Summer is just around the corner, which means it’s time to start prepping the pools for hours of swimming and lounging in the sun. Don’t forget about your pool deck when you’re working to get your pool ready to go. Pool decks can be very dangerous, especially for young children or people with limited mobility. Fortunately, pool deck coatings can make summer safer for everyone.
Here is what you need to know about the dangers of pool decks, the challenges of maintaining a safe pool deck, and how pool deck coatings help.
Dangers Of Pool Decks
There’s good reason why lifeguards yell at people not to run around public pools. Pool decks have dangers galore, from slip and fall hazards to tripping hazards to burning hot concrete and more.
- Concrete can be very slick when wet, especially if it is not textured or stamped. Water can pool on the surface. With all the water, algae can grow, which is very slippery. Even pavers and stones can be slippery if not treated with an anti-slip coating.
- Uneven decks lead to an increased tripping hazard. Uneven surfaces can result from wear and tear, warping, and cracking. In addition to uneven surfaces, clutter creates tripping hazards as well, as can occur with pool toys, bottles of sunscreen, and more.
- Hot concrete can burn skin, especially that of young children.
Slip and fall accidents can be incredibly serious. They can lead to sprains, breaks, and traumatic brain injuries. If you fall into the pool, there is a risk of drowning, especially if you hit your head and were rendered unconscious.
This is especially true for children since they have weaker bones than adults. Additionally, pool deck injuries come with the risk of infection, especially if the pool deck is an abrasive surface, like textured concrete.
The Challenges Of Maintaining A Safe Pool Deck
You need to ensure that you clean it regularly. It’s generally recommended to have it pressure-washed once a year, but you may need to do it more frequently if the pool sees heavy use. You’ll want to sweep/brush it once a week or so.
You need to take care of cracks and concrete damage as soon as possible. Left unattended to, it will only get worse, making the pool deck even more dangerous. This includes preventing algae growth, which is difficult with all the water.
You also need to ensure that clutter isn’t left all over. Having designated areas for snacks, beverages, tanning lotions, toys, and the like can help with this. However, this can be difficult with children.
Maintaining your pool deck is important not just for safety and aesthetics, but also for your pool. A dirty pool deck means a dirty pool is more likely, causing the pool filter and pump to work harder.
Installing a pool deck coating makes life easier for you, improves the safety of your pool deck, and enhances the aesthetic appeal of your pool.
How Pool Deck Coatings Help
Pool deck coatings don’t eliminate the need to take safety precautions and maintain your pool deck. However, they do make your job a lot easier – and improve the appearance of your pool too.
Some of the features that pool deck coatings have that enhance the safety of your pool include:
- Non-slip surfaces
- Non-abrasive surfaces
- Traction
- Water-resistance
- Prevents UV damage
- Easy to maintain
- Cooler to walk on
- Customizable
- Extend the lifespan of your pool deck
Do You Want A Pool Deck Coating?
Solid Garage Floor Coatings of Virginia provides professional floor coating services, including pool deck coatings. Contact us today for a free quote for your project and let us help you make summer safer.