Why Epoxy Is a Bad Choice for Your Pool Deck & What's Better
Thinking about giving your pool deck a face-lift before the next swimming season? If you've been searching online for pool resurfacing options, you've likely come across epoxy coatings. At first glance, epoxy seems like a sleek, durable choice, and yes, it is technically possible to apply it outdoors. But just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.
SUNDEK of San Antonio resurfaced this pool deck at a home in Canyon Lake, TX, using a Classic Texture coating with multicolor Aggregate Effects. (See more of this project here.)While some general contractors might tell you epoxy is a great choice for pool surrounds, buyer beware: epoxy and outdoor aquatic spaces simply don't mix well over time, especially when exposed to continuous weather changes, intense sun, and moisture.
"I can't tell you how many times a year we go out and remove epoxy from a pool deck to replace it with Classic Texture," says Bob Miller, vice president and general manager at SUNDEK of Washington.
Unfortunately, homeowners often invest significant money into epoxy surfaces, only to face major headaches, peeling, and safety hazards after just a season or two. Before making a costly mistake, here is what you need to know about the downsides of epoxy pool decks, and what to choose instead.
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For this pool deck in Bowling Green, KY, SUNDEK of Nashville removed the old coating, then resurfaced the concrete using SunStamp. (See more of this project here.)Why Epoxy Coatings Aren't a Good Solution for Pool Decks
Contractors who advocate for epoxy pool decks usually try to solve its inherently smooth, slick nature by broadcasting sand or aluminum oxide into the topcoat for traction. While this grit provides initial slip resistance, it isn't a permanent fix. High foot traffic, heavy pool water exposure, outdoor rainstorms, pool chemicals, and routine power washing rapidly wear away these broadcast aggregates. Once that grit wears down, you are left with a bare, dangerously slick glass-like surface surrounding a body of water.
At a residence in Baytown, TX, SUNDEK of Houston used a Tuscan coating to resurface a plain gray pool deck, patio, and set of stairs, transforming it into a beautifully designed outdoor space. (See more of this project here.)Beyond slipperiness, standard epoxy faces two major environmental enemies outdoors:
UV Radiation & Heat
Direct UV radiation causes non-breathable epoxy to yellow, chalk, and peel rapidly. Worse, epoxy traps heat, making the deck burning hot for bare feet during hot summer afternoons.
Trapped Moisture
Because epoxy creates an airtight, non-breathable seal, moisture from the slab gets trapped underneath and can cause the coating to bubble and blister.
We love epoxy for garage floors and commercial flooring. Its tough, nonporous surface stands up to oil, chemicals, and hot tires. Outdoors around a pool, it's a different story. Choosing a surface engineered specifically for outdoor pool environments saves you from costly tear-outs down the road.
These before-and-after photos show how SUNDEK of Pennsylvania resurfaced a pool deck in Phoenixville, PA, transforming it from a worn and faded surface into a beautiful outdoor space. (See more of this project here.)Better Pool Deck Options
At SUNDEK, we prioritize safety alongside aesthetics by adhering strictly to ADA standards for surface safety. Backed by over five decades of innovation in decorative concrete, our network of professional installers uses proven systems to steer homeowners away from high-risk coatings like epoxy:
- Classic Texture: Often referred to as "knockdown texture," Classic Texture offers a textured finish that is slip resistant and also stays much cooler than concrete, brick, tile, and other materials.
- SunSplash: This spray-on acrylic finish is applied without the knockdown troweling step and has customizable decorative effects.
- SunStamp: Mimic the look of stone, slate, brick, or wood.
- Tuscan: A thin coating that's troweled on for an artistic, freeform look.
- SunPlay: A cushioned, slip-resistant pool deck coating that provides a soft, cushiony feel underfoot.
- SunCoat: Provides a durable, UV-resistant finish that holds up to heavy foot traffic, sun exposure, and the demands of active use.
- SunSand: Incorporates fine aggregates such as glass beads or aluminum oxide into the finish coat to provide maximum traction.
To learn more about these proven surfaces and find the perfect match for your backyard, check out our detailed guide on the best coatings for resurfacing pool decks.
Classic Texture is an ideal pool deck coating that's superior to epoxy. SUNDEK of Tampa installed this pool deck and patio, providing the homeowner with a beautiful surface that's easy to clean and comfortable to walk on, even on hot summer days.Ready to Find the Right Surface for Your Pool Deck?
Our network of certified installers can help. Find a local SUNDEK contractor, email [email protected], or call 877-478-6335.
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