Acid stain rejuvenation of 10 year old concrete pool deck

bmoreswim

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Jul 16, 2012
7,282
Central MD
Pool Size
27000
Surface
Plaster
Chlorine
Salt Water Generator
SWG Type
Hayward Aqua Rite (T-15)
Our pool was built in 2013 and the original water based stain had almost completely faded. It was sealed originally and I had sealed it at least once in the early years, but there is one part that has very little surface texture and any sealant made it slippery (and Sharkgrip didn't last long), so I didn't do it anymore. But time took its toll. We weren't displeased with the plain concrete look, but it needed a thorough power washing for sure. But I always had in my mind that if I found the right product, I would consider re-staining it. I tested this Artist Grade Concrete Acid Stain in 23 colors - Concrete Camouflage on a few "stones" and was pleased so I moved forward with it. Here are the results. I expect this to be a much more permanent solution. The walls/steps and other areas outside of the main pool deck still need the application, but it's time to relax a bit and enjoy the pool more as summer winds down. The process was very time consuming as each stone had to be hand rolled VERY carefully to keep the stain off of the slightly depressed grout lines. I wasn't 100% successful on the grout lines, but as with anything like this, its art not science (or maybe a little of both since its an acid stain).

2013-05-10 07.21.03 (2).jpg


2023-07-23 12.26.53 (2).jpg
 
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That stuff (and you) did a really great job at bring out the character. Looks excellent. :goodjob: :kim: :cheers:

Side question, I see you have two PVC pipes that stub up in the original shot from 2013 and your latest shot shows one being used to (presumably) set your jug of acid stain. What did you plan to use those for that didn't happen in 10 years! Just curious.
 
Thanks and yes, good eyes. Though not installed specifically for holding up the acid stain bottle, they served that purpose well, albeit breifly. Officially they are supply and return lines for solar heating that could be installed on the pavilion roof, which we chose never to do as our pool mostly stays warm enough for us, especially by judiciously using the autocover.
 
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