How to Make a Pool Wood Deck Slip Resistant

Enjoy your pool, safe from falling injuries.

While a swimming pool offers entertainment and exercise, without proper precautions, it can also be dangerous. A wet deck can be slippery and cause falls and serious injuries. You can minimize the risk of falls by applying a slip-resistant coating to your deck. No special tools or training are required. If you can paint a wall, you can apply slip-resistant coating to your deck!

Things You'll Need

• Measuring tape
• Slip-resistant deck coating
• Paint roller or paint pad
• Paint tray
• 3-inch paint brush or 3-inch detail roller

Instructions

1. Measure the deck to determine how much coating you will need. For a rectangular deck, multiply its length times its width to calculate the square feet. An irregular shaped deck may have to be calculated in sections. If you are unsure of your calculations, make a sketch of the deck (overhead view) and write down measured dimensions. Bring the sketch with you to the paint store or home improvement store. The label of the coating container will indicate how many square feet of decking the coating will cover.

2. Prepare the deck for coating. It must be thoroughly clean and dry. If the deck is new, sweep it well to remove any debris. An older deck may require scrubbing with deck cleaner, or even pressure washing. Allow the deck to dry well after cleaning. Depending on the weather, this could take a day or two.

3. Before purchasing the coating, compare brands to ensure you are getting a reliable product. In humid areas, you must buy a coating that inhibits growth of mildew. Home improvement stores often have experts in each department who can help you decide which product is most suitable for your project.

4. 

   Slow down. Resist the urge to start painting until you have carefully read the directions printed on the can. It only takes a few minutes. The label will tell you such things as whether a primer is needed, how many coats to apply and how long to wait between coats.

5. 

   Special paint roller for high-viscosity materials

   Using the paint brush or detail roller, apply coating to small areas, inaccessible to the larger paint roller, much like "cutting-in" borders and corners when you are painting a wall. After small areas are done, apply the coating to larger areas. According to manufacturer's directions, allow the coating to dry and apply subsequent coats.

Tips & Warnings

• This job may require a special roller or pad, made for applying high-viscosity materials. If the coating has suspended particles to enhance abrasion, it may have to be stirred frequently.

• Protect surrounding vegetation prior to applying deck coating. Protect skin and eyes from coating material.

References

• Realty Times: HOA Deck Doctor Rx
• Home Tips: Refinishing a Wood Deck
• Livestrong: A List of Why Pool Safety Is Important

Resources

• Interstate Products: Non Slip and Antiskid Products
• Delta Chemicals: Anti Slip Coatings