Maintaining Your Pool Deck (DIY)

A sparkling pool deck and crystal-clear pool water will increase your property’s value.

But if you want to enhance the pool deck’s longevity, you’ll have to undertake the painstaking task of maintaining it. The same goes for the pool deck, which often experiences a lot of foot traffic and, like the pool itself, is exposed to the natural elements.

Regular wear and tear can affect its durability and appearance. While many people put in a lot of effort to ensure their swimming pool is well-maintained, they often forget about the decking.

One reason is that they must know how to maintain their pool deck. That’s why we’ve shared some of the best ways to maintain a pool deck, no matter the material it’s made of. These DIY pool deck maintenance techniques will keep your pool in perfect shape for several years.

So, let’s dive in and learn how to clean a pool deck.

How To Maintain Pool Deck?

Pool deck maintenance is a time-intensive job that requires a lot of effort. But before you start, there are certain factors that you need to consider, such as the type of materials used for constructing the deck and its size. Pool decks are made from various materials, such as composite decks, wooden decks, etc. and can be of varying sizes.

While the entire pool deck cleaning process is essentially the same, the cleaning solution you should use depends on the deck material. That said, the DIY method mentioned here uses items that work on most deck surfaces and are generally available at home.

Now, let’s understand how to maintain a pool deck using DIY methods.

1. Clear The Deck Of All Items

The first thing to do when starting the swimming pool deck cleaning process is to remove all items and furniture from the deck surface. Patio furniture and pool toys may need to be removed as dirt and grime accumulate under such items.

Besides, mould and mildew thrive beneath toys, especially if they are not dried after use. Once all items are removed, use a broom to sweep the deck’s surface to remove dirt.

2. Wash Using A Pressure Washer

Doing so by hand can be tedious due to the huge amount of effort and time required to clean your backyard pool deck. That is why it is recommended to use a pressure washer, which is faster and easier. Keep some distance from the pool and use mild pressure when doing so.

However, it would be best to refrain from using a professional power-washing device to clean a composite deck. The reason is that composite decks can get damaged by the force of water, which can void the warranty. So, in this case, you will need to use a bucket and scrubber with a soft brush.

You can use a garden hose with a spray attachment and a brush and bucket if you have a small deck.

3. Remove Stubborn Stains By Scrubbing

Surface washers can undoubtedly remove larger dust and dirt particles from the deck, but they aren’t as effective in eliminating unsightly stains. For this purpose, you will need a cleaning solution and some elbow grease to remove them from the deck surface. When selecting a cleaning solution, keep in mind the type of decking.

Dish soap can be a good option for wooden and composite decks; you can mix it with chlorine bleach for more effective cleaning. After mixing them, use a scrub brush to spread the solution across the pool deck surface.

To remove rust stains from composite decking, deck brighteners containing oxalic acid can be used. But make sure you use them in the right quantity, or they will damage the pool walls or the swimming pool’s surface. Also, while cleaning, focus on one section of the decking at a time for the best results.

You may need additional tools, like a garden sprayer or paint roller, to apply the cleaner on wooden decks. Leave the solution for a few minutes before rinsing it with water to remove tough stains and ensure it doesn’t dry.

4. Leave The Deck To Dry

Pool owners must remember that the cleaning solution should not be rinsed off immediately, as that won’t have much effect. The cleaner will take some time to set, after which you can rinse the deck.

Wash the decking properly using your garden hose or pressure washer, depending on the material. Then, leave it to dry for some time– this can take up to three days.

5. Apply A Sealant

A damaged pool deck can be extremely costly, so it’s essential to apply a sealant. Sealants can help protect the decking from the elements, keeping its material and texture intact. However, sealants need to be periodically reapplied to ensure long-lasting protection.

Generally, the reapplication of the sealant will depend on your deck type. Most sealants prevent problems like chemical stains and chipped paint, though ultimately, you must repaint the deck.

6. Clean Pool Decking Pavers

You can use cleaning solutions on the decking pavers and wash them with a pressure washer. For unsightly stains, use muriatic solutions and scrub the surface properly. With the right solution, you can eliminate algae accumulating on pavers and prevent damage to the decking.

But ensure the solution does not enter the swimming pool water, which can contaminate it.

7. Ensure Regular Maintenance

Pool deck maintenance is not a one-time job; cleaning and maintenance activities must be repeated regularly to ensure the deck remains in good condition. In most cases, it is advisable to clean your pool at least once every two to three years.

However, this depends on many factors, such as the decking’s location, size, and pool deck materials. For decks that are more exposed to the elements, you may need to undertake maintenance activities frequently.

Maintaining Your Pool On Your Own

That completes our guide on how to clean a pool deck. Keeping your swimming pool deck clean is challenging, but the abovementioned steps will simplify the task. When performing routine maintenance, remember the type of decking you’ve installed on the property, and you’ll choose the right solutions for cleaning the deck.

Using the wrong method can worsen the situation to the extent of damaging your deck. So, if you’re unsure how to proceed, it’s best to hire professionals for maintenance services.

And the best part is that they get the job done quickly, so your pool will be ready for use in no time!