Leisure decks, including pool decks, are meant to be waterproofed and durable. Many have anti-slip capabilities that will allow you to walk on them, even when wet. However, over time, the exposure to water can cause the surface to become unstable and crack. This means that the deck needs to be resurfaced in order for it to retain its waterproof abilities. The answer to how often leisure deck resurfacing needs to be done can be complicated, because it depends on some different factors.
Deck Material: Decks can be constructed from a lot of different materials. For a pool, many will use textured concrete, but some want a more natural look so they use sandstone slates or marble on the surface. A decent waterproofing job should last about two years for each of those materials. Hard materials, such as concrete, do a better job at having water resistance compared to a softer material, such as sandstone.
Deck Use: Depending on how often you are using your deck, you may not need to resurface it as often. For those decks that get regularly used every single day, then they will need to be resurfaced sooner than a pool deck that only get used a few times a year.
Environmental Conditions: Where your deck is located is going to also play a role. It will depend on the exposure to the elements. Exposure to a lot of heat and ultraviolet rays will cause the waterproof seal to wear out faster. A pool deck that gets a lot of exposure to the sun will need to be resurfaced sooner than one that is covered by a lot of shade or is more indoors. It’s not just sun and heat that play a role, but also any humid conditions. A deck that is in a shady area but exposed to a lot of humidity will wear just as fast as one that is exposed to dry and hot conditions. Humid and wet weather will wash away any existing stain, and you could notice blackened areas that would need to be cleaned before you proceed with resurfacing.
Resurfacing your deck will allow you to apply another protective layer. This sealant will prevent moisture from entering the surface and help prevent cracks. This means that mildew and mold will be avoided and you can better enjoy your deck.
If your deck is made from wood, you also have the option to restain it. You then have several choices in the type of stain you use. A transparent stain will soak into the boards, while a solid stain will sit on top of the boards. The type of stain you use will affect how often you need to restain the deck.