Rubber Pool Deck Repair and Maintenance: Essential Tips and Techniques
SEPTEMBER 8, 2023
Table of content
- Common Issues with Rubber Pool Decks
- Cracks and Tears: Causes and Repair Solutions
- Mold and Mildew Growth: Effective Cleaning and Prevention Techniques
- Fading and Discoloration: Prevention and Restoration Methods
- Essential Maintenance Tips for Rubber Pool Decks
- Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
- Proper Drainage and Water Management
- Step-by-Step DIY Pool Deck Repair Guide
- Preparation: Cleaning and Clearing the Deck
- Surface Repair: Patching Cracks and Tears
- Regular Inspections and Maintenance Checks
Rubber surfacing went beyond kids’ playgrounds and sports facilities. This non-slip, cushioned, and weather-resistance material is an excellent choice for the private or public pool deck, making the area comfortable and safe for water activities, sunbathing, and socializing.
Rubber pool decks stand out as highly durable, staying in excellent condition through extreme temperature jumps, harsh weather, and excessive foot traffic. Moreover, the maintenance and cleaning methods are less time- and effort-consuming compared to traditional surfacing materials. Yet, there are some tips and techniques one should know to increase the longevity of the rubber pool deck. So let’s learn how to repair rubber pool decks and maintenance methods to guarantee the surfacing stays in brand-new condition.
Common Issues with Rubber Pool Decks
Unlike traditional materials such as stone, tiles, or bricks, the rubber surface stands out with its slip-, heat-, and weather-resistant qualities, making such pool decks more durable and low maintenance. However, rubber paving is not immune to certain problems that can cause more significant issues over time. Here are some common issues with rubber pool decks and the appropriate solutions and preventive methods.
Cracks and Tears: Causes and Repair Solutions
Causes: In most cases, the holes, cracks, and tears are caused by sharp objects or dragging heavy metal furniture. Rubber has a reputation as weather resistant material. Whilst it’s true, exposure to extreme weather conditions, heavy foot traffic, or improper installation process can cause cracks and tears over a long period of time.
Repair Solutions: Replace the damaged area with a new rubber piece that might be necessary for larger tears. Small cracks can be sealed by applying a rubber patching compound or sealant designed for rubber surfaces. Regularly inspect the deck to address any issues rapidly and prevent minor cracks from worsening.
Mold and Mildew Growth: Effective Cleaning and Prevention Techniques
Causes: Mildew thrives in moist and shaded environments, making some areas of your swimming pool deck more vulnerable to their growth. Overall, the rubber material isn’t prone to molding due to its texture. Yet, you shouldn’t exclude molding prevention methods from your maintenance routine to ensure the safety and durability of your rubber pool deck.
Cleaning and prevention techniques: Reguralty sweep and occasionally wash the deck with soapy water to remove dirt, debris, and other organic matter that might stimulate mold or mildew growth. Pay special attention to shaded areas and corners. Avoid using harsh chemicals that will damage the rubber surface. The best prevention method is ensuring the pool area has a proper drainage system to minimize standing water.
Fading and Discoloration: Prevention and Restoration Methods
Causes: UV rays from sun exposure can cause rubber surfacing to fade and lose its original color over time. Some pool chemicals, such as chlorine, for instance, can also contribute to discoloration.
Preventive and restoration methods: To prevent fading and discoloration, consider choosing rubber with built-in UV protection for your pool deck. Additionally, you can shield your rubber surfacing by applying UV-resistant sealant or coating. Regular cleaning with mild soap or rinsing off pool chemicals will slow down the color-fading process. If the rubber paving has already faded, you might need pool deck restorationservices or a rejuvenator to restore its original color.
Essential Maintenance Tips for Rubber Pool Decks
Rubber paving is a popular material choice for private and commercial use due to its low maintenance. Yet regular low-effort upkeep is still necessary to ensure rubber pool decks’ longevity, preserve an excellent condition, and avoid costly repairs or resurfacing. Discover some useful tips on how to maintain a rubber pool deck.
Regular Cleaning and Maintenance Routine
Develop a consistent cleaning routine to prevent the buildup of dirt, debris, and potential stains on the rubber surface.
- Sweeping: Regularly sweep the deck to remove leaves, dust, and other particles, preventing them from embedding in the rubber.
- Gentle washing: Occasionally wash the pool deck with soapy water and a soft-bristle brush. Avoid using harsh chemicals and abrasive cleaning tools.
- Rinse after pool use: The rinsing process takes several minutes. Yet, it helps prevent chemical damage to the rubber surface. After pool use, hose down the deck to wash away pool chemicals, sweat, sunscreen, or other substances that may have splashed onto the surface.
- Quick stain removal: If you notice any stains, address them fast using mild cleaner or rubber-surface stain removal. Delaying the stain removal may lead to discoloration, surface damage, and possible costly rubber pool deck repair.
Proper Drainage and Water Management
As mentioned, standing water and poor drainage can lead to mold, mildew growth, and other damage over time. Here is how to organize the proper water management system:
- Check drainage systems: Regularly inspect drainage around the pool deck and clean any clogs that block the water flow, ensuring the gutters direct water away from the deck and surrounding areas.
- Use pool mats: High-traffic swimming pools should consider placing pool mats or rugs around the entrance and exit points. These mats can absorb excess water and prevent it from seeping into rubber decks.
- Water removal: After heavy rain or pool use, quickly remove standing water from the deck, preventing potential water-related damage or accidents.
Step-by-Step DIY Pool Deck Repair Guide
If you have minor cracks and tears, you can tackle the repair of the rubber pool deck by yourself without prior experience. However, for larger tears or resurfacing, it’s better to get professional help. Here’s a step-by-step guide to guide you through the DIY repair process:
Preparation: Cleaning and Clearing the Deck
It’s essential to clean the problematic area before you jump to DIY pool deck repair.
- Gather the necessary tools and materials, including brooms, leaf blower, pressure washer or garden hose, rubber-safe detergent, mop, rubber patching compound or sealant, sandpaper, and putty knife.
- Clear the deck area by removing outdoor furniture and toys.
- Clean the deck with mild detergent, paying special attention to any stained areas. If there are any stains, use the rubber-safe stain remover to scrub them away. Rinse the deck after and let it dry.
Surface Repair: Patching Cracks and Tears
Do-it-yourself rubber pool deck resurfacing is less complicated than you can imagine and requires simple steps.
- Access the damage by examining the pool deck for tears, holes, or cracks and marking problematic areas.
- For minor cracks, apply a rubber patching compound, like EPDM granules, according to the instruction. Use the putty knife to fill the cracks and level them. Smooth out the patch so it blends with the surrounding rubber.
- You may need to cut out the damaged sections completely, using the utility knife to treat larger tears.
- Prepare a replacement patch by cutting it to fit the dimensions of the damaged area.
- Apply a rubber adhesive or sealant to the back of the replacement patch and around the edges of the cutout area, ensuring its evenly spread.
- Carefully place the replacement patch, pressing down firmly to ensure a strong bond with the existing rubber surface. Smooth out any bubbles using a roller or simply your hands.
- Let the repair cure follow the manufacturer’s instructions.