The 7 Most Important Things to Consider When You Want a New Concrete Coating Around Your Pool
A swimming pool can be the centerpiece of your East Texas backyard – especially in those scorching summers. Yet the concrete around your pool can become slippery, dull, or even cracked over time if it’s not coated properly. You may have heard of “epoxy flooring” as a solution, but there’s more to the story: polyaspartic and quartz coatings often outperform epoxy in poolside settings. Below, we’ll detail the top considerations when choosing a new pool surround coating, ensuring both safety and style.
1. Improved Traction
Why It Matters: Wet surfaces + bare feet = high slip risk.
- Epoxy’s Downside: Traditional epoxy can be slick when wet unless additives are used. But even then, UV exposure might degrade the texture over time.
- Polyaspartic + Quartz: Broadcasting quartz into polyaspartic delivers excellent traction, making it safer for kids and adults racing around the pool.
Key Takeaway: If slip-and-fall concerns top your list, a quartz or flake finish broadcast over polyaspartic is ideal for pool surrounds.
2. UV Stability
Why It Matters: East Texas sunshine is intense, especially around pool areas with little shade.
- Epoxy’s Yellowing: Standard epoxy coatings may fade or yellow under direct sunlight—leading to discoloration and a dull finish.
- Polyaspartic’s UV Resistance: Formulated with UV inhibitors, polyaspartic remains clear and vibrant despite prolonged sun exposure.
Key Takeaway: For a pool surround that retains its color, opt for a UV-stable system—polyaspartic coatings excel here.
3. Moisture Handling
Why It Matters: Pool surrounds see constant water splashes, chlorinated chemicals, and humidity.
- Epoxy’s Vulnerability: Prolonged standing water can seep into minor cracks, weakening epoxy’s bond and causing peeling.
- Polyaspartic Resilience: More forgiving if the substrate isn’t fully bone-dry, plus it creates a non-porous surface that resists chemical spills and frequent hosing down.
Key Takeaway: A coating that tolerates high moisture and routine rinsing is essential – polyaspartic delivers.
4. Temperature Tolerance
Why It Matters: Pool surrounds in East Texas can bake at 100°F mid-day, then cool significantly at night.
- Thermal Expansion: Concrete expands and contracts with temperature changes. A less flexible coating might peel or crack.
- Polyaspartic’s Flexibility: Designed to handle thermal stress better than traditional epoxy, reducing the chance of unsightly flaking.
Key Takeaway: If your pool surround experiences big day-to-night temperature swings, a polyaspartic system stands firm.
5. Aesthetics & Design
Why It Matters: Beyond functionality, you want a pool surround that complements your outdoor oasis.
- Epoxy’s Limited Color Range: Sure, you can tint epoxy, but color stability outdoors remains questionable.
- Quartz or Flake Broadcast: Polyaspartic allows for custom quartz or flake blends, creating a textured, high-end look matching your landscaping or home exterior.
Key Takeaway: A well-chosen color blend can elevate your pool area from basic to resort-like.
6. Prep & Installation Time
Why It Matters: You don’t want your pool surround out of commission for weeks in prime swimming season.
- Epoxy’s Slow Cure: Multiple days (or more) to fully cure, meaning extended downtime.
- Polyaspartic’s Rapid Set: Foot traffic is often safe in hours; complete readiness typically in about 48 hours.
Key Takeaway: If minimal disruption is key, polyaspartic’s faster turnaround is a game-changer.
7. Long-Term Value
Why It Matters: Initial cost vs. how often you’ll need to re-coat or repair.
- Epoxy Re-Coats: Outdoor epoxy may require reapplication within a few years due to yellowing or peeling.
- Polyaspartic Durability: While pricier upfront, the UV stability, moisture tolerance, and flexibility often result in fewer repairs—saving money over time.
For pool surrounds in East Texas, polyaspartic coatings – possibly with quartz broadcast – check all the boxes: improved traction, UV stability, moisture tolerance, fast cure times, and design versatility. While epoxy may serve as a budget-friendly option, the intense sun and frequent water exposure around pools highlight epoxy’s weaknesses.
Ready to transform your poolside? Contact Epoxy Coat Masters for a free consultation. We’ll help you select the right finish, ensuring a safer, more beautiful pool surround that handles the East Texas climate with ease.
