It isn’t surprising to find a slippery, dark, greenish blotches on your Pool Deck. Exposure to constant moisture and humidity make pool decks susceptible to mold and mildew growth. Not only is this an eyesore, but it also makes the surface of the deck slippery and dangerous. The best way to deal with this is to keep moisture from forming. Here’s what you can do to keep your deck mold and mildew free:

• • Clear the entire pool deck of furniture, toys and other items. Hose down the whole deck. Next, dilute a cup of oxygen bleach into 5 gallons of water. This solution is much gentle on the concrete deck than chlorinated bleach.

• • Use a scrubbing brush with nylon bristles to scrub the bleach onto the surface of the concrete deck. Make sure to put in extra effort in shaded areas where mold and mildew grow rampantly.

• • Rinse the scrubbed deck with clean water. Use a squeegee or clean push broom to push excess water off the deck. This will help it dry a lot quicker. Indoor pools will require an electric fan to air out the moisture. Leave the pool deck to dry overnight or longer.

• • Use a vacuum on the pool deck to remove any dust, dirt or debris left on the pool deck. This is to prepare it for sealant application. Choose a waterproof sealant that will serve as a protective barrier on the surface of your pool deck. This will hinder mold and mildew growth by sealing in the concrete deck’s porous surface.

• • Apply the sealant with a roller brush. Spread it out evenly on the pool deck section by section. Make sure to start with a thin and even coat as a second coat will be applied. Leave the sealant to dry. Follow the manufacturer’s recommended drying time.

• • Once the sealant has completely dried, it’s time to apply a second coat. Again, apply this in a thin even layer. Do it section by section until the whole pool deck is coated. Leave it to dry.

Caring for your concrete pool deck doesn’t just stop at clearing mold and mildew. Regular pool deck maintenance and repairs are necessary to keep it in pristine condition. Consult with a licensed contractor for professional help. For more interesting articles on concrete pool decking read through our blog. To know more about pool deck maintenance and repairs, visit our homepage.