When it comes to choosing the best pool deck resurfacing material, options like concrete and rubber commonly come to mind. Both have their own set of advantages and disadvantages. Concrete is the traditional choice for pool deck surfaces, but is it the best? Rubber pool surfaces like rubber stone and other pour-in-place rubber provide a comfortable and slip-resistant surface, making it a popular choice for pool areas, but it can be pricey.

In this article, we will explore the pros and cons of concrete and rubber pool decks so you can decide what pool deck surface will be right for you and your family.

If you have a concrete surface around your pool and you are considering resurfacing or replacing it with concrete, there are a few things you'll want to keep in mind before you start pouring new concrete on the existing surface. Oftentimes, homeowners want to replace or cover existing concrete because it is cracked, chipped, or uneven. Depending on the extent of the concrete damage, your options might be limited. Let's start by exploring some repair options to improve the look of your concrete pool deck without starting from scratch.

If the concrete around your pool is not damaged beyond repair, applying a thin concrete overlay over your existing concrete surface could be all you need to keep your pool area looking like new.

Professional concrete contractors can often assess the damage and let you know what the options are. Many people opt to resurface the pool deck with stamped concrete, which looks great. There are many decorative concrete resurfacing styles and it really depends on your budget and desired look.

When a concrete contractor resurfaces an existing concrete pool deck, they apply a concrete coating over the entire area after repairing any existing cracks and thorough cleaning.

In our opinion, concrete is not a good surfacing option at all in areas that experience very hot and very cool seasons. Concrete is prone to expanding and contracting considerably and this will inevitably cause cracks over time. If you choose to resurface a pool deck with a concrete overlay, be prepared to see the same thing happen to your newly applied surface. Whether you choose stamped concrete or just a slab, it will crack. If your old concrete cracked and had the required 3.5" or more, imagine what will happen to the 1"-2" concrete overlay.

Preparing an existing concrete surface for a new concrete overlay requires meticulous surface preparation. First of all, the existing concrete has to be in good shape. Secondly, the surface cannot be covered in cracks. Any damaged concrete will need to be repaired before the overlay is applied. Lastly, the surface has to be free and clean of any dirt, oil, grime, or chemicals from the pool. If there is anything on the surface, the concrete overlay will not adhere properly and this will cause problems down the road.

Concrete resurfacing companies will take all of this preparation work into consideration when they prepare your estimate.

The concrete overlay process is similar to pouring an original slab but is typically a fraction of the cost. Once the surface is ready, the concrete is poured and spread over the existing surface using a machine and hand tools. Once the concrete coating is applied, a team of concrete specialists ensures it is level. If you choose to stamp the concrete, it is usually done shortly after the concrete has settled in place. The concrete slightly settled gives the contractors the ability to apply stamp forms over the surface and create a finished look like rock, brick, or a multitude of other designs. 

We take surface safety seriously and this post would not be complete if we were not honest about the risks associated with a concrete pool area. If you are considering resurfacing with concrete, consider the safety factors and pay a little more to ensure your finished pool area is safe for kids.

It is recommended by concrete experts to seal the surface every 2-3 years. The problem is that many of the sealant options out there are very slippery when they get wet. This is especially concerning on a surface that will surely get covered in water. There are some sealants available that increase traction, but sealed concrete should still be a concern when determining what pool deck resurfacing option is right for you and your family.

Resurfacing a pool deck with pour-in-place rubber is a great alternative to concrete. These surfaces are often called "safety surfaces" or "rubberized surfaces".  There is a good reason for this.

Our rubber creates a thin layer of extreme slip resistance directly over your existing pool patio.

One of the greatest things about Rubber Stone is its ability to be applied and adhere to just about any surface whether it is damaged or not. While a concrete overlay depends on the current state of the existing surface, Rubber Stone can be applied over uneven surfaces, cracked surfaces, chipped surfaces, and even wood!

To prepare the surface we pressure wash the entire area and allow it to dry. With that out of the way, we are ready to start applying the product.

Once the surface is ready, we mix the product on-site using a paddle mixer. There are multiple colors to choose from and we can even mix colors to create something completely unique to your project. In addition to mixing colors, we can use different colors in different areas of the pool deck. We can create borders, custom designs, logos, and even a family crest. The possibilities are endless.

Our resurfacing experts use hand tools to move the coating around to create an even, finished, flexible finished surface.

Besides the usual benefits of a renewed surface like increasing the value of your property or keeping it looking good, there are some serious benefits of rubber resurfacing especially when it comes to pool areas and patios.

1. Rubber is flexible - Unlike a concrete surface, a rubber surface is able to expand and contract without cracking. This means the finished surface will last longer if you take care of regular maintenance.
2. The surface stays cooler - Rubber stays considerably cooler in direct sun and heat. Concrete surfaces can reach temperatures over 135 degrees Fahrenheit. That's hot enough for second and third-degree burns.
3. Slip-resistant - Our product is made from recycled car tires. The same tires that keep your car on the road in the rain. This added traction means a surface that is completely covered in water still provides protection from slips and falls.
4. Springy texture - The finished surface is bouncy. This is very important for pool areas where kids play. If a child falls down they won't fall on hard concrete that is unforgiving.

The price difference between concrete and rubber resurfacing is considerable per square foot. Before you look at the final price tag, consider what you get for the money.

• Existing surface preparation is extensive
• Will likely crack within a few years
• Requires sealant every 2-3 years
• Sealed concrete can be very slippery when it gets wet
• Concrete in direct sunlight can exceed temperatures over 135 degrees
• Concrete doesn't expand and contract well
• It is an extremely hard surface

• Can be used on a variety of surface conditions and types, including wood
• Handles expanding and contracting very well so it doesn't crack
• Needs sealant every 5 years
• Provides excellent slip-resistance
• Used regularly on playgrounds, running tracks, and other areas used regularly
• Stays considerably cooler in direct sun
• The finished surface is soft and springy

While we may be biased, we think resurfacing a pool area with rubber is the best option if you've got the money. A rubber surface brings so many benefits to this part of your property which far outweigh the elevated price tag. Concrete is commonly used for pool areas but there are decades of statistics showing how dangerous concrete pool decks can be and how poorly concrete stands up to the elements, especially in an area that gets saturated.

If you would like to explore the rubber resurfacing options for yourself, take a look around our website or send us a message.