Apart from providing an area for sunbathing, a pool deck acts sort of as an invitation area to your swimming pool. Therefore, if it is well maintained, it will give your pool a good look because it will be more inviting and attractive.
One of the ways to maintain a pool deck is to give it a fresh coat of paint every once in a while. This will help get rid of fading, chalking, bubbling or blistering.
However, you must choose the perfect paint for the job to achieve the best outcome.
For that reason, this article looks at 5 of the best pool deck paints that you can buy online.
In this post:
Things To Check While Choosing the Best Pool Deck Paint
1. Type of Pool Deck Paint
This paint is available in 3 main types. These are:
– Oil Deck Paint
Oil deck paint is characterized by a super strong bond with the surface it is applied on and therefore, it can last for years.
This is because, as the name suggests, it is composed of oil, featuring mostly mineral or oil additives, which form a waterproof layer that keeps out the elements. However, it takes very long to dry.
– Alkyd Deck Paint
Alkyd deck paints are a popular alternative to oil paints because they are affordable but still resistant to harsh weather conditions.
This because they contain resin, glycerin, oils and tiny amounts of sand and grain, resulting in a strong and weatherproof deck coating.
– Water-Based Deck Paint
This is the most popular type of deck paint because it is affordable and durable as well. There are two variants of water-based deck paint and these are:
- Acrylic paints – Usually provide good coverage per gallon and create weatherproof surfaces that protect the deck surface below.
- Latex paints – Are much safer to use and also protect the deck from weather elements.
Note: Since all these types have almost the same characteristics, the differentiating factor between them is time and cost. If you can afford an oil-based paint, it will last longer, giving you an extended service life.
2. Pool Deck Surface
Pool decks are mostly made of wood or concrete, but there are some that are built using a composite material. Not all paints can adhere to these surfaces and thus, you should check whether the paint is compatible with your deck.
You can buy a universal deck paint such as Anvil Paints & Coating’s 956201, which can adhere to any of these, but it is recommended to buy one that is specifically meant for either one of them because it will be specially formulated to perform best there.
However, you should be aware of what your deck is made from though before making your order.
3. Size, Coverage, and Cost
It is important to consider the size or quantity that you get per kit but it even more important to consider the coverage that the paint gives you.
Paints with more coverage like In The Swim’s Patio and Deck Paint can be used to cover a wider area and therefore, less paint will be required. This means less spending per square foot.
However, with a larger coverage, always ensure that the coat adheres properly and provides an effective protective layer above your deck.
5 Best Pool Deck Paints Reviewed
IMAGE | PRODUCT | FEATURES |
|---|---|---|
 | 1. In The Swim Patio and Deck Paint (Best Overall) |
|
 | 2. Anvil Paints & Coating 956201 (Best Budget) |
|
 | 3. Kilz L394711 (Best for Wood Deck) |
|
 | 4. Encore Coatings ECC-1 (Best for Concrete Deck) |
|
 | 5. Kelley Technical Olympic Patio Tones (Fast Drying) |
|
1. In The Swim Patio and Deck Paint (Best Overall)
Photo: In The Swim
In The Swim is a well-known brand in providing high-quality pool and deck paints and this water-based formula stands out as the best due to a number of reasons.
For starters, the paint is available in different shades such as granite, taupe, white, ivory, buff tan, putty, and sand, all of which result to beautiful and unique finishes surrounding your pool.
Regardless of the color, the product can be applied on new or old, wooden or concrete pool decks, although for wooden surfaces, an oil-based primer is required while for concrete decks, concrete repairs and acid washing is a must before application.
Also, for first-time, original applications, 2 coats will be required on each surface for the best kind of results.
Once properly applied, the final coat can cure overnight to create a non-slip finish that is very safe to walk on, even with pool water slashing onto it.
This patio and pool deck paint is packed in a 1 gallon can that gives you a coverage of approximately 100-125 square feet, which is quite a large area.
Pros:
- Fast drying water-based formula in different shades
- Can be applied on new or old, wooden or concrete decks
- Creates a safe non-slip finish
- Relatively large coverage of up to 125 square feet per gallon
Cons:
- Oil based primer is required for wooden surfaces
- Concrete deck preparation is required before application
2. Anvil Paints & Coating 956201 (Best Budget)
Photo: Anvil
Anvil’s Deck-A-New resurfacer deck paint is the most affordable product in this review but this does not make it a low-quality paint.
In fact, being an acrylic based paint, it holds up very well during harsh weather conditions and in heavy foot traffic.
The product even repairs and rejuvenates structurally sound or damaged wooden, composite and concrete decks, patios, walkways or porches by filling up cracks that are up to 1/4 inch wide and pinning down any splinters.
However, before application, it is recommended to prime extremely weather-damaged wooden deck surfaces using Anvil’s Aqua Seal Waterproofer while for concrete, Anvil High Adhesion Grip-Tite WB Bonding Primer should be used as the bottom layer.
With the application instructions properly followed, you should expect a peel, scuff, and chip resistant pool deck that is textured so as to have a slip-resistant finish.
Other features include a wide coverage of 160 square feet per gallon and the availability in butternut, cedar, driftwood, redwood, and walnut colors.
Pros:
- Very affordable
- Resistant to harsh weather conditions and heavy foot traffic
- Repairs and rejuvenates wooden and concrete decks
- Creates a scuff, chip and peel resistant non-slip finish
- Wide coverage of 160 square feet per gallon
Cons:
- Wooden and concrete surfaces require priming before application
3. Kilz L394711 (Best Wood)
Photo: Kilz
Kilz’s Over Armor features an advanced and durable 100% acrylic-resin-based formula, which provides a solid color coating that transforms weathered wooden or concrete decks to become better than their original self.
Even though it can be painted over concrete, this product does a much better job when applied on wooden decks, covering up any splinters and cracks that are up to 1/4 inch wide.
On both types of surfaces, the paint can be applied via brushing, rolling or spraying on and can take up to 3 days to fully cure. It is important to note that 2 coats are required for the best results when it comes to durability, with the second coat being applied 4-6 hours after the first coat.
The paint comes in a 1-gallon can that gives you a coverage of approximately 75 square feet with the application of 2 coats, which is quite a small area.
However, it is quite affordable, and you also get 2 surface style options, which are smooth or textured, but the textured one is recommended due to its non-slip finish.
Pros:
- Covers splinters and cracks up to 1/4 inches wide
- Advanced and durable 100% acrylic resin formula
- Can be applied on wooden or concrete surfaces
- Available in smooth or textured finishes
- Can be brushed, rolled or sprayed onto the pool deck surface
Cons:
- Small coverage
- Long curing time
4. Encore Coatings ECC-1 (Best Concrete)
Photo: Encore Coatings
This pool deck paint is the best for concrete because it is a powerful sealant that contains a specialized coating, which bonds with the concrete surface at a molecular level.
By doing so, the paint fills up and seals cracks permanently, to leave no space for mold or algae to grow. It also creates a safe, non-slip surface that is strong enough to withstand pressure washing, which makes cleaning a breeze.
The paint also has a unique heat transfer property, in which the applied coat absorbs and transfers heat directly to the concrete layers below and eventually to the soil. This leaves the deck surface up to 38% cooler so that you can comfortably walk on it.
Other than that, the product comes as a 3-gallon kit of water-based paint, which is capable of covering up to 150 square feet of deck space. However, with this large quantity, it is very costly.
Pros:
- Bonds with concrete at a molecular level
- Heat transfer property; keeps your deck up to 38% cooler
- Large quantity; 3-gallon kit
- Creates a safe non-slip surface
- Easy to clean
Cons:
- Expensive
- Small coverage if you consider the coverage per gallon
5. Kelley Technical Olympic Patio Tones (Fast Drying)
Photo: Kelley Technical
If you want a fast-drying pool deck paint, then Olympic Patio Tones from Kelley Technical is a good option to consider. This is because it can be left to cure overnight and for a heavily trafficked area, a full 24 hours may be needed, which is still relatively fast.
Apart from this, the paint is also very easy to apply, requiring you to prepare the deck surface and coat it in only one day. This simple preparation has made it a top-rated pool deck paint.
Other features include a slip-resistant finish once dried up, a champagne color option with a coverage of approximately 90-125 square feet and resistance to peeling and chipping when properly applied and left to dry.
However, the paint is only recommended for use on concrete surfaces.
Pros:
- Fast drying paint that can cure overnight
- Easy to apply
- Creates a safe non-slip finish
- Resistant to peeling and chipping
Cons:
- Only meant for concrete pool decks
Conclusion
In conclusion, pool decks are more than just sunbathing areas around your pool. They are part of the pool itself and should be well maintained so as to give you a better swimming experience.
That said, In The Swim’s Patio and Deck Paint stands out as the best pool deck paint due to its fast drying formula and wide coverage, and is highly recommended.