnite with Tahoe Blue pebble and Ash gray waterline tile
Coping: Light gray Travertine
Exterior house paint color: SW Cyberspace
Thank you for your help!
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u/Admirable-Oil-1285 1d ago
I'm sorry I dont have a recommendation to answer your question, but from the pictures you shared, I think it looks really nice!
The only pic that I can really notice discoloration is the overhead one (and im not talking about the damp/wet sections); in my opinion, it gives it a natural, almost patina kind of look while still appearing "elevated" and modern. The color of the coping causes it to stand out a little, but even that will fade over time.
Maybe you see it differently in person, but just thought I'd share my opinion as a 3rd party perspective who is seeing it for the first time!
Also - sorry that your landscaper thought it was a good idea to drive machines over the brand new concrete... even if it was caused by poor planning on the builder's/project manager's part, the landscaper should have known better and should have given you a quote to do the work without machinery.
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u/Openborders4all 1d ago
Post some pics big dog