This expensive job is not only costly to have done professionally, but it is also time consuming. Fortunately, it’s not that difficult of a task that many DIY aficionados can handle themselves-and save big bucks doing it. Use the following steps for resurfacing your pool and get the job done right-without it costing you a fortune in the process.
Prep
Just like any messy job, you’ll need to cover the areas that you don’t want resurfaced with plenty of painters plastic and tape. Cover the pool itself using a large sheet of bubble wrap.
Shot Blast
This is where it gets dusty! A scarifier or shot blaster can be rented from most tool rental companies for the day. This machine sands down the old pool deck surface so that it can accept the new finish and stain.
Patches
If there are any cracks, gaps or other damages to the pool deck, you’ll need to make the repairs at this time. Large cracks will need to be cut out and filled with cement. Be sure that these areas are compacted and filled with gravel prior to pouring any cement to ensure that the surface remains crack-free for years to come.
Clean Up
Using a power washer, clean the entire surface of the deck thoroughly to remove any debris left behind from the scarifier. Allow the surface to dry overnight before moving to the next step.
Micro-Topping
This is the first part of the textured surface and is applied using a hopper and pneumatic spray gun. Once again, this equipment is easily rented for a small fee from any tool rental company.
In some cases, micro-topping may need to be mixed with polymers to keep it elastic-while other formulas may already have it. It’s important that you read all of the mixing directions and follow them to a tee or else the product will become detached, and you’ll have to start all over from the beginning step.
Spread the material uniformly using the hopper gun from one side of the pool deck to the other. Make sure that you don’t paint yourself into a corner! Once the micro-topping has been applied, it must dry overnight and can’t be walked on for at least 12 hours. Manufacturers drying times may differ, so be sure to follow the directions according to the manufacturer’s specifications, or you could void the warranty of the material.
Stains
The final step is really up to the consumer. Many choose to color the coping of the pool a different color than the micro-topping, so an acid-based concrete stain is applied to the coping first.
A good amount of painters tape and plastic is needed around the edge of the pool deck coping to prevent overspray onto the deck. Apply the concrete stain using pneumatic paint spray gun. Let the stain dry overnight before removing the tape.
In some cases, the micro-topping isn’t stained already and a coat of concrete stain is needed to make the final color. Again, tape off any areas where you don’t want the stain to color the concrete and apply an even and consistent coat. Allow it to dry at least 48 hours before using the pool.