It’s Saturday morning and a beautiful late summer’s day. Some friends are coming over tomorrow and you have a thought – this would be a great opportunity to use the pool. As you look out the window, you realize that the deck has seen better days.
What do you do? You need to either hire a professional or learn how to clean a pool deck. With a few careful considerations and some prep-work, there’s no reason that you can’t do-it-yourself. Make sure you adopt a cautious and methodical approach though, so it doesn’t end in disaster!
Read on and we’ll give you some top tips to get that deck back to its former shining glory.
Get the Gear
First things first, you’ll want to assemble all the supplies you’ll need to get the job done. This might involve a trip to a pool supply or hardware store.
When deciding on the right cleaning product, always check with the manufacturer of the pool deck. Certain deck materials, especially composite decks, will require special care and milder products. You certainly won’t want to void a manufacturer’s warranty.
If in doubt, stick with milder chemicals like dish soap, water, and elbow grease! Your manufacturer may recommend stronger chemicals for spot treatments. Try to deal with these stubborn stains afterward, to lessen the use of these harsher chemicals.
If you’ve checked with the manufacturer and are confident that the deck material is safe for household bleach, always make sure that it’s diluted to a safe strength. Remember to pick up strong rubber gloves and wear a mask to protect your health. Try to mix the least amount of chemicals that will effectively remove the dirt.
Remove Debris
The first thing you’ll want to do when cleaning a pool deck is to remove any outdoor furniture since the fabric is sensitive to bleaching. Remove leaves and other small debris by sweeping with a soft brush.
For any larger, rough, or sharp objects, remove them more carefully with a brush-pan to avoid scratching the surface of the deck.
Apply Cleaner
If you’re wondering how to clean a pool deck with chlorine, first ask if you need to use it in the first place.
For wooden decks, the use of bleach in the cleaning solution should be limited or not used at all, because it can affect the color of the wood. Furthermore, bleach can damage wood, causing it to become bent and brittle. A soapy scrub and power wash are much more preferable.
The use of bleach on any metal hardware may also cause corrosion, so only resort to its use when sure that it’s safe to do so.
For a concrete deck, a small cap-full of bleach in a bucket of warm water should be an effective cleaning solution. A little more can be added if it’s not proving effective. Try not to exceed 8 parts of water to 1 part of bleach, though.
Apply the mixture with a mop or scrubbing brush, avoiding areas of vegetation.
A less aggressive option is to use warm water and mild degreasing dish soap. 10 parts water to 1 part soap is a good starting point, but you can add more soap if needed.
For a wooden deck, the cleaner can be applied with a paint roller. For a composite deck, use a softer brush and use an approved cleaning solution.
Scrub the Deck
To clean a pool deck well, you’re going to need to scrub with a hard-bristled broom. This works well on concrete, but for softer woods, you might want to use softer bristles to avoid damage.
A great tip is to face away from the pool while scrubbing. This will help you avoid getting chemical or debris in the pool water. A more effective approach to scrubbing is to complete one section at a time, then as previous sections partially dry, go back until the stubborn stains haven’t vanished.
Rinse Away
Once the deck looks clean, you’ll want to rinse off the cleaning solution, and this can be done with a garden hose. A pressure sprayer attachment can be used for concrete decks, but the use of a pressure washer on a composite deck is not advised, as this can cause damage. For wooden decks, use the lowest effective pressure setting.
Our next deck cleaning tip will help you avoid damage to your grass lawn, plants, and trees. After scrubbing, if you choose to rinse with a garden hose and pressure washer, aim for the driveway or towards the home if possible. The cleaning solution may otherwise cause damage to your garden.
You also want to avoid getting the cleaning solution in the pool water itself, so take care when directing the stream of water.
Apply Sealant
After the pool deck cleaning, it’s a good idea to consider the application of a waterproof sealant. The deck must be fully dry, which might take several days if it’s wooden. Again, make sure that any products used are manufacturer-approved for the deck material.
Not only will this protect the surface of the deck, but it will also ensure that it stays cleaner for longer. In addition, it’s going to be easier to clean the next time around.
For wooden decks, a wood sealant will help prevent algae, mildew, and mold buildup from damaging the wood. It’s especially important to have thoroughly cleaned the wood deck before applying sealant. Growth will otherwise be trapped under the wood, eating away and causing damage.
Although mild algae and mildew can usually be removed safely, mold might be best left to a professional. Do make sure it’s taken care of because it could otherwise cause damage to the structure of the deck.
Final Thoughts on How to Clean a Pool Deck
Now that you’ve learned how to clean a pool deck, it should be back to looking as fresh as the day it was installed. If not, perhaps it’s time to consider replacing that outdated pool with a shiny-new custom pool?
We’ve been providing the residents of Katy, TX with their dream pools for years. We are a full-service contractor providing custom-built swimming pools and patio covers.
Contact us today to request a free consultation.
