Concrete flooring is strong, economical, and definitely simple to maintain. Today, refinish concrete pool deck is starting to make a name for itself. If you are searching for way more practical and convenient pool deck repair, refining is the one you must try. But how to know if that is the method that would fit the needs of your existing concrete?
Your swimming pool deck no longer looks as lovely as they once were. You want to give it a makeover as a homeowner, so you search online for ideas to revamp your exterior concrete. There are two choices available to you: resurfacing and refinishing.
But how do these two vary from one another? Do they even make a difference? Do they sound the same to me?
Yes, They Have A Difference
Two related methods of fixing a flawed concrete pool deck surface are refinishing and resurfacing.
So what is the difference?
Read on!
What Is Refinishing?
Refinishing is mainly done for aesthetic reasons. Refinishing typically entails color changes or restoration in exposed concrete floors in residential and commercial buildings.
So when it is your pool decks that are involved. Reffing the pool’s decks would include restoring the concrete coloring it had to make it look brighter and more vibrant once again.
The first step in refinishing is grinding, which many consider a laborious operation. Grinding concrete slabs creates a lot of dust, debris, and cement chips all over the surface. This may seem like a drawback because it renders the pool area uninhabitable for a certain period of time.
The ground dust of concrete and cement could also make the water in the swimming pool untidy and cloudy. With this step, a professional would take extra caution to secure the pool area before grinding.
Once the floor surface has dried, a chemical densifier is used to fill the holes. The next step is regrinding, which leaves the pool decks with a polished, shining sheen.
What is Resurfacing?
Meanwhile, concrete pool deck resurfacing includes removing loose debris, cracked or crumbling concrete, and grease and oil stains.
The steps would be different. So to resurface, you must start with power washing the surface. This would hydrate the concrete surface and soften any hardened dirt or stains.
Hydrating the surface of the concrete deck would also help re-pouring another layer of concrete surface.
There is a thin layer of moisture on the slabs before the actual pouring of the resurfacing mix. It would also prevent drawing water content from the cement mix, keeping the resurfacing blend in the right consistency.
The resurfacing mix is then applied with a squeegee and buffed later.
How to Differentiate
Now let’s draw the fine line over refining vs. resurfacing. Three distinct aspects tell you the different sides of the two methods.
- The state of the concrete pool deck
- The result that you need to see
- Prerequisites for a pool deck resurfacing
Concrete's present state
While most concrete pool decks can be resurfaced, some are exempt. Resurfacing is preferable for floors with evident carpet tack holes, spalled regions, and significant patchwork even after refinishing.
The end result you want to see
Both refinishing and resurfacing concrete pool decks might benefit from decorative saw cuts and dyes for aesthetic reasons. Resurfacing, however, can provide you with more choices for finishes. The greatest option will be concrete refinishing if you want a bright, smooth appearance.
Prerequisites for performance
Generally, the pool deck, made of refinished concrete, is more robust and long-lasting. Additionally, it is a far more practical plan for upkeep.
You need to break your bank and a few cracked slabs. The shiny appearance of the concrete will be restored with a quick refinish. If you immediately apply some refinishing, you can save money on expensive repairs.
Certain ornamental concrete may need to be waxed to maintain its long-lasting brilliance, and some require glossy sealers to shield them from abrasion.
Refinished concrete floors will continue to look brand new for longer with routine maintenance.
Conclusion: When to use One over the other?
Now we have concluded. The bottom line is to use the method suitable for your pool decks’ needs. Resurface when you need to fix deep cracks on the pool decks. Also, when the surface begins to show loose slabs and unevenness.
Here is a common reason for you to have concrete pool deck resurfacing:
- You need to apply resurfacing if you want to install pool deck overlays.
- You need refinishing if you want to change the color or update the coloring and concrete coatings.
- Resurfacing for fixing cracks and loose slabs on the pool deck.
- Refinishing is when slip resistance wears out on the entire pool decking surface.
- Resurface when you want to have a new pool deck!
- Refinish when you want to have a “new-looking” pool deck
When you refinish concrete pool deck, on the one hand, it suits a surface that is losing its protective materials like the sealer, the concrete coloring, and the concrete pool deck coating. When the concrete surface of the swimming pool decks is begging to show wear ing of its slip resistance, then you need to refinish.
