Sealing Broom Finish Pool Deck

[bbdude]

Hi All - Always the best answers from the TFP community! I thought I'd get some insight on sealing my cement pool deck before pulling the trigger.

Pool build was finish in August 2022 and sealed with "Laticrete L&M - Dress & Seal WB" by pool builder.

I'm planning to seal it again this spring. I have ~1,200 sqft of broom finish concrete. Here's what contractors are proposing:

1. Power wash / clean pool deck
2. Deep clean problem areas w/ cleaning detergent
3. Spray Solvent Based Acrylic (SBA) sealant on surface. However, they do allow different application methods due to weather.
4. Sealant is Real Help Decorative Concrete and Sealing
5. Ready for use 4 hours after sealing is complete
6. Reseal in 3 years

Anyone see any issues with the plan? They're asking $1k for the work.

 

[PoolGate]

The problem with sealing is once you seal, you are stuck with sealing on a regular basis from that point. I did not do any type of sealing on my concrete brushed deck and have never had any real issues. Concrete ages just power wash every 3-5 years and call it a day. That said, $1k is cheap enough if you just want it done.

 

[bbdude]

Thank you for chiming in, @PoolGate ! We've hemmed and hawed on sealing, too. Ultimately, we want to preserve the concrete best we can. We don't seal our driveway and it's become pretty bad. Not sure if it's the Buffalo winters or something else, but for now we're going to seal it.

We'll most likely use the Deco Guard product, which is less slippery and should help to maintain the concrete's color. I think once we have a few coats I'll let it go a few years. Some of these contractors are saying every year, which seems excessive

 

[sktn77a]

Just make sure they don't blast the cement surface too hard with their power washer or you'll have an irregular "Gravel-Tec" deck!