Concrete pool decks are constantly exposed to water, day in and day out. Water gets splashed onto the concrete, the concrete absorbs the water, and the water causes the concrete to slowly break down within the pores. This is where a concrete sealer comes into play. Sealing your concrete pool deck will help to extend the life of the concrete, and prevent premature discoloration and degradation.
The two most common types of sealers used to seal concrete pool decks are penetrating water repellent sealers and acrylic sealers.
Silane Siloxane Concrete Sealers | Acrylic Concrete Sealers |
Won’t change the look of the concrete | Enahnces with a wet look or gloss |
Works entirely below the surface | Leaves a visible surface film |
Lasts 7-10 years | Lasts 1-5 years |
Repels surface water | Protects surface against staining |
Reduces staining and deterioration | Stops dusting, staining, deterioration |
Penetrating Concrete Pool Deck Sealers
The best penetrating concrete sealer for pool decks is a Silane-Siloxane water repellent sealer. Silane-Siloxane concrete sealers are the best sealer to use if you don’t want to change the look or color of the concrete, and if you don’t want a slippery surface film. They protect without enhancing and require little to no maintenance for up to 10 years.
Silane-Siloxane sealers can be applied to stamped concrete, poured concrete, brook finished concrete, and concrete pavers.
How it Works:
Silane-Siloxane concrete sealers penetrate into the surface of the concrete where they chemically react to form a water repellent barrier within the pores. The absorption of surface water and reduced and the concrete becomes protected against the dangerous effects of water absorption. Some of the many befits include:
- Reduced cracking, spalling, pitting, and staining.
- Reduced mold and mildew growth.
- Reduced efflorescence.
Silane-Siloxane Sealer Reviews:
- Armor SX5000 Concrete Sealer Review (average 4.8 star review)
- Siloxane PD Concrete Sealer Review (average 4.5 star review)
- DryWay Water Repellent Concrete Sealer Review (average 3.8 star review)
Acrylic Concrete Pool Deck Sealers
If you require more protection than a sealer is able to offer, or if you want a wet look, low gloss, or high gloss finish, then you want an acrylic concrete sealer. Acrylic sealers will leave behind a protective surface film that enhances and revitalizes concrete surfaces.
Acrylic sealers can be applied to stamped concrete, poured concrete, brook finished concrete, and concrete pavers.
Acrylic concrete sealers offer many of the same benefits as a Silane-Siloxane water repellent, plus a few more. Acrylic sealers:
- Reduce fading and discoloration of the concrete caused by exposure to UV rays.
- Reduce deterioration caused by water absorption.
- Reduce the growth of mold and mildew.
- Reduce the formation of efflorescence.
- Reduce deterioration caused by surface abrasion.
- Stop concrete dusting.
- Stop water stains from forming on the concrete.
Acrylic sealers are available in a few different formulations:
First, you have water and solvent based acrylic sealers. Solvent based acrylic sealers are easier to repair and maintain, and they darken the surface of the concrete to provide a true wet look. Water based acrylic sealers are significantly harder to repair and maintain, and won’t darken the surface of the concrete.
Next, you have the type of acrylic sealers. There are acrylic lacquer sealers, acrylic co-polymer sealers, and acrylic latex sealers. Acrylic latex sealers are essentially non breathable paint and should be avoided at all costs. Acrylic lacquer sealers are best on existing concrete and acrylic co-polymers are best on new, uncured concrete.
Best Acrylic Concrete Sealers:
- Eagle High Gloss Sealer (average 4.6 star review)
- Armor AR350 Wet Look Sealer (average 4.8 star review)
- Armor AR500 High Gloss Sealer (average 4.9 star review)
- Enduraseal SB Acrylic Sealer (average 4.5 star review)