Pool Deck Sealers

If your pool deck is currently unsealed and made of concrete,
brick, pavers, or natural stone, and you want to maintain the natural, unsealed
look, you want a Silane-Siloxane water-repellent sealer like the Armor SX5000
or Armor SX5000 WB. These water-repellent sealers are designed to chemically
react below the surface to reduce the absorption of water and liquids on the
surface by up to 95%. Pool decks sealed with water-repellent sealers are more
resistant to damage and deterioration caused by water, freeze-thaw cycles, and
de-icing salts.

The Armor SX5000 and Armor SX5000 WB are both
water-repellent sealers. The primary difference is that the Armor SX50000 WB is
water-based and the Armor SX5000 is solvent-based. While most customers prefer
the Armor SX5000 WB simply because water-based sealers are easier to apply. The
Armor SX5000 is a great choice for customers that prefer working with
solvent-based sealers.

If your pool deck is currently unsealed and made of concrete,
brick, pavers, or natural stone, and you want a subtle color enhancement
without any gloss, the Armor WL550 is a great option. The Armor WL550 is a
water repellent sealer that chemically reacts below the surface to reduce the
absorption of water and liquids on the surface by up to 95%. Pool decks sealed with water-repellent sealers are more resistant to damage and deterioration caused
by water, freeze-thaw cycles, and de-icing salts.

If you want a low to high gloss finish, and you want a
dramatic color enhancement, then you want a solvent-based acrylic sealer.
Solvent-based acrylic sealers can be applied to unsealed concrete and concrete pavers,
and concrete and concrete pavers previously sealed with a solvent-based acrylic
sealer.

Solvent-based acrylic sealers are designed to darken the
color of the concrete and pavers to give them a similar appearance of being wet
and leave behind a protective gloss finish. Acrylic sealers offer the ultimate
protection for pavers against water, snow and ice, freeze-thaw damage, surface
abrasion, and foot and vehicle traffic.

If you want a low gloss finish, you want the Armor AR350. If
you want a high gloss finish, you want the Armor AR500.

If your concrete is new and not fully cured, and you want
something to help the concrete aid in proper curing, you want a cure and seal
instead. For a low gloss, consider the Armor LV15 and for a high gloss, the
Armor LV25.

Another great option for pool decks is the Armor AX25. The Armor AX25 is a hybrid product that contains a water-repellent sealer and an acrylic sealer. It is commonly used around pool decks to offer an added level of protection against water damage and deterioration. This product is very popular for decks around salt water pools.

Unfortunately, acrylic sealers should not be applied to red
clay brick or natural stone. Acrylic sealers have a high failure rate on those
types of surfaces. Red clay brick and natural stone should only be sealed with
a penetrating sealer like the Armor SX5000, Armor SX5000 WB, or Armor WL550.

If you want a low to high gloss finish, and you want little
to no color enhancement, then you want a water-based acrylic sealer.
Water-based acrylic sealers can be applied to unsealed concrete and concrete pavers,
and concrete and concrete pavers previously sealed with a water-based acrylic
sealer.

Water-based acrylic sealers are designed for little to no
color enhancement and leave behind a protective gloss finish. Acrylic sealers
offer the ultimate protection for concrete and pavers against water, snow and
ice, freeze-thaw damage, surface abrasion, and foot and vehicle traffic.

If you want a low gloss finish, you want the Armor WB15. If
you want a high gloss finish, you want the Armor WB25.

Unfortunately, acrylic sealers should not be applied to red
clay brick or natural stone. Acrylic sealers have a high failure rate on those
types of surfaces. Red clay brick and natural stone should only be sealed with
a penetrating sealer like the Armor SX5000, Armor SX5000 WB, or Armor WL550.

Clear acrylic sealers are suitable for most concrete and
paver applications, but in some applications where the concrete or pavers
contain variations of browns or grays, a semi-transparent tinted sealer may be
a better choice. Tinted sealers are popular choices for exposed aggregate
concrete and colored concrete pavers. If you want a semi-transparent brown
tint, the Armor AG Brown Seal is a very popular option. If you want a
semi-transparent gray tint, or if you want to experiment with color enhancement
on your own, the Armor Semi-Transparent Acrylic Tint packs can be added to any
Foundation Armor solvent-based acrylic sealer.

Anytime there is water present on the surface, the surface can be slippery when wet.

Penetrating sealers work entirely below the surface and won't leave a film or coating. If you are very concerned about slip hazards, a penetrating sealer may be best because they won't change the surface traction of the concrete.

Acrylic sealers keep all water on the surface and the surface will become slippery when wet. While non-slip additives can be applied to the topcoat to help increase surface traction, they won't make the surface completely slip-free. If you are genuinely concerned about the slipperiness and are considering an acrylic sealer, we would strongly suggest applying the sealer and non-slip to a test area first to determine if you are ok with the level of slipperiness on the surface once sealed.

Freeze thaw damage can be reduced with the use of a penetrating water repellent sealer or acrylic coating. Penetrating water repellent sealers are appropriate for most applications, but if the pool deck is subjected to harsh winters, additional steps may be necessary. In some cases you may need an additional coat of a water repellent sealer, and in some cases an acrylic sealer may be necessary.

If you are looking to reduce the growth of mold and mildew on your pool deck, you want to apply a penetrating water repellent sealer or an acrylic sealer. Applying these will help to reduce standing water within the pores of the substrate, and therefore inhibiting the growth of mold and mildew.

While sealers can help to reduce the formation of efflorescence, they can't always stop it. Often times efflorescence is a continuous battle and the only way to get rid of it is to continuously clean it. Efflorescence is also commonly confused with mineral deposits. While the two look very similar, efflorescence forms below the substrate and mineral deposits are deposited onto the surface from an indirect source. Mineral deposits are very common on pool decks because of the amount of salt or chemical-containing water that is splashed onto the deck from the pool. If you are unsure what you have and need help determining the best solution, please reach out to a technician.