With a paint job that’s just right, your concrete pool deck can be transformed from plain to glamorous. Those vibrant colors that adorn the deck of your dreams require the perfect paint.
Whether you’re looking to enhance an existing pool or starting from scratch, selecting the best paint for a concrete pool deck is essential.
Creating a unique design with paint on concrete can provide a perfect accent to your outdoor surroundings, making even fresh afternoons by the pool feel all the more special.
Epoxy paint is often the top choice for pool decks. This is primarily because epoxy paint forms a water-tight seal that prevents mildew, staining, and fading.
It can also stand up to the wear and tear of pool chemicals like chlorine or other pool cleaners. Plus, it’s durable and long-lasting, so you won’t have to worry about chipping or peeling.
The next choices would be acrylic and rubber paint, both of which come in a variety of colors and textures.
Acrylic paint is easy to work with, but it’s not as resistant to the elements and can fade over time from UV rays. Rubberized paint is a bit more durable, but it usually requires specialized tools for application.
Why is Choosing the Right Paint Important for Your Pool Deck?
The paint you choose for your pool deck will determine how well it stands up over time. If you don’t use quality paint, the result will be a faded and worn-down look after just a few years of being exposed to the elements.
Remember, the poolside isn’t the place to skimp on quality. While the pool itself is considered to be the star and the deck is largely considered as an accessory, a worn-out-looking pool deck won’t do any favors for your outdoor oasis.
Quality paint can help to prevent peeling and flaking, as well as keep the colors of your deck looking vibrant all summer long.
In general, concrete pool decks should be painted every three to five years, depending on how often the pool is used and what type of paint was used.
Since the deck is sometimes the first thing guests see when they come to your home, make sure you keep it looking its best with the right type of paint.
The Top 3 Best Paints for Concrete Pool Decks
Understanding the different types of paint available and their benefits can help you choose the best one for your pool deck. Check out our list of the top three best paints for concrete pool decks:
Epoxy Paint
As mentioned above, epoxy paint is considered to be the most durable option when it comes to pool decks. Epoxy paint is king when it comes to pool decks, considering that this paint is perfect for standing up to water and sun exposure.
Epoxy paint isn’t considered to be the gold standard of concrete pool deck paints for no reason at all!
It’s highly resistant to aging and chemical damage, plus it’s incredibly easy to clean. It dries quickly and provides a lasting finish.
Additionally, it also has a low porosity, meaning it won’t absorb any water, making it an ideal choice for poolside surfaces.
In general, epoxy paint may last up to ten years with proper care and maintenance. Maintenance for epoxy paint includes re-coating through the years and cleaning it regularly.
Acrylic Paint
For a less expensive option that still offers great protection, acrylic paint is the way to go.
This type of paint provides long-lasting protection from the sun’s UV rays and water damage. Acrylic paint maintains its vibrant color and won’t fade over time like some other paints.
This type of paint provides a durable coating that stays on longer than other available options and has superior adhesion properties which make the application an absolute breeze.
Its slick surface adds just the right amount of shine while showing off its beautiful colors as well as providing a slip-resistant finish.
With water-resistant properties, acrylic paint also stands up well against chlorine and resulting chemical reactions, protecting your deck from weathering and fading in the harsh sun.
DIYers love acrylic paint because aside from the fact that they’re readily available, they are also incredibly affordable and easy to use.
It’s a great option for those who want to take on the task of painting their pool deck themselves.
If epoxy paint can last up to eight years, given proper care, acrylic paint can last up to five. Cleaning and re-coating annually will help extend the life of your paint job.
Rubberized Paint
The last, but certainly not least of the top three best paints for concrete pool decks is rubberized paint.
This type of coating gives hassle-free protection to your pool area and keeps it looking fresh and vibrant year-round. It effectively blocks out moisture from the environment and gives superior adhesion power that other paints simply can’t match.
Not to mention, its insulation property makes it ideal for maintaining a comfortable temperature around the pool area when lounging in it. This makes it ideal for pool areas found in unusually hot or cold climates.
Rubberized paint also has great anti-skid properties which make it an ideal choice for safety reasons, especially if you have small children around the pool area. Safety is always a priority, so this paint is always a good choice.
Simply said, this rubberized paint’s smooth finish makes it simple to clean with just a brush and warm water. For an effortless makeover that you can count to last, rubberized paint is the way to go.
In terms of its lifetime, rubberized paint can last up to nine years with proper maintenance. Although maintenance is minimal, it may still require reapplication every few years in order to keep it looking fresh.
Different Factors to Take Into Account When Choosing Which Paint to Use for Concrete Pool Deck
It’s understandably quite difficult to pick between the three best paints for concrete pool decks without taking into account different factors. Here are some things to consider before making your final choice:
Climate and Temperature
Depending on where you live, you’ll need to choose a paint that stands up well against harsh weather conditions.
For those living in an area that experiences extreme hot or cold temperatures, rubberized paint is the best option since it has insulation properties that protect against the weather.
For those who are blessed with more temperate climates, epoxy and acrylic paints are great options.
Cost
Obviously, the cost is always a factor in any painting project. Epoxy paint often comes at a higher price tag due to its superior quality and performance, but you can get just as good results from the less expensive options of acrylic or rubberized paint.
This simply means that if you’re on a budget, the latter two options are great alternatives that will still get the job done without breaking the bank.
Durability
Epoxy paint is obviously the best option when it comes to durability and protection. However, epoxy paint may not provide the best color options and can also be harder to apply than acrylic or rubberized paint.
If you’re looking for something easy to work with that won’t fade over time, acrylic paints are a great choice. And if you want a slip-resistant finish and superior adhesion properties, then rubberized paint is the way to go.
Color Options
Depending on what kind of look you’re going for, different paint will work better than others. For example, if you’re looking to create a colorful and vibrant pool area, then acrylic paints are definitely the way to go.
If you want something that’s more subtle and toned down and doesn’t mind neutral or earthy tones, epoxy paint or rubberized paint can be a great option.
Ease of Application
Epoxy paint is often tougher to apply than acrylic or rubberized paint. This is because it needs to be mixed and blended properly for it to work correctly.
It requires a more nuanced approach when it comes to application, starting from prep work to the actual painting itself.
On the other hand, rubberized paint and acrylic paints are much easier to apply and don’t require as much effort or skill.
You can actually go to the hardware store, get the paint and roll it on yourself with just a few basic tools. You may even get the color mixed before you bring it home.
Longevity
When it comes to longevity, epoxy paint is the clear winner as it can last up to 10 years if you know how to take care of it properly.
Although acrylic and rubberized paints may not last as long, they can still provide excellent results that come with a cheaper price tag.
Final Thoughts
The pool deck paint you choose ultimately depends on what factors are most important to you.
Are you looking for durability, color options, ease of application, and cost?
Then epoxy paint is probably your best choice. If you want something more affordable with good adhesion properties and great insulation against weather conditions, then rubberized paint might be a better choice.
There is no right or wrong answer when it comes to choosing the best paint for a concrete pool deck.
It all comes down to what factors are most important to you and the look you’re going for. \With these considerations in mind, you’ll be able to make an informed decision that will give your pool deck the perfect finish it deserves.
