Cool Deck Coatings for Pools

Learn how cool decks help keep surface temperatures down for Austin-area pool decks that get unbearably hot during summer.

For this community pool deck and pavilion, we installed a Classic Texture coating to make sure the surface is comfortable and durable to support the many people who use the pool.

Though there are many reasons one might want to get their pool deck resurfaced, one of the most common reasons is to resolve the issue of their pool deck getting too hot. Fortunately, there’s a way to address that, and it doesn’t involve tearing out your entire pool deck and installing a brand-new concrete surface. With cool deck coatings, you can make a pool deck a comfortable place to hang out, even on the hottest days.

What is a cool deck?

A cool deck is a pool deck surface that doesn’t get unbearably hot. It remains comfortable enough for people to walk on with their bare feet. A cool deck surface is achieved when a contractor applies a cool deck coating right on top of an existing concrete slab.

Why do pool deck surfaces get so hot?

There are a variety of reasons your pool deck might be getting too hot.

• Material of your topcoat. Some materials absorb less heat than others. Acrylic is an ideal material for cool decks because it doesn’t absorb as much heat as plain gray concrete or dark stone.
• Color of your surface. A pool deck that’s been designed using a dark color will tend to get much hotter than a pool deck that’s been designed using a light color.
• Location of your pool. If your pool deck is in direct sun all day, it will absorb more heat than a pool deck that gets even just a little bit of shade.
• Texture of pool deck. A smooth pool deck surface such as a plain gray concrete slab tends to retain more heat than a textured surface.

Can you put a pool deck over your existing pool deck?

Great news—yes, you can! If you have a pool deck that gets unbearably hot, it’s actually a simple fix to have a contractor install a cool deck coating right on top of your existing surface (as long as that surface is viable).

No matter the design of your pool deck, we can help make it a comfortable place to be. Here, each concrete pad and banding around the pool coping is coated with Classic Texture.

Is a cool deck more expensive than concrete?

It depends. If you’re installing a brand-new pool, then getting a cool deck installed will cost more than only installing the concrete for the pool deck. However, it is affordable, and the added cost of cool decking is worth it when you consider the benefits.

If you have an existing surface, adding a cool deck coating is affordable. The final cost of your cool decking project depends on a few things:

• New or existing surface. Will you be pouring a brand-new slab of concrete and then having a cool deck coating installed on top? Or are you resurfacing an existing concrete pool deck? The answer to this question affects your total project cost.
• Condition of existing concrete. If you are getting your existing pool deck resurfaced, the concrete that’s already there needs to be in the right condition before the cool deck coating goes on top. So, for example, cracks, spalling, or other damage needs to be resolved first.
• Location. Just like any other construction or renovation project, the cost of materials varies from state to state and even county to county, so the price depends on where you’re located.
• Design. If your design plan is intricate—for example, if you’ve planned a pattern using scorelines and a variety of colors—that will cost more than a simple design with only one color.

So how much does it cost to get a cool deck? The best way to get an exact cost for your cool pool deck project is to contact a contractor to get an estimate. Contact SUNDEK of Austin to get a free quote.

What material is cool deck?

Contractors use a variety of decking products for cool deck resurfacing. At SUNDEK of Austin, we find that products made of acrylic and concrete absorb less heat than other materials.

Here are the products we use to create a cool pool deck surface:

• Classic Texture is our most popular coating for pool decks. It’s an acrylic water-based product with a spray texture that keeps the surface temperatures down.
• SunColor is a water-based acrylic coating that can be applied over bare or textured surfaces to give them a new look.
• SunSplash is an acrylic product that is sprayed on, creating a textured appearance.
• SunSand is used in combination with a finishing coat to add a fine texture to the look and feel of the surface.

For this residential backyard in Bell Mountain, TX, we resurfaced the pool deck, stairs, and balcony area with a cool deck that’s also slip resistant and durable.

See our Pool Decks photo gallery.

Are cool decks slippery?

A reputable contractor will make sure your cool deck coating is not slippery when wet. This is achieved with the following techniques:

• Creating a texture so the surface doesn’t get slick when wet.
• Adding aggregates by mixing them into the concrete sealer. If this is the method to create slip resistance, you’ll need to talk with your contractor to find out how often you should reapply sealer so the slip resistance doesn’t ware off.

Best colors for cool decks

It’s best to choose a light color for your pool deck surface, as lighter colors retain less heat than dark colors.

At SUNDEK of Austin, we have a wide range of colors to choose from, which makes your design options endless. We also create custom colors. SUNDEK has done research on which colors retain the most heat and which retain the least, and most of our colors are LEED certified. Contact us for a free quote.

Are cool decks durable?

A cool deck will last you as long as any other decorative concrete surface—as long you care for properly. Here’s an overview of what you need to do to keep up with maintenance:

• Sweep or hose off dirt and debris regularly so it doesn’t sit on your deck.
• Wipe up spills from oils and other contaminants when they occur.
• Don’t let wet towels or pool toys sit on the deck for really long periods of time.
• Get your surface resealed every few years to prevent damage and staining.
• Address small cracks as soon as they occur so they don’t turn into larger problems.

See more about cleaning and maintaining your decorative concrete surface.

Cool deck contractors near me

If you’re looking for a contractor who can apply a cool deck in your area, we’d love to help!

We work in all the major cities in the area including Austin, Bastrop, Cedar Park, Dripping Springs, Georgetown, Lakeway, Marble Falls, Pflugerville, Round Rock, San Marcos, Spicewood, and the surrounding areas.

Call us: (512) 928-8000

Email us: [email protected]

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