Concrete Pool Deck Cleaning: How to Guide

Concrete Pool Deck Cleaning: Tips & How to Guide

January 4, 2023 Pool Maintenance

When it comes to pool deck materials, concrete brings with it a host of different benefits, all at the exact same time. For starters, concrete is inherently durable ‒ making it perfect for heavily trafficked areas like pools. It’s affordable, it can be used to create custom designs, and it’s also environmentally friendly.

But just because concrete is known for its ease of maintenance doesn’t mean you won’t still have to properly take care of the area to keep it looking its best. You’ve no doubt spent quite a bit of money on the entire area, and it deserves to be protected. Not only can debris build up underneath furniture and other structures that may be present, but leaves, dirt, and even animals can make their presence known in the worst possible way. It’s best to take care of the issue now before it is potentially too late.

Thankfully, concrete pool deck cleaning isn’t nearly as difficult as many people assume it to be. It only requires the right tools and the proper approach. You should keep a few important things in mind along the way.

Related Article: 7 Signs It’s Time For Pool Deck Renovation

How Often Should You Do Concrete Pool Deck Cleaning?

Generally speaking, concrete pool deck cleaning should happen at least once per year. Depending on how heavily you use the area, you may need to do so more often if signs of stains develop.

This is something that comes part and parcel with being a pool owner. The process may take a long time at first, but you will get the hang of it as you learn more efficient ways to do thorough cleanings.

When you do so, begin by removing all furniture, pool toys, and other items from the area. Don’t forget that dirt and grime can sometimes build up under furniture, essentially keeping it hidden from sight. This can lead to mold or mildew spots if left unchecked, so you’ll want to take care when cleaning to avoid a much more difficult issue in the future.

Even if you don’t do cleaning this thoroughly that frequently, it’s still a good idea to move the furniture and clean underneath multiple times throughout the year. When debris is allowed to sit for a long enough period of time, stains begin to develop. So at the very least, you’ll be able to head that problem off, and you’ll make upcoming cleanings easier as well.

How Do You Clean a Concrete Pool Deck

To properly complete your concrete pool deck cleaning, you’ll need a few key items. A pressure washer is among the most important, as it can help things move a lot faster than attempting to clean the area by hand. You’ll also need a cleaning solution and a scrub brush to remove any hard-to-treat stains that have developed over time. You can use a commercial pool deck cleaning solution that is formulated for concrete, or you can make your own by mixing warm water and dish soap.

Should you choose this route, begin with 10 parts water to every 1 part dish soap. Choose a mild degreasing dish soap for the best results. If you begin the process and determine that the solution isn’t strong enough, slowly add more soap to the mixture until you start to see the desired results. This may take a bit of trial and error to get the solution to perform exactly how you need it.

For tough stains, you’ll want to combine 1 cup of bleach for each gallon of water and the aforementioned dish soap. More information about how to remove stains specifically is below.

Other items that you may need, depending on the situation, include a mop and a large, clean bucket to mix your cleaning solution.

Once you have removed all furniture and other items from the pool deck, you’ll want to complete the following steps:

Take the pressure washer and clean the entire pool deck. Depending on the amount of debris that has built up, you may have to make multiple passes.
If you don’t have access to a pressure washer, you can use your garden hose, but note that this will make the process take longer.
Mix your concrete cleaner of choice in the large, clean bucket.
Use your mop to apply the cleaner to the entirety of the concrete pool deck.
Pressure wash again as needed to remove the excess cleaning solution.

Pay attention to the way your concrete pool deck looks before, during, and after this process. You should see a significant amount of improvement right away, particularly if you’re not dealing with any difficult stains. However, you’ll want to repeat the process as often as necessary to restore your concrete pool deck to its original look and luster.

How Do You Remove Stains From a Concrete Deck?

As stated, removing stains that have developed on your concrete pool deck will require you to work on those difficult areas by hand. Take your cleaning solution and apply it to the surface. If you’re using a commercial cleaner, make sure to read the directions as you may have to let it sit in the area for a period of time for maximum effectiveness.

Then, take your scrub brush and remove the stains by hand. This is absolutely one of those situations where a little bit of effort goes a long way, so don’t be afraid to put some force into it. If the stains have not been removed on the first try, don’t be afraid to let the area dry and try again.

One important thing to consider when using any type of cleaning solution ‒ whether it’s homemade or purchased from a store ‒ is safety. Even though you’re outside and in an area that is theoretically well-ventilated, you should still use rubber gloves to avoid contact between the solution and your skin. Eye protection is also recommended as an additional layer of protection. Many professionals even use breathing masks to avoid inhaling the fumes from the solution that can potentially develop.

Once you’re satisfied with your stain removal efforts and you feel like your concrete pool deck is as clean as you want it to be, use your pressure washer to again rinse the area to remove any excess solution. While doing this, be sure to avoid any contact with flower beds, trees, or other plants that may be a part of your landscaping. The excess cleaning solution could potentially cause them harm. You’ll also want to avoid making contact with your pool area’s furniture during this period because the solution ‒ especially one that contains bleach ‒ could lead to long-term issues.

How Do I Maintain a Concrete Pool Deck?

Maintaining your concrete pool deck will require you to perform this type of deep clean at least once a year, if not more frequently. Many pool owners do so once in the spring and again in the fall. You may have to do so more frequently if the area has been seeing a lot of heavy traffic, if dirt is frequently tracked onto the deck, or if you’re seeing a lot of debris buildup from trees or other plants in the vicinity.

Also, keep in mind that any animals in the area may increase the frequency at which you have to clean. Animal droppings can easily lead to stains, so it’s best to take care of the problem now before a potentially long-term issue develops.

One way to make this process easier in the future is to invest in a waterproof deck coating for your concrete pool deck if you have not already done so. Not only does this generally make the area easier to clean, but it can also go a long way toward preventing stains ‒ even under heavy use. Your pool deck will last longer, and it will look better all season long, exactly the way it should be.

This is critical to note, as unsealed concrete is naturally porous. Because of that, things like an unsealed concrete pool deck are naturally susceptible to mold and mildew. When you add in the fact that this surface happens to be located near a large body of water, it only exacerbates the issue. Similarly, you can avoid long-term issues by making sure that you’re not leaving wet towels, clothes, or other damp items directly on the surface itself.

You should also resist the urge to plant large shrubs in the immediate area surrounding your concrete pool deck. This will help prevent potential root damage.

Always remove anything made of metal from your concrete pool deck whenever you can. Even small items can rust with so much moisture in the area, leaving stains on the concrete deck surface itself.

Finally, you can help make cleaning easier and prevent long-term damage by addressing any small cracks or chips in the concrete pool deck that you find throughout the year. Even if a small crack doesn’t necessarily bother you, you should still address it quickly. Small issues will almost always turn into bigger ones, which are far more difficult and expensive to address. They can also create potential safety hazards for people walking around the pool itself.

Related Article: Painting a Concrete Pool Deck: What to Consider

Pool Deck Specialists At Your Service

In the end, concrete pool deck cleaning is an essential process that helps protect the significant investment you’ve already worked so hard to enjoy. At GPS Pools, we complete pool deck resurfacing & remodeling projects all the time not only on concrete pool decks, but travertine and stone paver pool decks as well, and know what it takes to keep these surfaces clean or if they need to be refinished. We also offer professional pool cleaning and maintenance services that will take care of the pool itself, and guide you on many other issues as needed, so you can enjoy your swimming pool whenever you want.