Indoor Pool Deck Transformed with Custom Concrete Coating
At the Belle Fourche Rec Center in Belle Fourche, South Dakota, the indoor pool area was due for a much-needed upgrade. Over time, the tile deck surrounding the pool had become outdated. It had also become hazardous, creating a risk for slips and falls. When the rec center property owners began exploring options, they had a clear goal. They needed a solution that looked great, was safe to walk on, and wouldn’t stretch their timeline or budget. That’s when they turned to Mid-America Pool Renovation, Inc., and then to SUNDEK Commercial Contracting for help.
The photo at left shows the indoor pool area at the Belle Forche Rec Center in Belle Forche, SD, before resurfacing—with its outdated tile. At right shows the same pool deck after SUNDEK Commercial Contracting resurfaced the tile. They installed a coating of Classic Texture right on top without having to demo the tile.Initially, the plan was to remove the tile entirely. However, if they removed the tile and mortar bed, the loss in height would pose a problem. They would need to build up the surface again to keep it level with the coping and deck drains. This extra step would add significant time and cost to the project. Landon Cole at Mid-America Pool Renovation, Inc., who was overseeing the project, reached out to Jason Unruh, SUNDEK’s Commercial Contracting Project Senior Developer. Jason came out to assess the site and see if there might be a better solution.
Get a free quoteAfter inspecting the pool deck, Jason reported that the existing substrate was solid. That meant SUNDEK could apply their Classic Texture coating directly onto the tile. This meant removing the tile was not necessary.
SUNDEK created a custom color for the rec center’s pool area, mimicking Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams.Classic Texture is the ideal coating for a community pool deck—especially one that’s indoors. In addition to being an anti-slip coating, it’s also customizable, so clients can get the exact look they want. Because it’s so durable and easy to clean, property owners can rely on it for many years after installation.
The Belle Fourche Rec Center property owners were excited about this option. They were also happy to learn that they could still get the neutral color they wanted. SUNDEK would be able to create the custom shade of Sea Salt by Sherwin Williams for the surface. The decision was easy, thanks to the cost savings, shorter timeline, and the ability to get the right look.
To start, SUNDEK crews masked everything in the pool area to protect it from overspray. This included walls, pool equipment, and other deck features. Even though masking takes time, SUNDEK takes extra steps to protect their workspaces. “We’ll go as far as 4 to 5 feet high on walls and other features to make sure nothing gets sprayed that shouldn't,” says Jason.
When they finished masking, SUNDEK prepped the tile so the new coating would adhere properly. Using 80-grit sandpaper, the team buffed the tile to remove any lingering sealers. They also roughed up the surface to create the necessary grip for the coating. Next, they applied a primer to securely bond the Classic Texture product to the tile.
This detail shot shows SUNDEK's meticulous work. It’s impossible to tell that this beautiful coating of Classic Texture covers 1- by 1-inch tiles.Because the tiles are 1- by 1-inch squares, SUNDEK took extra care to ensure grout lines wouldn’t show through. “The way we do it, we make sure none of the grout lines telegraph through the coating,” says Jason. “When we’re done, you get a smooth surface that looks brand-new.” They achieved all this while making sure everything was level, there were no trip hazards, and water would drain properly.
For enhanced safety, SUNDEK broadcast aluminum oxide across the coating. “Working with an indoor commercial pool deck, we went above and beyond when it comes to slip resistance,” Jason explains. Indoor pools typically have higher humidity levels, making slip resistance even more critical.
From start to finish, the project took about six days. This process was much faster than the original plan would have allowed. The property owners were thrilled with the condensed timeline and cost savings. On top of everything, they were very pleased with how clean, cohesive, and safe their new pool deck looked.
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