DIY Network

Pool Patio Resurfacing Give old concrete a fresh new look. From "Yard Crashers" episode DYCR-104

This pool patio wasn't just chipped and worn, it also sported an ugly, outdated pink color. See how the pros sand down the old surface, resurface the concrete and spice things up with a fabulous new color treatment. The Yard Crashers crew finished out this outdoor oasis by building a redwood shade structure and creating a custom table from a tree stump on the site.

Before: Putrid pink patio

After: Fabulous poolside retreat

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Pool Patio Resurfacing

NOTE: Consult an expert before attempting to resurface a concrete pool surround. This project is not one for a homeowner to try alone. If assisting the professional, make sure to follow all safety instructions exactly; this project involves powerful tools and strong chemicals that can be hazardous if used carelessly.

The final product is warm, inviting and smooth.

Materials:

duct tape
bubble wrap
plastic sheeting
safety glasses
ear protection
shot blaster
power washer
industrial masking tape
concrete micro-topping
acidic concrete stain
power sprayer
wet concrete
concrete finishing tools

	Figure A
	Figure B
	Figure C
	Figure D
	Figure E
	Figure F

• Prepare the area. Clear furniture or other movable items out of the area. Tape large sheets of bubble wrap to the inside edge of the pool to keep the pool clean and free of debris.

• Shot-blast the pool deck. Wearing safety glasses, use a shot blaster or scarifier to clean and sand a heavily damaged concrete pool deck (figure A). A strong power washer may be able to handle the job if the deck is lightly damaged. Both are typically available for rental.

  Safety Alert: Always wear safety glasses when working with powerful tools like a shot blaster, scarifier or power washer. Check the machine's instruction manual to see if the manufacturer also recommends ear protection when working with these machines.

• Clean up large cracks. Have a professional use a concrete wet saw to cut around any large cracks that need filling. In this project, tree roots were lifting the concrete, so removing the tree or stopping further root growth was necessary to prevent more damage later. (The stump from this tree became a stylish tree-stump table.)

• Repair any cracks. Fill all cracks with wet concrete, using a concrete float to smooth the surface and level it with the surrounding concrete (figure B). If a large crack goes to the edge of the concrete, build a form to hold the concrete before filling the crack (figure C).

• Pressure-wash the deck. Once all of the concrete patches are dry, pressure-wash the entire deck surface. This will wash away any dust or particles left behind by the shot blaster and prepare the deck for the new surface. Remember to wear safety glasses when using the pressure washer.

• Mast the area. Use plastic sheeting and heavy-duty tape to mask off any areas that should not receive the new concrete surface (figure D). For this project, the crew masked off the exterior of the house, the shade structure posts and the diving board.

• Spray on micro-topping. Have a professional use a power sprayer to apply concrete micro-topping material to give the entire deck a uniform texture and color (figure E). Let the new surface dry overnight; do not walk on the surface for 12 hours while it cures. (Check the manufacturer's instructions for specific drying and curing times.)

• Spray color stain on coping. If the coping will be a different color than the rest of the deck, have a professional mask off the deck and spray the coping with acid concrete stain in the desired color (figure F). Check the color by spraying it on a small, inconspicuous area of concrete before spraying the entire coping. Let the stain dry according to the manufacturer's instructions, usually overnight.

• Stain the pool deck. Once the stain is dry on the coping, have a professional mask off the coping and spray acidic concrete stain on the pool deck. Apply the color evenly and spray the entire deck in one session to keep the color uniform. Let the area dry overnight before removing the masking.

overlay and stain products -Elite Crete Systems

RESOURCES :
project materials
Elite Crete Systems, Inc.
Merrillville, IN 46410
Toll-free: 888-323-4445
Website: www.elitecrete.com