Are Pool Chemicals Hurting Your Deck?

pool chemicals deck

Owning a pool can be great, especially in the summertime. For many people, it’s a place to gather family and friends to have a great time. Pool owners often build decks around their pools for aesthetic and functional reasons. However, people do not realize that they could be causing damage to their decks. We know there are lots of things to take care of when caring for a pool including the pool toys, chemicals, temperature, cleaning, and safety but most people don’t think about the deck right beside the pool.

Pool and Hot Tub Chemical Damage

So, are your pool chemicals hurting your deck? The answer is probably. There are a lot of factors to consider before determining if your deck is being damaged by pool chemicals. The first factor is the type of material the deck is made out of. Many composite deck material like Trex tends to be more durable than standard wood decking. However, it doesn’t make them immune. The chemicals in pool water can damage the surface of both materials over time. Even if Trex is resistant to the damage, it still can become a problem if left alone. There are other things to consider as well such as foot traffic and sun exposure.

You might think that hot tubs might be safer due to their small size but they can be just as damaging. This is because of the chlorine and bromine used in hot tub water. Due to them being strong oxidizers, these chemicals can cause rot in your deck if you are not careful. With the pool water splashing on the deck, the sun beating down, and people in, out, and walking all over the deck through the summer it takes a toll on your deck. You will gradually see the color fade, cracks, holes, and the wood breaks down. But how do you avoid these outcomes?

Protecting Your Deck from Your Pool

To protect your pool, there are a few steps that you can take. One way to help with this wear and tear is to change what chemicals you’re using in your pool. There are many options for keeping your pool clean without using such harsh chemicals. We recommend talking with your local pool and spa supplier to get more info. Another way to keep your deck healthy is to clean your deck once a week to get rid of the build-up. If you have a wood deck, we recommend replacing it with composite wood for extra endurance.

If you need help repairing or replacing your deck, you can count on Miles Bradley! We can repair and give your deck a new coating to protect it from next year’s pool water damage. We can guide you on the best option for your deck:

  • Acrylic Paint – drys quickly, keeps color well, resistant to fading from chemicals and UV rays.
  • Anti-Slip Coating – contains texture for anti-slip grip
  • Epoxy Coating – fills in cracks and small holes do not fade with pool chemicals or sun exposure.
  • Composite Decking

Are you ready to repair or completely rebuild your pool deck? We do complete deck remodeling or repairs whatever your deck needs. Want another color? Style? Advice? Call TODAY 248-478-8660 serving Michigan and the Chicago Land area.