Why You Should Avoid Epoxy for Your Pool Deck
Thinking about giving your pool deck a facelift? If you've been searching online, you've likely run into epoxy coatings. At first glance, epoxy looks like a sleek, durable choice. And yes, it can technically go down outdoors. But just because you can use it as a pool deck surface doesn't mean you should.
Some contractors will tell you epoxy is a great fit around a pool. We see it differently. Epoxy and outdoor pool areas don't mix well over time, and SUNDEK of Washington offers better options for pool deck resurfacing, like Classic Texture.
Classic Texture is a slip-resistant, cool-to-the-touch finish built for pool decks."I can't tell you how many times a year we go out and remove epoxy from a pool deck and put Classic Texture on it," says Bob Miller, vice president and general manager at SUNDEK of Washington.
Homeowners often put real money into epoxy, only to face big headaches a few seasons later. Here's what to know before you make that call, and what to choose instead.
Get a free quoteWhy Epoxy Doesn't Work on Pool Decks
Epoxy is smooth and slick by nature. To add traction, installers often broadcast sand or aluminum oxide into the topcoat. That grit helps at first, but it doesn't last. Foot traffic, weather, pool chemicals, and routine cleaning wear it away. Once the texture is gone, you're left with a slick, glass-like surface right next to the water.
Sun is the other problem. Standard epoxy doesn't stand up well to UV exposure. Over time it yellows, chalks, and peels. Here in the DMV, a pool deck faces strong summer sun, heavy humidity, and winter freeze-thaw cycles. That's a tough mix for a coating that was never designed for the outdoors.
"What it comes down to is that epoxy is not an aquatic surface," says Bob.
Who Installs Your Deck Matters
When Bob's crews tear out a failed epoxy deck, the original installer often can't be found. "Clients really need to go with reputable companies who have an established reputation," he says.
A surface built for pool environments, installed by a certified installer, saves you from early tear-outs and the cost of doing the job twice.
Featured Video
See How SunCoat Holds Up After Two Years
Bob Miller, vice president and general manager at SUNDEK of Washington, checks in on a pool deck we coated with SunCoat two years ago. See how a surface built for the water stands up to sun, swimmers, and DMV weather.
Ready to upgrade your pool deck?
Get a free quote hereWhat We Recommend Instead
At SUNDEK, safety comes first, right alongside looks. We evaluate our coatings against coefficient of friction guidelines so your deck keeps the right amount of slip resistance, even when it's soaking wet.
We love hearing your design ideas. We'll also use our decades of hands-on experience to steer you away from high-risk choices like epoxy. These proven pool deck coatings are built for the outdoors:
- Classic Texture. Often called knockdown texture. A slip-resistant finish that stays much cooler underfoot than bare concrete, brick, or tile.
- SunSplash. A spray-applied acrylic finish, without the knockdown troweling step, with custom decorative effects.
- SunStamp. Gets the look of stone, slate, brick, or wood.
- Tuscan. A thin, hand-troweled coating with an artistic, freeform look.
- SunPlay. A cushioned, slip-resistant surface with a soft feel underfoot.
- SunCoat. A durable, UV-resistant finish built for heavy foot traffic, strong sun, and active use.
- SunSand. Fine aggregates such as glass beads or aluminum oxide in the finish coat for maximum traction.
To find the right match for your backyard, see our guide to the best coatings for resurfacing pool decks.
Choose a Surface Built for the Water
Your pool deck should be safe, comfortable, and beautiful for years, not something you tear out after a few summers. Skip the epoxy and go with a coating made for wet, sunny, high-traffic spaces.
Contact Us About Your Pool Deck Project
Know exactly what you want, or looking for some guidance? We'd love to help. At SUNDEK of Washington, we resurface concrete in the major metros in the "DMV" area, including:
- Northern Virginia (NoVA): Arlington, Alexandria, Fairfax, and Reston
- Maryland: Bethesda, Frederick, Gaithersburg, and Hagerstown
- Washington D.C. and beyond
We look forward to hearing about your project!
Call us: 866-631-8664
Email us: [email protected]