Best Pool Deck Coatings for Concrete Surfaces
The pool deck around your swimming pool is a high-traffic area that defines your outdoor living space. For homeowners in Kern County, CA, pool decks need to be safe, cool, and durable enough to withstand constant sun, chlorine, and water exposure. If your concrete pool deck is cracked, faded, or dangerously hot, it’s time to consider a high-performance coating.
Steve Holloway Painting specializes in transforming and protecting concrete surfaces. Our pool deck coatings are a cornerstone of our concrete coating services. We know that choosing the "best" coating can be confusing, so we want to share our expertise on the top options available and why we stand behind the Penntek system.
3 Pool Deck Coating Options That Protect Standard Concrete
Bare concrete is porous, which means it absorbs water. Moisture can lead to mildew, staining, and eventual cracking as the material expands and contracts with temperature changes. In the Bakersfield area, the intense summer heat makes concrete surfaces dangerously hot to the touch, while the constant cycle of sun and water accelerates deterioration.
A high-quality pool deck coating solves these problems by creating a seamless, non-porous, and protective layer.
Let’s compare 3 of the most popular options.
Epoxy Coatings
Key Benefits:
- Durable construction
- Wide range of colors available
- Relatively low initial cost
Drawbacks:
- Can yellow or fade in direct UV light
- Long cure time (3-7 days)
- Can become slippery when wet
Best For: Indoor applications or covered patios
Water-Based Acrylic Coatings
Key Benefits:
- Easy to apply
- Good for light-duty applications
- Cost-effective upfront
Drawbacks:
- Low durability over time
- Requires frequent re-application
- Does not bridge cracks well
Best For: Temporary fixes or very low-traffic areas
Polyurea/Polyaspartic Coatings (Penntek)
Key Benefits:
- Extremely durable (4x stronger than epoxy)
- UV stable (will not yellow)
- 1-day installation
- Low-temperature application capability
Drawback: Higher initial cost than basic epoxy
Best For: Pool decks, driveways, and high-traffic outdoor areas
Our Recommendation: Penntek Coatings
For the demanding climate of Kern County, we exclusively recommend and install the Penntek polyurea/polyaspartic system. This is the best choice for non-slip pool deck coatings because it addresses the critical needs of our local customers:
Heat Reduction: Our coatings can be applied in lighter colors and textures that significantly reduce the surface temperature, making it comfortable to walk on barefoot, even on the hottest days.
Safety: We incorporate non-slip textures into the finish, providing a safe, slip-resistant surface that is essential around water.
Durability and Warranty: The polyurea basecoat and polyaspartic clear coat create a layer that is incredibly resistant to abrasion, chemicals, and the harsh UV rays of the California sun. We back this with a lifetime warranty.
Our 1-Day Pool Deck Coating Process
One of the key advantages of choosing our Penntek system is its fast installation. While other coatings can take a week to cure, our process is typically completed in a single day, minimizing disruption.
Our expert crews follow a meticulous, multi-step process to ensure a perfect, long-lasting finish:
- Preparation: We start with shot blasting and/or diamond grinding to prepare the concrete. This is the most critical step, ensuring the coating adheres perfectly.
- Repair: We use Penntek menders and fillers to repair cracks and pits in the concrete.
- Basecoat: The polyurea basecoat is applied to provide a strong foundation.
- Flake Broadcast: Decorative flakes are broadcast by hand to add color, texture, and slip resistance.
- Clear Coat: The final, UV-stable polyaspartic clear coat is rolled out, sealing the system and providing incredible durability.
Our team evaluates each pool deck individually, considering concrete condition, sun exposure, and traffic patterns, to ensure the coating is applied where it will perform best. We combine years of hands-on experience with certified training in Penntek products, giving homeowners confidence that their pool deck will be safe and long-lasting. This professional approach reduces costly mistakes while maximizing durability.
Work with Bakersfield's Only Certified Penntek Dealer
Steve Holloway Painting has been enhancing homes and businesses across Kern County since 1982. We take pride in being the only certified Penntek dealer in the area, a distinction that demonstrates our commitment to quality and professional installation.
If you’re tired of having a cracked, hot, or unsafe pool deck, let us provide a solution that is beautiful, safe, and built to last. Our pool deck coatings protect your investment while elevating the look of your entire backyard.
If you’re ready to transform your outdoor space,
contact us today. Get a free quote and discover why we’re the best-rated concrete coating company in Bakersfield, CA.
