About 4,900 people receive emergency care every year due to accidents that occur by the poolside. And pool slips due to the condition of the decks is a major reason.
It sounds absurd, but it’s not! Pool decks can cause serious injuries to multiple body parts, with a lot of swimmers suffering broken bones each summer.
Talking about pool decks and how they should be designed, note that this is not only an aesthetic issue but also a safety issue.
But a poorly or bad-looking pool deck doesn’t mean you have to ditch your pool or replace your entire pool deck overnight.
A fresh coat over the concrete pool deck can be a great way to make the deck safer, durable, and improve the look of your pool.
Now that we’re talking about it, what’s the best pool deck paint that will give you great value for money and the pool a facelift?
Keep reading to find the best pool deck paints that are certified to make your pool deck safer, more durable, and even more beautiful.
Top 3 Recommendations
Overall Best – In The Swim Patio and Deck Paint
Runner-up – Kelley Technical Olympic 1 Gallon Patio Tones Deck Coating
Best Quality – LR Liquid Rubber Cool Foot Deck Coating – Best UV Resistant Paint
The Best Pool Deck Paints: Our 10 Picks
1. In The Swim Patio and Deck Paint – Overall Best Pool Deck Paint
A brand known for providing good quality patio, pool, and deck paints, In The Swim’s 1-gallon paint is a water-based formulation.
For starters, the paint can be found in various colors like granite, white, putty, taupe, ivory, buff tan, and lavender. All of these give exquisite and special finishes to your pool deck.
Regardless of color, the In The Swim Patio and Deck Paint can be applied to old or new pool decks, wood, or concrete surfaces.
However, for wood surfaces, a primer based on oil is required. But for decks made of concrete, repairs and then acid washing is essential before application.
For first-time applications, two pool deck coatings are needed to find the best results.
When properly applied, the final coat will ensure a non-slip result that is completely safe to walk on without slipping.
The pool deck paint comes packaged in a 5 liter or one-gallon can that gives you protection for approximately 100 to 125 square feet.
Pros
- Quick-drying water-based formulation in various colors
- Can be used on old or new decks, wooden or concrete deck
- Creates a secure non-slip coating
- Relatively large coverage area of around 125 square feet for each gallon
Cons
- You need an oil-based primer when working on hardwood surfaces
- Preparation of the concrete pool deck is required before application
2. Kelley Technical Olympic 1 Gallon Patio Tones Deck Coating – Best Fast Drying Pool Deck Paint
Do you need quick-drying pool paint? Kelley Technical’s Olympic Patio Tones are a fantastic choice to consider.
Since it can be applied on a very trafficked area to cure overnight and then be completely dry in 24 hours, it is a relatively fast-drying paint.
Other than that, the pool deck paint is quite easy to use, requiring the pool deck to be prepped and covered in just 1 day.
Other features which we like with the paint are the non-slip finish you get when dried, the champagne-colored option, and the possibility of covering approximately 90 to 125 square feet.
In addition, it is resistant to chipping and peeling when it’s properly applied, and you leave it to dry.
On the other hand, we suggest that you use the paint only on concrete pool deck surfaces.
Pros
- Quick-drying paint; can get cured overnight
- Its non-slip surface result ensures the pool deck is safe
- Chipping and peeling resistance
Cons
- Formulated for concrete surfaces only
3. LR Liquid Rubber Cool Deck Coating – Best UV Resistant Paint
The Liquid Rubber deck coating paint is an option for pool owners who want a thick coat of paint that feels cool to the feet.
This pool deck paint also has formulations that protect it from degradations that may be caused by the sun’s rays.
The deck paint is resistant to UV rays up to 35% more than other regular paints.
Easy to apply, the cool pool deck coating is in one gallon can and can be applied in multiple types of pool deck surfaces.
You can apply the paint on wooden and concrete decks as well as on a fence, wall, or dock.
You can apply two to three coats all within a day to get a good result. The manufacturer advises against applying on wet surfaces or during a period when it has been forecast to rain.
It’s a water-based and water-soluble paint with the advantage of being non-flammable, nontoxic while containing no volatile organic contaminants or solvents.
When you use the one-gallon pool deck coating content, you would have covered up to 40 square feet in three to four heavy coats.
On heavily trafficked deck surfaces, plan the paint to be used on a total of 30 square feet surface.
Pros
- Environmentally friendly; water-based, non-flammable, and nontoxic
- Adds protective finish to the deck surface
- Can be applied on all types of deck surfaces
- Good concrete floor paint
Cons
- You need more paints to cover larger pool deck surfaces
4. FIXALL Skid Grip 100% Skid Resistant Textured Coating Acrylic Paint – Best Pool Deck Paint With Skid Resistance
SKID-GRIP Textured Coating is a 100% acrylic product designed for asphalt and concrete surfaces.
The water-based deck paint can be used indoors and outdoors and is easily applied with a 10 mm roller or a 15 mm roller (depending on the texture of the surface).
The coating is ultra-adherent, dries quickly, and is recommended to apply two coats, allowing a minimum of one hour to dry between each.
You can cover approximately 100 sq. ft./gallon with the pool deck paint.
You can also use it for your house balcony, cement steps and sidewalks, house foundation, tennis court, parks and playgrounds, and even on asphalt.
The Skid-Grip non-slip paint secures and enhances the appearance of asphalt, primed wood, and concrete deck surfaces.
This 100% acrylic textured coating is ideal anywhere an extremely durable non-slip topcoat is desired.
You can make use of it indoors or outdoors on new or old surfaces that have been properly prepared, such as concrete, asphalt, and wood.
It can be used on parking lots, stairs, access ramps, walkways, sidewalks, play areas, patios, terraces, pool surrounds, parks, tennis courts, etc.
Pros
- Versatile paint applicable in all places
- For indoor and outdoor pool types
- High coverage area per gallon
- Good skid resistance
Cons
- May peel when not properly applied
5. Encore COOL Pool Deck Coating with TripleCrown and SealBack – Best Pool Deck Coating Supply
COOL is another great concrete pool deck paint supply that is sold for a great price! It cools, seals, and repairs the surface of your pool deck with coverage of approximately 200 square feet per gallon in two coat applications.
The supply includes the TripleCrown, which is used to deep-clean the concrete surface for ease of applying the paint.
Then there’s also the Cool deck paint, which will prevent blistering hot feet when applied. Finally, there’s also the SealBack which is a sealer. It protects the paint from peeling, chipping, and staining.
The cool pool deck coating product is not limited to use in home pools. It is a revolutionary deck product that can be used in resorts, water parks, national monuments, as well as residential swimming pools.
Despite its good commercial features, it is sold for a much lower cost. The paint keeps your feet cool and lowers the temperature by 38%, making your pool deck cooler on sunny days.
Cool is also ideal for pools and spas that require a safe, non-slip surface. The paint is resistant to extreme weather conditions and pressure wash, so it won’t peel or crack.
It is smooth and can fill cracks to permanently conceal surface imperfections.
Pros
- Comes with almost everything you need to paint your pool deck
- The supply is simple to use
- The paint dries extremely fast
- Highly protective and resistant seal product
Cons
- Expensive but worth the price
6. KILZ Over Armor Textured 1 Gallon Coating – Best Paint for Pool Decks With Surface Imperfections
It’s a common myth that pool paints can’t hide cracks and broken parts. But the Over Armor finish can conceal cracks and chips up to 1/4 inch, and also provides non-slip textured coverage. KILZ can instantly add style, color, and life to your pool deck.
The durable acrylic resin formula can be used to perfectly cover cracks and also gives an even appearance that hides surface imperfections. One gallon of the paint can cover 75 square feet in one coating.
It doesn’t matter if the pool is old or not. A drop of KILZ Over Armor can restore an old, worn pool deck to its former glory.
It’s versatile, can be used on vertical and horizontal wood surfaces as well as composite surfaces like porches and boat docks.
What’s more satisfying than a paint that can be used on many surfaces in your home? Sounds good, doesn’t it?
The deck paint solution can also withstand heavy foot traffic after 24-28 hours. It takes 72 hours for the acrylic paint to fully cure.
Pros
- Mildew resistant; resists peeling and cracking
- Two coats are enough
- Ideal for concrete and wood decks
- Suitable for damaged pool deck and rough surfaces
Cons
- Not so easy to brush-spread but the result is worth the effort
7. Olympic Zeron One-Coat 6 Pack Epoxy Paint – Most Durable Paint
If you are interested in long-lasting epoxy pool paint, Olympic Zeron from Kelly Technical Coatings is a fantastic choice to consider.
The revolutionary pool paint creates a strong, non-porous finish that will last up to 8 years while preventing algae growth and resisting staining along its surface.
As a result, the paint is also suggested for sealing hairline fractures, touching up rough and stained surfaces if you are repainting worn pool surfaces.
It’s even a cheaper alternative to using fresh plaster in your pool, which is why it’s a high-end pool deck paint.
But to get the best result the pool should first be primed with a primer. After that, you just need to apply one coat to create a hard and shiny finish.
On the other hand, the paint is rather expensive, even though it has great coverage of up to 150 square feet per gallon.
Pros
- Long-lasting paint (about 8 years)
- Can be used to seal hairline fractures, repair rough and stained surfaces
- An economical alternative to applying a new layer of plaster
- Large coverage of 150 square feet per gallon
- Creates a tough, non-porous, glossy finish that inhibits algae growth and also interrupts staining
Cons
- Can be slippery
- High price
8. Seal Krete Floor -Tex 40 Textured Concrete Coating – Best Custom Deck Paint
The Seal Krete is a textured concrete coating with 1 gallon of paint content. Available in the more affordable un-tinted version and the custom option, which allows you to customize the color you want.
After purchase, you can immediately message the seller a color name and color number from any major manufacturer, and your order will be on the way.
Regarding the content, Seal Krete is a slip-resistant coating that ensures a decorative and textured finish.
Recommended for masonry and concrete surfaces, the paint can be applied on concrete pool decks, porches, ramps, patios, and walkways.
Tintable and paintable, this high-quality acrylic solution can hide surface imperfections perfectly and will provide a durable finish that will resist damages caused by moisture, gas, salt, oil, and chlorine.
Floor-Tex outperforms conventional anti-slip coatings, paints, and seals and is also ideal for wooden stairs.
One pail of the paint can cover as much as a 500-square feet pool deck surface (even though they’re quoting 600) in just one coating.
In two coats, you’ll still be able to cover more than 250 square feet of pool surface.
Pros
- Large paint content enough for 300 to 600 square feet
- Good for hiding imperfections
- Paint color is customizable and available in an un-tinted version
- ADA-compliant; Great for painting surfaces for people with disabilities
Cons
- Doesn’t cover up to the surface area quoted
9. INSL-X Waterborne Semi-Gloss Acrylic Paints – Our Budget Pick
Made in the USA, the INSL-X WR102409A-01 has been proven thousands of times by its ocean blue water acrylic version.
It is undoubtedly the most popular concrete deck paint on the market. However, it’s also obtainable in different colors such as royal blue, aquamarine, black, and white.
The pool paint can be used on both freshwater and saltwater pool decks and can withstand continuous splashes of salt water, fresh water, or chlorine water.
You don’t need to worry if the concrete is old and weathered. For best results, you will need to apply hydraulic cement to fill any cracks or holes.
The paint dries quickly and has a long-lasting color, which provides extreme protection.
It is also adaptable and can be used over tons of existing pool paints that have been properly prepped.
The paint works wonders on concrete, masonry, gunite, and other materials and is also environmentally friendly. So, you can swim without allergies.
Pros
- Applying on various types of pool surfaces are possible
- Environmentally friendly
- Ensures durable protection
- Good value for money as per gallon to price
Cons
- It needs up to 7 days to dry completely
Pool Deck Paint FAQs
How to apply pool deck paint?
As with painting outdoor surfaces, pool deck painting doesn’t start and end with the actual painting.
You need to prep or prime the surface for painting. Surface preparation involves getting the surface clean or deep cleaning with special solutions. and prepping before coating is essential for better adhesion.
Otherwise, the coating could peel off very quickly. Be sure to choose a model that emphasizes prep work before applying paint. Each type of paint requires different preparation and treatments.
After priming the surface, painting can now start which after you’re done, you’d need to seal the painted surface when it’s dry.
Applying a sealant such as the SealBack ensures the paint is durable, protected from UV rays, and will not chip or peel.
How long does pool deck paint last?
A pool deck paint will last for one to five years depending on the paint quality, the painting procedure, and whether the surface was primed and the coatings sealed.
However, epoxy and polyurethane paints should last up to 10 years before the need to reapply paint.
What is the best color to paint a pool deck?
Tan is the best color for painting a pool deck. This is a no-brainer. It’s a color that goes with the outdoor scenery a lot and also brings to mind the feeling of being on a sandy beach. Green and gray are also good options.
What kind of paint to use on pool deck?
The best type of paint to use is the one that prevents skidding, protects the deck, and lasts for a long time. The Liquid Rubber Deck Coating, as well as other models reviewed above, offer all these.
What paint to use on concrete pool deck?
Good options for concrete pool decks include the Seal Krete Floor -Tex 40 because of its textured finish.
The KILZ Over Armor can be used to hide concrete imperfections like cracks.
Encore COOL includes everything you need, from the primer, paint, and sealer.
And the FIXALL Skid Grip pool deck paint is formulated from 100% textured acrylic and can therefore be used on asphalt and concrete.
Buying Guide: How to Choose the Best Pool Deck Paint
What is the best type of pool deck paint?
There are three main types of pool deck paints.
Oil deck paint: Although it is a mixture of oil and minerals, oil deck paint takes time to dry. That doesn’t make them a great choice, but still a good one. These paints are aesthetic but can be slippery when there’s water on them. Oil and water don’t mix, you know!
Alkyd deck paint: It contains glycerine oil, resin, and fine refractions of sand or granite. It is very weather-resistant and affordable.
Water-based deck paint: This is the most popular choice of deck paint due to its durability and high quality. It is also VOC friendly and is available in acrylic latex or rubber. Acrylic paints are better for weathering. Rubber latex, on the other hand, is more durable and permeable to water vapor. Choose your option!
1K or 2K?
Swimming pool paint is available as a 1-component coating (1K) and as a 2-component paint (2K).
A 1K color is already mixed and can therefore be used immediately. The 2K variant must first be mixed into a ready-to-use solution.
These two components are a base component and the associated hardener. The coating can only be used once the products have been mixed in the correct ratio.
Weather resistance
Since many outdoor swimming pools are exposed to external environmental influences, the best pool deck paints have good weather resistance in this case.
The UV radiation from the sun will otherwise quickly fade the colors. Frost in the cold winter months also places heavy demands on the surfaces.
Therefore, always pay attention to this important property if you want to enjoy your new coating for a long time.
Drying times
Drying the pool paint can play a crucial role. If it remains damp for too long, even the smallest dirt such as dust or leaves will stick to it.
Once the surface is bone dry, this can no longer happen. Care must also be taken to ensure that further coats can be painted over.
Some swimming pool deck paints are faster in drying times than others. The fastest drying one takes about 24 hours while some may still not be completely dry in 7 days.
The final hardness and the information from which period water may be filled into the coated pool are other important manufacturer specifications that must be observed.
Surface type and area of application
Not every swimming pool color is suitable for all surfaces and materials. Concrete, plastics, and masonry sometimes require different products or certain pre-treatments.
The color must also be able to be used in these sensitive areas due to its compatibility.
Aquatic organisms such as fish, plants, and, in the pool, people too, need colors that are specifically approved for the respective areas of application.
Always keep these factors in mind when choosing your coating.
Durability
A pool deck paint should be able to withstand extreme weather conditions like snow, wind, rain, UV rays, and mildew without cracking.
The coating should be abrasion and chemical resistant, so it can withstand heavy foot traffic for many years.
Water sticks to the deck when people enter and exit the pool. It can also cause fading, peeling, and cracking when combined with UV rays from the sun.
So, you must choose a brand that offers durability. KILZ and Kelley Technical are brands we recommend.
They produce extremely durable and weather-resistant paints, so they can last for many years.
Product prices
While the most expensive pool paint does not scream quality and efficiency, cheap paint won’t do the same too. Either way, confusion can creep in.
That doesn’t mean you have to spend endless hours discussing which paint is best for your project with a professional.
We have already discussed these issues in the pool deck paint reviews section. Compare prices to find the best deal.
Go Ahead and Paint Your Pool Deck!
It does not matter if it is a concrete, wooden, or masonry pool deck surface. The best thing about painting is that it’s not complicated. It’s a simple task that’s much easier than painting a room.
All you need is the best pool deck paint, along with affordable supplies such as a scrub brush, concrete sealer, and a primer for deep-cleaning before painting.
The best of it all is, you can paint a pool deck yourself if you want to keep the painter’s fee in your pocket.
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