Top 5 Concrete Coatings for Pool Decks and Patios

When you’re building a beautiful patio or pool in your backyard, you will inevitably reach a point where you need to decide on what type of concrete coating you want to use. At Landscape Drains, we know that concrete coatings are an integral part of your patio’s drainage system. Choosing the right coating will help channel water to the drains and protect the concrete from erosion. Whether your top priority is safety, aesthetics, temperature, or level of maintenance required, this blog will help you to make a smart, informed decision. 

Epoxy Coatings: 

Epoxy coatings are tough coatings that give your patio a hard shell for protection. While they handle sun and chlorine well, they’re mainly designed to handle heavy amounts of foot traffic. They emphasize safety, providing great grip when installed with anti-slip additives. This gives them an excellent friction coefficient that reduces slip and fall occurrences. 

A downside of epoxy coatings is that they require more maintenance than other coatings. They are also much more difficult to install, so they’re a lot harder to DIY unless you really know what you’re doing. Epoxy coatings are a good option if you plan on having a lot of guests often, or have young children that you want to keep as safe as possible. 

Polyaspartic Coatings: 

This coating is designed to be tougher and more flexible than typical epoxy coatings. It is up to 4x as tough and up to 100x more flexible than epoxy coatings. It also dries extremely fast, allowing you to use your pool much faster than other coatings will. It can dry in as little as an hour and handle light foot traffic after a few hours, whereas epoxy coatings can take multiple days to dry.

Polyaspartic coating handles the sun well, being very resistant to fading, and also handles chlorine very well. This combination makes it a great option for a pool deck.

The major downside of Polyaspartic coatings is that they can be very slippery when wet. The good news is that some companies sell products that you can add to the coating to reduce the slipperiness, but that is extra money and time that you have to spend. Polyaspartic coatings are going to be the best option for you if you want to use your patio as soon as possible and aren’t too concerned about price.

Acrylic Coatings: 

Acrylic coatings are your best budget-friendly option, while also providing the most versatility. They allow you to customize the look of your pool deck, allowing it to look like stone, tile, brick, etc. while still providing solid UV protection. 

The downside is that they have a shorter lifespan than other options and require a lot more maintenance to take care of them properly. Acrylic coatings are your best option if you have a lower budget or are looking for a very specific look for your pool deck, but you have to be prepared for the high level of maintenance required to take care of them.

Cool Deck Coatings: 

As the name suggests, cool deck coatings are designed to keep the pool deck as cool as possible while still providing good slip protection. These coatings can handle freezing, thawing, and strong sun with no issue. This type of coating is often used when owners are resurfacing their decks rather than getting full replacements. 

A cool deck coating is a strong option if you’re resurfacing an existing deck, or live in a very hot climate and want to keep your pool deck as cool as possible. 

Polyurea: 

Polyurea coatings are tough and flexible, much like polyaspartic coatings. They are fade-resistant, UV-resistant, and slip-resistant. These coatings also create a waterproof barrier, which prevents water damage and bacterial growth. Polyurea coatings are made to last longer than any other type of coating, as long as they are maintained properly. Fortunately, maintenance requirements are low, so that is easy to do. In most cases, this is going to be your best option as it provides the most overall protection. 

However, the big catch with Polyurea coatings is that they are the most expensive coating to install, especially when considering the upfront cost. Proper installation is also key, or you run the risk of fading and UV damage. With that in mind, you likely have to hire professionals, which adds to the cost even more. 

Polyurea coatings are the best option if you want the most amount of protection for the longest length of time, but keep in mind the high price and strict installation that comes with high quality.

Choosing the Right Drain to Complement your Coating

Choosing the correct drain is crucial for two main reasons: protecting your pool deck from erosion and ensuring a pleasing aesthetic. Landscape Drains provides a variety of drainage options specifically designed for pool decks and patios that will meet all your requirements.

4000 Series - This drain is specifically designed to fit into tight spaces. Due to its flat-sided design, it can be installed against a wall or other similar structures to prevent pooling of water, making it an ideal option if you have limited space.

7000 Series - The 7000 series is a pre-sloped drain made entirely of T304 or T316 stainless steel. Built to last, this drain is perfect for any general applications in projects such as pools and patios. 

Radius Drains - The radius drain is a custom shaped, curved drain meant to be used for special applications where a curved drain is needed. Its design is perfectly suited for use in pool decks that have curved edges and flowing aesthetics. 

Whatever your needs are, our expert sales and engineering staff can design a custom pool deck or patio drainage system for your backyard project. If you’re looking for options, our Network of Alliance Partners can help to connect you with local experts in adjacent fields like concrete coaters and landscapers. Contact us to get started today.