How To Clean A Pool Deck: Concrete, Wood, and Tile Decks

Last Updated on October 17, 2021

A pool deck is a great way to make your backyard feel more like an oasis. But if you want it to stay looking that way, you need to invest in some regular maintenance and cleaning. After all, a well-maintained pool deck will make your home look better and increase its value. A neglected pool deck can turn into an eyesore in no time at all.

Many people don’t know how to clean a pool deck. It’s not an easy task considering all of the different materials that can be found on them, from dirt and leaves to algae and mildew. For this reason, we’ve compiled the best ways on how to do pool deck cleaning so you can get the most out of all those hours spent outside.

Types Of Pool Decks

There are a plethora of different types of pool decks that you can choose from when building your backyard swimming pool. However, not all deck types offer the same benefits and advantages for homeowners. For this section, we’re going to discuss the three most popular pool deck types.

Wooden Decks

Wooden pool decks are a popular choice for many homeowners, and it is easy to see why. They can be more durable than other types of decking material, and they offer a luxurious feel that many people desire.

They are typically the cheapest option and often come with a lifetime warranty against damage from insect infestations (like termites). However, they require annual maintenance to ensure that they don’t warp or deteriorate over time. Wooden pool decks also need to be treated for other types of wood rot, specifically white pine blister rust fungus and Dutch elm disease fungi.

Concrete Decks

Concrete pool decks are an excellent way to create a relaxing and comfortable space for those who want to spend time near the water. Concrete pool decks are one of the most popular types because they last so long, and come in many different styles that work with any decor.

It’s not a secret that maintaining your concrete pool deck is important. The first thing you should do when it starts to look bad is to do some power washing on the deck surface and then seal or coat it with a waterproofing sealant. This will help prevent any stains from soaking into the pores or cracks of the concrete and keep them looking great for years!

Tile Decks

Tile pool decks are a very popular option for pool owners who want a beautiful and functional outdoor space. Not only are tile pools more durable, but they look fantastic as well. Tile is available in many different colors, styles, and finishes to suit any taste or budget. Additionally, tile can withstand extreme temperatures which means no cracking or warping issues.

Tile pool decks give you a cleaner-looking surface that is easier to maintain than other options such as concrete because it requires little effort on your part to keep the water off the deck when cleaning them out in between swimming seasons. This means lower utility bills and more time spent enjoying yourself at the end of summer rather than working outside scrubbing away all day long.

Are you looking for a pool deck that will last? Do you want to make sure that it won’t fade or deteriorate in the sun? There are many things to consider when building a deck, but few as important as the material that you choose.

Let’s now proceed in discussing how to clean the different types of pool decks.

Guides On How To Clean A Pool Deck

Deck cleaning can be a painstaking process, but it doesn’t have to be. Whether you opt for power washing or manual scrubbing, make sure that your deck is clean and dry before applying any conditioner so the products will work their best!

How To Clean Wooden Pool Decks

To get rid of algae and mildew stains on wood surfaces, use bleach-based cleansers – not only will they remove marks off the surface in minutes versus hours (or days if done manually), these types of cleaners also stop them from coming back again!

Our recommended cleaning product is oxygen bleach for thorough wood deck cleaning. Unlike Clorox bleach, oxygen bleach combines natural soda ash or borax and hydrogen peroxide to form a powdered substance.

When this dissolves in water, it releases the necessary oxygen needed to work on tough stains and ground-in dirt without compromising your wood deck’s stain color.

The cleaning solution should be allowed to remain for a certain amount of time, after which it can be rinsed with water. Once you’ve cleaned and allowed your deck to dry (which may take up to three days), apply a sealer for waterproofing or preventing mildew to ensure year-long protection.

Need a cheaper deck cleaning alternative?

If you want to save some money when cleaning your wooden pool deck, you can try mixing equal parts of warm water and white vinegar with baking soda.

Vinegar will kill off germs that have developed while the baking soda deodorizes and refreshes.

Mix this solution in a bucket or other container before scrubbing your wood surface thoroughly with a long-handled brush for several minutes after it has set onto the area of concern for about five minutes or more depending on how dirty your outdoor space is.

It is best to have your deck cleaned and sealed when the weather permits. If you can, it would be best if you allow 24-48 hours for drying before starting the staining or sealing process.

How To Clean Concrete Pool Decks

Cleaning a concrete pool deck can seem like an overwhelming task. However, with the right supplies and preparation, cleaning your concrete pool deck is not so difficult.

You should always use a strong enough cleaner to wash your concrete deck. And don’t forget the power washer! If you do not have one, it’s worth investing in one so that you can clean the entire surface quickly (or at least most of it).

The first step of this process is to identify what type of cleaner will work best for your needs. Some cleaners should only be used on painted concrete, while others are better suited for stained concrete decks.

If the stains on your deck are from mold or mildew then an oxygenated cleaner is recommended.

The next step is to use a stiff-bristled outdoor broom to clean away as much dirt, dust, and other debris as possible. This ensures that any remaining debris won’t get ground into the surface you’re trying to remove it from or diluted by cleaners.

Mix the deck cleaning solution and spread it evenly over your surface. Mix up more when needed to cover all of your floorings. Let sit for a few minutes so it can go through your concrete surface, then scrub with an exterior brush.

When you’re done scrubbing the deck, you can use a pressure washer or garden hose with a pressure nozzle and rinse it thoroughly. We highly recommend using SnowJoe’s SunJoe High-Pressure Washer to help you with this task.

Make sure that any soap residue or bleach is washed down the driveway and into the street. Be careful not to put too much of these ingredients in your mix as this may leave an unwanted residue on your pool deck.

Apply a concrete sealant to protect your deck from future harm such as stain growth and premature aging.

Need help with the tough stains on your concrete pool deck?

Trisodium phosphate or TSP is a chemical that combines with water to create an acidic solution.

When applied and rinsed properly it can be used as a heavy-duty cleaner capable of removing tough stains from surfaces like concrete floors.

Safety First: Put on rubber gloves and wear your respirator when working outdoors before handling the substance because even though it’s not harmful at first contact there are still steps you need to take for protection such as wearing protective gear during application in case any dust particles come loose while mixing up what could potentially become concentrated acid.

How To Clean Tile Pool Decks

If you have a tile pool deck, then you know that they need to be cleaned on a regular basis to look their best. Cleaning tile pool decks is almost similar to how you clean concrete or wooden pool decks.

You need to sweep or vacuum up all debris from the surface before applying your cleaning solution which is a mixture of chlorine bleach and water. Once applied, you must scrub it lightly using a brush or mop so it will be evenly applied on your deck.

Afterward, you can rinse the tile pool deck thoroughly with water until no residue is visible. All traces of cleaner should be gone as well, so make sure nothing is left when you’re done rinsing with your power washer or garden hose.

Cleaning Pool Decks With Wet and Forget

Wet & Forget is the ultimate cleaning solution for your outdoor living space. Whether you’ve got a pool and need to clean off those slippery algae growths, or just want to spiff up that decking near your pool so it’s not such an eyesore! Wet & Forget can help get rid of all these pesky issues with one easy application.

Wet & Forget is pH-neutral, so you don’t have to worry about the product affecting your pool water. If it ever gets into your pool by accident, there will be no change in or harm to the pH of water.

If you’re tired of scrubbing your pool deck or using your power washer, it may be time to think about using Wet & Forget.

Simply mix one part concentrate with five parts water in a tank sprayer and then apply the mixture on the dry surface. Let the mixture stay on your pool deck for at least four hours or more, no need to do any scrubbing or rinsing.

You can do this once a year or the first sign that you see stains or algae on your deck surface.

Wet and Forget works on various pool deck surfaces. Whether your pool deck is made of concrete, brick, wood, tile, natural stone, composite, or a combination of two or more materials. You can even use it to clean other pool furniture or equipment like your diving board, pool umbrella, or even your pool’s interior surfaces.

How To Maintain Your Pool Deck’s Appearance

It’s the pool deck that can really make or break your backyard. If you don’t take care of it, then over time it will start to fade from constant exposure to sunlight and a fresh paint job might be needed if things get too bad. However, there are plenty of ways for you to protect against this like using sealants on top coatings which help prevent fading.

Also, make sure that anything you use on your deck has been approved by the Environmental Protection Agency to ensure the safety of everyone using your outdoor space.

Pool cleaning is a chore that must be done year-round. For most pools, all you need to do is clean the deck once or twice per season with an easy-to-use cleaning solution. It’s important to know how and which cleaners are safe for your specific type of surface so it doesn’t get damaged.

The water splashing out of the pool also brings corrosive chlorine and chemicals to your pool deck surface, so you need to have it cleaned more often if your pool is being used regularly.