By continuing to browse this website, you accept the use of cookies. Apparently, though, theyre harsher on the concrete pool deck. The advantage to pavers is that if they are damaged, you only need to repair the damaged area, rather than the entire surface. According to Creager, it usually takes two years or more, occurring mostly in places where there is frequent dripping water or where theres greater traffic wear. There are a number of pavers that you can consider for the deck around your salt water pool. Ok thanks much, this is the kind of real world feedback I am looking forany more keep em coming! Accepted file types: jpeg, jpg, gif, png, pdf, Max. By using our site you agree to our privacy policy. Repeat. Assuming you believe there is a problem, what can you do about it? A 6x6-foot diamond pattern stamped with a seamless stone texture skin gives this pool deck the look of hand-laid stone tile, accented by a broom-finished pool coping. Salt is a corrosive mineral. Thanks for stopping by! Issues with concrete appear largely to involve sealers used to protect decorative concrete. This beautiful concrete pool deck was stamped with a Roman slate seamless texture skin and colored with a combination of light and dark gray dry-shake color hardeners. Ive yet to find a sealer that meets its claims in being nonslippery around a swimming pool. Yep it makes sense, except the strange thing is, that in OHIO VERY VERY VERY few people have SWG - I think everyone is freaked because of what salt does to the roads. Softer, more porous stones, such as limestone, were reportedly experiencing erosion on pool copings and deck areas where there was consistent saltwater contact. Pool Decking Options Acids are known to deteriorate concrete, and pool water can become too acidic if not properly monitored and rebalanced as needed. We cant blame the damage on all salt-system pools. When applied correctly, a good sealer will protect your pool deck from chemicals, spills, wear and tear and general weathering. Using this technique instead wood eliminates the need to replace any materials that are damaged by the moisture and chemicals of the pool. Salt-chlorinated pool chemistry, however, tends to shift in the other direction, becoming too alkaline. I think it starts with little pinholes and places at control joints, because water finds a way. Salt (NaCl) and water (H20) are converted into Chlorine (Cl2), Hydrogen (H2), and Sodium Hydroxide (NaOH) through electrolysis as the water passes through the energized salt cell. It would only happen where they had a crack in the concrete or there was a control joint. Scott Creager, owner of Creager Decorative Consulting Inc., Dallas, Texas, is quite definitive that salt water is destroying sealers. Given that the average pool deck size in the US is 900 sq. Foundation Armor 3 Howe Dr,Amherst, NH 03031, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise Certified (DOT DBE). It is important to understand that you can't stop salt from being left on the surface of the concrete pool deck. At the microscopic level, salt crystals are quite jagged in shape and begin to damage the sealer finish with repeated exposure. The difference is that saltwater pools use salt and convert it to chlorine using a salt cell. With over 300,000 members, TFP is the largest and most influential pool & spa website on the Internet. Here are a few popular options to consider for your pool deck. Untreated lumber is not a good choice to use near a salt water pool as its not durable and is susceptible to water and salt penetration. Call To Schedule An Appointment for Pool Cleaning, Repair, and Renovations. Zinc anodes have a more active voltage than other metals and by electrically connecting an anode to the metal you would like to protect, the corrosion caused by the electrolysis will attack the anode first, hence the term, sacrificial. Sacrificial zinc anodes can be used in the pool or skimmer. While saltwater pools require less maintenance than a traditional pool, owners should not make the mistake of thinking no maintenance will be needed. Itll always look good, and its easy to maintain. Once the pool deck has been cleaned, it should be allowed 24-36 hours to dry before being sealed. Then their dog jumped into pool, came out, and shook himself off in that one particular place., Cohen is not convinced that the real cause of the problem has been identified. Seriously! For the best experience on our site, be sure to turn on Javascript in your browser. ft. for a basic design. It is starting to look bad. Having said that, some of the hysteria regarding salt water is overblown in my experience. We have sealed the concrete.always rinse the area. To further reduce slip hazards by the pool, add a non-slip concrete sealer additive to the last coat of acrylic sealer. Concrete Decor is a valuable source of information, ideas, product news and training relevant to both commercial and residential work in decorative concrete and related specialties. You could tell that the concrete underneath was basically scaling. JavaScript is disabled. Like pavers, if they suffer any damage you will only need to replace the affected area. Its also highly salt resistant and significantly reduces damage and discoloration caused by salt residues. The benefits of a paver deck is that they are widely available and can be easily (ie. However, saltwater pool owners love the less-rigorous maintenance routine and the greatly-reduced chlorine odor, as well as the lack of reddened eyes and less dried-out skin. Water can get between the pavers and cause settling, or weeds may grow up through the pavers. If wood is stained and sealed and you have your heart set on a wood deck it can be used successfully although composite material that looks like wood may be a better long term choice. Allowed formats: jpeg, jpg, gif, png, pdf. First, make sure the discoloration is due to saltwater. Steven H. Miller, CDT, CSI, is an award-winning freelance journalist and photographer focusing on construction issues. Gravel packs well and absorbs rain water so it can be a good choice for around your pool since it wont be a problem if it gets wet with salt water. from India) than from other countries (ie. The water contains salt and when the water evaporates, salt is what is left. It eats through the sealer and causes the sealer to delaminate and fail on top of your colored concrete. Owning a pool cover (solar blanket) is an option that can help salt water pool owners in several key ways. Should I be concerned? It can damage soft travertine stone or the stainless steel surfaces used on pool ladders, pool lights, etc. In practice concrete simply isn't at risk from SWG levels of salt anywhere except in the driest climates, and even there it just takes an occasional rinse off with a garden hose to take care of it. Salt attacks sealers. The fact that the sealer bond held, but the concrete itself failed, seems significant. In the mid-2000s, as salt-chlorinated pools started to soar in popularity, reports of problems involving deterioration of stone copings began to crop up. individually) replaced. It was only in this one 15-foot area. Whether youre speaking to our DIYers or DC Pro contractors, solvent-based acrylic sealers are most definitely the winner ding ding! Salt water pools are all the rage these days for both residential and commercial installations. In the world of home aquatics, salt-chlorinated swimming pools are all the rage. All you can do is make the concrete pool deck easier to clean by protecting it with a water repellent sealer or acrylic sealer. Is A Pool Cover Roller Worth Owning? While many people consider taking on concrete projects on their own, we recommend hiring a contractor to install your stamped concrete pool patio. He has observed sealers being attacked by conventionally chlorinated pool water as well as salt water. You will get much more visibility by. A Volcanic Concrete Floor at the Discovery Childrens Museum, A New Way to Look at Decorative Concrete in Art Galleries, Annual Decorative Concrete Competition Lauds Projects Based on Skill and Creativity, Artisan Uses Artistic Background to Find Success in Decorative Concrete, New Labor-saving Product Densifies and Cures Concrete in One Step, Laticrete Promotes Samantha Rothberg to Director, Marketing Communications. (Maybe), link to The Most Common Chlorinator Problems (Solved), Other decking options for your salt water pool, Decking materials to avoid using around your salt water pool. Brown is also a popular choice for pool decks, as it blends in well with landscaping and complements many styles of homes. Cost: Expect to pay $5 $10 per square foot depending on which type of paver you choose. Salt water pool decks are a bit different than fresh water pool decks because salt water pools contain salt. It was also optimized for nighttime enjoyment by incorporating multicolored LED lighting and sheer-descent waterfalls that put on a show after the sun goes down. Whether you are a DIY homeowner looking for a driveway sealer or garage floor coating, or a commercial contractor looking to seal a bridge deck or warehouse, Foundation Armor has a product for your application. Halite can be very powerful in the breaking up and lifting of concrete. The biggest problem (with colored concrete near pools) is that when you want to color concrete, you have to seal it, and the sealer is where you run into big problems., Irwins solution is to have an unsealed surface. Around the same time, reports of problems involving deterioration of stone copings began to emerge. (Maybe). Gravel is an interesting choice for a pool because it could involve loose gravel or stone which is relatively cheap. Mmm.so this is where I struggle. It is considered UV-stable by industry standards., But again, he cautions against sealing the concrete with any sealer, because in his experience, sealers around pools are prone to problems. Once water splashed on the poolside concrete begins to evaporate, salt crystals form and adhere to the sealer surface. The autumnal color scheme was achieved by using integral terra cotta pigments, a terra cotta color hardener, and a charcoal release agent. Wait until the concrete is completely dry before evaluating whether or not the cleaning was successful. if(typeof ez_ad_units != 'undefined'){ez_ad_units.push([[250,250],'saltwaterpoolreport_com-banner-1','ezslot_4',113,'0','0'])};if(typeof __ez_fad_position != 'undefined'){__ez_fad_position('div-gpt-ad-saltwaterpoolreport_com-banner-1-0')};Major rock quarries that produce limestone are located in North America, Asia and Africa and you will find that some limestone is potentially cheaper (ie. Heres the gist of how its done. In order to keep your stamped pool deck looking its best, it will need to be sealed. Concrete is a controversial topic for salt water pool owners because of the corrosive nature of salt and its potentially damaging effects on concrete. The deck was poured with a white portland cement mix containing titanium dioxide. Apply full-strength vinegar to the affected area first to see if the material dissolves away after cleaning. The world's foremost resource on decorative concrete. For a better experience, please enable JavaScript in your browser before proceeding. While regular wood can age, crack and wear over time and splashed salt water can make it worse, composite materials can be a good choice for the deck around your salt water pool. Two coats are always better than one with acrylic sealers. Here are some of the best choices for deck building material around your salt water pool. Copyright 1999-2022 ConcreteNetwork.com - None of this site may be reproduced without written permission, Tips and design ideas for using stamped concrete around pools to add pattern, texture, and color, Contact us and view our privacy policy, terms & conditions, and press room. Saltwater pools produce chlorine by circulating salty water through two electrically charged metal plates called the salt cell. When the water evaporates, those minerals are going to be left on the surface. If not, its time to get out the power washer and carefully clean off the salt residue from the surface without damaging the sealer finish. You must have javascript enabled to use this form. They had applied our Spray-Deck cementitious product and had an acrylic sealer. Please consider. The best material for a salt water pool deck will be water resistant, salt resistant, tough and durable. If you disable this cookie, we will not be able to save your preferences. I'll also help you troubleshoot various problems with pools in general and ones specific to salt water pools that I've experienced personally! Sometimes the spots are quite large. If the concrete pool deck is unsealed, the salt will get carried into the pores and deposited there. Talked to my pool guy this AM, (who is also a concrete guy) and he was crazy against salt water around a stamped concrete patio. The cost will increase as the design becomes more detailed, or with a larger concrete surface. It leaves a nice professional look and is cheaper than some other options. Plus you can even choose a finish that doesnt absorb heat, making it very comfortable on bare feet. Visit several backyard pool decks to see why designer Scott Cohen chose decorative concrete for the decking material. Most pool decks sealed with an acrylic sealer will need to be resealed every two to three years. Time: 01:51 Were seeing flaking and delamination of acrylic sealers, whether its over stamped concrete or a textured spray-down, knock-down surface.. Stamped concrete pool decks cost $8 - $12 per sq. If your salt level is too high, it will react with the pools surfaces much faster. Ive seen the premature demise of sedimentary stone and flagstone in waterfalls, pool copings and patios, as well as excessive pop-outs. The most common types of silane siloxane sealers are the. A sacrificial zinc anode can be utilized to combat the corrosion of metal items in your pool. In my opinion, the jurys still out.. The pool company or the concrete guy? Its thus very heavy and can be expensive to ship. These fears were probably unfounded but that was my reason at the time. Depending on the type of sealer and your climate, your pool deck may need to be resealed every few years. In fact you can also go with regular interlocking bricks (pavers) and I know this from personal experience. Todays advanced inground salt systems are self-cleaning. However, salt-resistant pump shaft seals can be used. Loose gravel or stones can be particularly difficult to vacuum and may scratch a vinyl liner if they fall into the pool and you have to manually vacuum them or use your auto vac. The products made for shower-cleaning typically work as well., Dave Flax of Euclid Chemical agrees about penetrating sealers. The exact mechanism of the problem has not been definitively identified. When the deck was constructed, it was a conventional chlorine pool. Theres no film. They allow for different designs and are installed in individual pieces, on dry ground without any grout between them. Get ideas on selecting the right pool decking for your home. Table of Contents (Click Link To Go There). Acids are known to deteriorate concrete. When combined with realistic colors, they can mimic many other surface materials like wood, stone, or slate in a budget-friendly manner. These concrete sealers seal and protect the deck surface from abrasion and salt water absorption. Its a sedimentary rock that is considered very durable due to its density. A newer trend for pool deck colors is white, which offers reduced heat. Foundation Armor is a leading manufacturer and international distributor of U.S. manufactured sealers and coatings. However, with adherence to the appropriate routine service from a reputable vendor such as Executive Blue Pools, youll spend less money and time concerned with the chemistry of your pool and a lot more time enjoying all the benefits. And I know 2 friends who converted just this year. Its in the low spots, so traffic wont wear it off., Irwin feels integral color is also a viable option. Softer, more porous stone certain limestones, for example were apparently being eroded on pool copings and deck areas where there was consistent splash-out. The concrete for the pool deck was integrally colored light beige, and then two colors of release agent (medium and dark brown) were applied to differentiate the border from the rest of the pool deck. ConcreteDecor.net uses cookies. Do we/you have any feel for how many people in FREEZING Climates have SWCG systems vs. notas once again it is not the salt on concrete that hurts, but the freezing in the winter combined. The water repellent will prevent the salt from being carried into the pores, making the salt left on the surface easier to clean. Like cancer, it starts off small, probably a spot you cant even see. there is no noticeable damage to the bricks near the pool despite regularly getting splashed with salt water. The question is, what can be done to prevent the damage? JavaScript seems to be disabled in your browser. The store will not work correctly in the case when cookies are disabled. This website uses cookies so that we can provide you with the best user experience possible. Without question salt water is an improvement over chlorine, but even salt can have an impact on sealed decorative concrete finishes over time. In most places, any splash out from the pool will be washed away by fall rains long before any freezing can happen. Gray concrete pool decks can give the look of rich slate or weathered stone. Solutions Stamped concrete is exactly what it sounds like: Concrete is poured and as it is drying, a patterned stamp basically a mat made of polyurethane is laid upon the concrete that leaves an impression on the concrete with a unique design. Though designed primarily for stone, it is also applicable to concrete. In the NORTH we get hard freezes all winter. A seamless slate pattern accented with a random leaf pattern gives this pool deck a walk-in-the woods allure. I bought a home with a salt water pool in 2006 and soon realized the benefits over traditional chlorinated pools. Although salt water is clearly an improvement over chlorine, the truth is that even salt can impact sealed decorative concrete finishes over time. Its a good idea to add it to your maintenance schedule, to reduce impact of salt water on patios and coping.. When your saltwater pool appears to be clear and there is no chlorine odor, you may mistakenly believe that all is well. There are so many advantages to having a salt water pool. Pool Cleaning Companies Near Me | Executive Blue Pools, Pool Cleaning Service Near Me | Executive Blue Pools, Pool Maintenance Near Me | Executive Blue Pools, Salt Water Swimming Pool: Damages, Problems, Repair, and Conversion. When the water carrying the salt get splashed onto the concrete, the water will evaporate and the salt will be left on the surface. Ok.I will dig into that paper, but looks like I need to buy it which is not that big of a deal. One benefit of stamped concrete is that unlike pavers, there is no sand used that can fall into the pool. We talked to a selection of industry experts concrete experts, pool people, concrete product manufacturers and there are a variety of opinions as to whether there really is a problem, and what that problem is. Anytime we seal concrete around swimming pools, we increase the slipperiness. Typically big areas flake. A saltwater pool is still a chlorine pool in that chlorine is used to sanitize the water. Once water splashed on the concrete around pools begins to evaporate, salt crystals form and adhere to the sealer surface. While this matte finish sealer provides no gloss whatsoever, its a one-time sealer application that lasts just as long as the life of the concrete. Its not just related to concrete, its eating up the ladders and the rock water features, too.. He suggests a textured finish, and for color, an antiquing wash such as Prolines EZ-Tique, a cementitious product with iron oxide pigments in it. If the concrete pool deck is sealed, the salt will get deposited on the surface. Keep in mind that all of the following recommendations apply to chlorine pools as well especially those daily maintenance tips. At the microscopic level, salt crystals are jagged in shape and begin to damage the concrete sealer finish with repeated exposure. Choose a deck material that is water resistant, resistant to salt, isnt slippery and is durable. The glossy Vegas look will wear in about a year.. For my taste, I would go for a natural stone look around a pool. While tiles are a beautiful material, they are often slippery when they get wet, and do not offer any heat reduction in bare-foot areas. Ours isn't salt but all the other pools on the street are. Oh boy, do we have some handy tips for you! Seamless stamps give your surface the look of a solid piece of stone. We use cookies on this website to provide personalized content and to improve your browsing experience. Travertine tiles are another favorite for many outdoor spaces. Colored and stamped concrete is an ideal pool deck surface that is beautiful, durable, and low maintenance. Pavers also hold up well to both chlorine and salt making them a good choice to utilize around your salt water pool. This process is performed by reversing the polarity to the salt cell, causing the shedding of the scale, which is then dispersed by the water. High gloss acrylic sealers can create a slip hazard when wet which means theyre not a great choice for a pool deck! If you have flagstone, tile, or concrete finishes in or surrounding your saltwater pool, its logical to expect some wear over time. A year later they switched to a salt-water pool. file size: 50 MB. Commonly, a silane-siloxane or acrylic sealant is applied to the concrete to provide a barrier to both water and salt. When we see a problem in the field, we dont have a control pool to refer to. He points out that pool chemistry is delicately balanced and not always maintained properly. However, some sealers require more maintenance than standard patio applications. Let's connect on any of these social networks! Any new postings here are unlikely to be seen or responded to by other members. When properly sealed, stamped concrete will resist harsh pool chemicals, constant water exposure, and fading. I'm just west of St Louis where it freezes a lot in the winter, yet SWG pools are very popular now. Give your equipment immediate attention to prevent costly problems down the road. Any loose material like gravel could (and will) make its way into the pool to some degree which increases your cleaning time. Read more about cookies in our Privacy Policy. Finding one that is cost effective and easy to source helps too. This description suggests that a problem can occur even without sealer failure if the salt water can find its way around a sealer edge, such as at a crack. Wood however can chip and crack and if youve ever gotten a wood splinter in your foot while running on a deck, you know that it can hurt. If you tend to host a ton of pool parties or use your pool often, be sure to rinse off the concrete pool deck afterward each time. The solution offered was to seal the stone. You must log in or register to reply here. However, your chlorine levels may be much higher than they should be. If your concrete pool deck is exposed to the hot sun all day, you can keep the surface cooler by coloring the concrete with lighter shades, such as sand, coral, or pearly white tones. Keep in mind that all our recommendations would also apply to chlorinated pools as well, especially the daily maintenance tips. A titanium-white color scheme gives this stamped pool deck a distinctive look and coolness factor, making it comfortable to walk on even under the hot summer sun. Plus you need to put sand in between the bricks to help keep them in place, sand that can make its way into the pool water. For a pool deck, I like silanes or siloxanes. Salt concentration (salinity) and pH levels should be tested and adjusted, free available chlorine should be assessed, total alkalinity should be monitored, a stabilizer such as cyanuric acid should be used only if necessary, and total dissolved solids should be determined regularly. Need some inspiration? All Rights Reserved. In order to choose the best concrete sealer for your salt water pool deck, it is important to understand the type of concrete sealers available and how they work to protect the concrete. The salt system manufacturers recommend washing your pools decks down with fresh water after each use. Most visitors online was 3404 , on Jan 24 2020, New liner and new to me salt water system. The problem with anything on the surface is that it can wear off the surface. NEx and ExxonMobil to Collaborate on Advancing Nonmetallic Building Materials, Consider Clean-and-seal as an Alternative Finish for Interior Concrete Floors, Consider an Overlayments Tensile and Flexural Strength, Choosing the Right Concrete Sealer Depends on the Job, Self-Leveling Concrete Compound Can Provide a Shortcut to a Sharp Look, Whiskey Themed Kitchen with Barrels and a Concrete Countertop. In a short amount of time it starts to flake and spreads from there. He believes it can happen in 4-5 months. It is important to keep an eye out for the deterioration of any pool equipment you have running. It is being practiced by thousands of pool owners just like you. They never had a problem until they put in the salt system..