Why You Should Avoid Epoxy for Your Pool Deck in the Greater Nashville Area
Thinking about giving your pool deck a face-lift before the next warm season? If you've been searching online for pool resurfacing options across Franklin, Brentwood, Murfreesboro, Hendersonville, or Mt. Juliet, you've likely come across epoxy coatings. At first glance, epoxy seems like a sleek, durable choice, and yes, it is technically possible to apply it outdoors. But just because you can do something doesn't mean you should.
For this pool deck in Bowling Green, KY, SUNDEK of Nashville removed the old coating, then resurfaced the concrete using SunStamp. (See more of this project here.)While some general contractors might tell you epoxy is a great choice for pool surrounds, buyer beware: epoxy and outdoor aquatic spaces simply don't mix well over time, especially given the combination of humid Southern summers and winter temperature swings in Middle Tennessee.
Unfortunately, Nashville-area homeowners often invest significant money into epoxy surfaces, only to face major headaches after just a couple of seasons. Before making a costly mistake, here is what you need to know about the downsides of epoxy pool decks, and what to choose instead.
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At a hotel in Nashville, SUNDEK showed how various solutions can be combined to meet client needs. Here, they resurfaced the deck, incorporating Custom Scoreline, blue striping, and even a hotel logo.WHY EPOXY COATINGS AREN'T A GOOD SOLUTION FOR POOL DECKS
Contractors who advocate for epoxy pool decks usually try to solve its inherently smooth, slick nature by broadcasting sand or aluminum oxide into the topcoat for traction. While this grit provides initial slip resistance, it isn't a permanent fix. High foot traffic, heavy pool water exposure, intense thunderstorm deluges, pool chemicals, and routine power washing rapidly wear away these broadcast aggregates. Once that grit wears down, you are left with a bare, dangerously slick glass-like surface surrounding your pool.
Beyond slipperiness, standard epoxy faces two major environmental enemies in our region:
Humid summers and intense direct sunlight
High humidity and intense UV rays cause epoxy to yellow, chalk, and peel. Plus, non-breathable epoxy traps heat, making it burning hot on bare feet during July and August.
Freeze-thaw cycles and trapped moisture
Frequent winter freezing cycles trap moisture beneath epoxy's rigid plastic barrier. As that trapped water freezes and expands, it can cause the coating to bubble and blister.
Choosing a surface engineered specifically for outdoor pool environments saves you from costly tear-outs down the road.
For a backyard retreat in Nashville, SUNDEK of Nashville resurfaced a pool deck using Classic Texture and Aggregate Effects, reviving the space to make it more welcoming and enjoyable to spend time in. (See more of this project here.)BETTER POOL DECK OPTIONS FOR NASHVILLE-AREA HOMEOWNERS
At SUNDEK of Nashville, we prioritize safety alongside aesthetics by adhering strictly to ADA standards for surface safety. Serving pool owners across Davidson County, Williamson County, Rutherford County, Sumner County, and surrounding areas, our team uses decades of hands-on local experience to steer you away from high-risk choices like epoxy.
- Classic Texture: Often referred to as "knockdown texture," Classic Texture offers a textured finish that is slip resistant and also stays much cooler than concrete, brick, tile, and other materials.
- SunSplash: This spray-on acrylic finish is applied without the knockdown troweling step and has customizable decorative effects.
- SunStamp: Mimic the look of stone, slate, brick, or wood.
- Tuscan: A thin coating that's troweled on for an artistic, freeform look.
- SunPlay: A cushioned, slip-resistant pool deck coating that provides a soft, cushiony feel underfoot.
- SunCoat: Provides a durable, UV-resistant finish that holds up to heavy foot traffic, sun exposure, and the demands of active use.
- SunSand: Incorporates fine aggregates such as glass beads or aluminum oxide into the finish coat to provide maximum traction.
To learn more about these proven surfaces and find the perfect match for your backyard, check out our detailed guide on the best coatings for resurfacing pool decks.
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Are you looking for a contractor to update your concrete? We serve all of Tennessee and surrounding areas, including Paducah, KY; Bowling Green, KY; and Huntsville, AL.
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Call us: (615) 822-7134
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