Municipal Case Study
Santa Fe SpringsAquatic Center
How SUNDEK brought custom colors, enhanced safety, and long-lasting durability to a high-traffic pool deck, all on a tight timeline.
How SUNDEK brought custom colors, enhanced safety, and long-lasting durability to a high-traffic pool deck, all on a tight timeline.
When the City of Santa Fe Springs, California, set out to update the Paul T. Nakamura Regional Aquatic Center, city leaders knew they wanted the surrounding surfaces to be exceptional. Rather than settling for plain, standard gray concrete, they envisioned an eye-catching, vibrant design that would elevate the atmosphere of the community facility, while remaining comfortable underfoot and exceptionally durable. Recognizing the technical and aesthetic demands of the project, HED Design Architects initiated the planning phase and reached out to authorized SUNDEK dealer and president at Pacific Concrete Coatings, Inc., Armando Hernandez, for guidance on decorative concrete coatings.
Given the scope and ambitious footprint of the facility, Armando connected the project team to Rae Cerasoli, SUNDEK's Senior Developer of Commercial Contracting, to bring the vision to life.
HED presented the core concept: a dynamic "water flow pattern" designed to echo the movement and energy of the aquatic center. SUNDEK's team was well-equipped to execute such intricate multi-color work, and Rae immediately got to work developing detailed bids and technical specifications.
For the pool deck surface, Rae recommended SUNDEK's Classic Texture, the original acrylic spray texture overlay system. Known throughout the industry for its exceptional versatility, durability, and comfort, Classic Texture is specifically engineered to perform in demanding commercial environments where water is present.
The system creates a knockdown texture that remains comfortable and significantly cooler underfoot than standard concrete, brick, or paver surfaces, a benefit for barefoot patrons enjoying the pool on hot California days. Its slip-resistant profile enhances safety in splash areas, while its crack-resistant bonding process ensures the overlay can withstand continuous water exposure, UV rays, and heavy foot traffic year after year. For a bustling community aquatic center serving hundreds of visitors daily, Classic Texture provided the ideal balance of visitor safety, long-lasting performance, and low-maintenance appeal.
Following a thorough evaluation of the proposed systems, HED specified SUNDEK as the decorative concrete coating system. The City of Santa Fe Springs subsequently opened the broader renovation project to competitive bidding, ultimately awarding the general contracting contract to PCN3.
With PCN3 managing overall construction, SUNDEK began refining the precise execution plan while HED and city officials finalized the aesthetic details. Armando and his team completed a series of samples to confirm colors. Once the CAD files were decided, Armando and SUNDEK crews mapped out the intricate layout logistics and application sequence required for the multi-colored layout.
It requires meticulous work by crews to transfer the CAD drawings onto the large surface. "We scaled the layout to transfer the measurements," explains Armando. "If it was 1/32 on the drawing, it was 1 foot on the surface. We also have to make reference points to mark curvy spots."
After transferring the drawing to the surface, Armando and his SUNDEK crew applied the Classic Texture in the right colors. "We sprayed one color first, then once that dried, we masked off that area and moved onto the next. We use a lot of paper and masking tape to protect the surface from overspray."
As frequently occurs in major municipal renovations, unforeseen construction and weather delays shifted the overarching timeline, compressing SUNDEK's working window near the conclusion of the project. Despite the delayed start date and tight schedule, SUNDEK's application crews mobilized quickly to ensure the facility opened on schedule. "Once we got our hands on it, we worked as quickly as possible," says Armando.
Working across the expansive 14,360-square-foot footprint, the crews operated with precision and speed to lay down the Classic Texture system and execute the detailed six-color flow pattern flawlessly.
"We do what we need to do to meet our deadlines. For some projects, we bring in additional certified SUNDEK installers from our network to ensure we get everything done on time without compromising on quality."
Rae Cerasoli, Senior Developer, SUNDEK Commercial ContractingOnce the Classic Texture application was cured, SUNDEK applied Eco Clear, a high-performance protective finish, enhanced with a broadcast of fine aluminum oxide aggregate.
While Classic Texture already features a knockdown finish that naturally increases traction and minimizes slip-and-fall risks in wet areas, broadcasting aluminum oxide into the topcoat provides an extra layer of slip resistance for maximum public safety. The Eco Clear topcoat acts as a durable shield, locking in the vibrant custom colors while offering resistance against heavy foot traffic, harsh pool chemicals, environmental weathering, and daily spills.
In addition to protection, the Eco Clear finish dramatically simplifies ongoing facility upkeep. Classic Texture's non-porous structure already prevents dirt, grime, and oils from penetrating deep into the substrate; the clear polyurethane shield makes washing down the deck fast and hassle-free. To protect the city's investment for years to come, Santa Fe Springs opted into SUNDEK's ongoing maintenance program, which includes periodic site inspections and professional deep cleanings.
The completed pool deck transformed the Paul T. Nakamura Regional Aquatic Center into a visually captivating, modern community hub. The dynamic water flow pattern delivers a custom aesthetic that complements the facility's theme, while the underlying technology guarantees a safe, cool, and durable surface for generations of visitors. From the design vision at HED to the city leadership and local residents, all parties were thrilled with the execution and striking finished surfaces.
See more about this project in this 2.5 minute video.
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