Cool Deck Coatings for Pools in the San Antonio Area

Get the right coating for your pool deck so it stays comfortable to walk on with bare feet, even on San Antonio's hottest days
Posted by admin on June 13, 2023 in Blog

Here we installed a cool deck coating using SUNDEK’s Classic Texture product. Having a deck that’s comfortable to walk on but also durable and attractive is achievable with the right coating.

Homeowners and property managers may want their pool deck resurfaced for various reasons. One reason is to make it cooler so it won't become very hot on summer days and uncomfortable to walk on with bare feet. Fortunately, there’s a solution for that: a cool deck coating.

What is a cool deck?

A cool deck is simply a pool deck that stays temperate, even on extremely hot summer days. Experienced contractors can achieve this by applying a cool pool deck coating.

Contact us to get a quote for a coating for your pool deck.

Why do pool decks get so hot?

There are several reasons the surface temperatures of a pool deck can get super hot.

• Material of the topcoat. A material that doesn’t absorb a lot of heat, such as acrylic, is key. Acrylic absorbs much less heat than materials such as stone or even plain gray concrete.
• Surface color. Unsurprisingly, darker pool decks tend to be hotter than those that were finished with a light color.
• Location of deck. A pool deck in direct sun is hotter than one that has shade or isn't in the sun. This is because it is not exposed to the sun's direct rays. Sometimes you can choose the ideal spot for your pool deck, but other times you have to work with the location you have.
• Texture of the surface. A coating that is textured won’t retain as much heat as a smooth surface will.

Can you make an existing concrete pool deck cooler?

Yes. Having a cool deck for pools is appealing to both homeowners and business owners, as it makes hanging out by the pool much more enjoyable. The good news is that whether you’re installing a new pool deck or have an existing concrete pool deck, you can get a cool pool deck coating installed.

In addition to choosing Classic Texture for their pool deck, homeowners at this residential location opted for a light color, making their surface comfortable for bare feet—even on the hottest days.

Is a cool deck more expensive than concrete?

A cool deck coating must be applied on top of existing concrete. So, yes, it is more expensive than just a gray slab of concrete. However, many pool owners feel that making their pool deck more comfortable is worth the extra cost. The final cost of your cool pool decking project depends on a variety of factors:

• Working with new or existing concrete. Pouring a new slab of concrete and then coating it with cool decking will be more expensive than applying a coating to the top of your existing slab.
• Condition of existing concrete. If are opting to coat your existing concrete, the condition of the concrete surface of your pool deck will also impact the cost. For example, if you have uneven spots that need to be leveled or cracks that need to be addressed, that will require extra work and materials.
• Location of your pool deck. Like every type of construction project, the cost of materials depends on where you’re located.
• Design decisions. If you decide you want intricate details in the design of your pool deck, that will cost more than opting for one color throughout the entire surface.

So, how much does it cost to get a cool deck? To get an exact quote for your specific project, you need to contact a contractor. Contact SUNDEK of San Antonio to get a free quote.

What material is cool deck?

Various products are used for cool deck resurfacing, but we find products made of acrylic and concrete tend to absorb less heat than other types of coatings materials.

At SUNDEK of San Antonio, we use acrylic applications to create cool decking. Here are the products we use:

• Classic Texture is our most requested coating for pool decks. This acrylic water-based product has a spray texture that makes the surface cooler than most.
• SunColor is a water-based acrylic coating. Contractors can apply it over bare or textured surfaces to create a new look.
• SunSplash is an acrylic product that contractors spray on to create a textured look.
• SunSand needs to be used in combination with a finishing coat. It creates a fine texture on the surface.

Do cool decks get slippery?

A reputable contractor will make sure your pool deck doesn’t get dangerously slippery when wet. There are a couple ways to make it slip resistant:

• Make sure it’s textured in a way that it provides grip for people walking on it.
• Add aggregates to the sealer. If you go with this option, you need to make sure your sealer is reapplied often enough to maintain the non-slip quality of the surface.

Colors for cool decks

Since darker colors retain more heat, it’s best to opt for light colors that don’t hold heat in.

At SUNDEK of San Antonio, we have lots of options when it comes to colors, and we also do custom colors. All our colors have been tested so we know which ones reflect the most heat. Most of our colors are even LEED certified.

We used classic texture and scorelines to design this residential pool deck in Bandera, TX.

See a photo gallery of our pool decks.

How long does a cool deck last?

Fortunately, a cool deck will last just as long as other decorative concrete surfaces as long as you care for it properly. Here are some steps to take to care for your surface:

• Remove dirt and debris regularly so it doesn’t sit on your deck. Dirt spots, leaf litter, and the like can stain your surface over time.
• Wipe up spills from oils and other contaminants as soon as possible to prevent staining or other damage.
• Keep your deck clear of wet towels or wet pool toys. These can attract mold and mildew.
• Check the effectiveness of your sealer every six months or so and reapply as needed. Talk to your contractor about how often your deck needs to be resealed. (Learn more about sealing your surface.)
• Address small cracks as soon as they occur so they don’t turn into larger problems.

Get more information about cleaning your decorative concrete surface.

Cool deck contractors near me

If you’re looking for a contractor who can apply a cool deck in San Antonio, we can help!

We work in San Antonio and all the major cities in the area including Boerne, Bulverde, Canyon Lake, Castle Hills, Cibolo, Fair Oaks Ranch, Garden Ridge, Helotes, Hollywood Park, New Braunfels, Schertz, Shavano Park, Spring Branch, and Terrell Hills.

Call us: (210) 491-0280

Email us: [email protected]

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