Epoxy Stone Pool Deck

Pools are great places for friends and family to gather. The fun is endless and the memories can last for a lifetime. The most common decking that you will find around an in ground pool is concrete. While concrete can be colored, stamped, and covered with numerous materials, there is no denying the amazing look of epoxy stone.

There are a few things to keep in mind about concrete. First, concrete is going to crack. There is no way around this. While the cracking can be minimized the subtle movements of the ground will lead to cracks. Second, concrete is going to discolor due to environmental issues. Our epoxy stone decking has the ability to reinvent your pools deck as well as beautify the area like nothing else.

Here is a great example of a pool deck that was in major need of rejuvenation. This deck was cracked in several places and severally discolored. In addition, this deck had what is known as a cantilever edge. This type of edge is unique since the concrete actually rolls over the edge of the pool. In most new installations the concrete is placed next to the pool coping. Cantilever pool decks can be very difficult to work with and requires a specific type of form and experience. 

In the following pictures you will be able to see a step-by-step example of how epoxy stone is installed as well as the many steps required to prepare the concrete for the installation of the epoxy stone.

BEFORE:

THE PROCESS:

Cracks in the concrete can and will transfer into any other products that are placed over the concrete unless the proper precautions are taken. All cracks need to be ground out, coated with epoxy, covered with a fiberglass mat, and then coated once again with epoxy.

Loop locks are used to fasten the pool cover to the pool deck. In order to maintain the proper level of the loop locks we remove the loop locks and replace them at a height of approx. 1/2 inch higher. This allows the loop locks to remain useable. 

FORMING:

In order to add additional strength to the forms, metal ties are placed into the forms and then secured into the concrete.

Next, the edge of the pool deck is formed. These forms have been coated in wax so that they will not stick to the epoxy stone. These forms are secured with tap-con screws.

Once the concrete has been completely formed and prepared for the installation of the epoxy stone, all edges are coated with epoxy. This "double-coating" with epoxy will add strength to the edges and help reduce the likelihood of future breaks.

INSTALLATION:

Epoxy stone is mixed in 150 pound batches. 3 fifty pound bags of rock are mixed together with 1 gallon of epoxy. Our epoxy is a 2-part blend of hardener and resin and is mixed in 1:1 ratio. Stone Bond uses our own unique proprietary blend of epoxy on all of our epoxy flooring installations.

The epoxy stone is capable of being poured at any depth in order to level any unevenness that might exist in the concrete. However the typical depth of the stone is approx. 1/2 inch.

The stone is placed inside the cantilever form and then an edging tool is used to round the edge. 

THE FINISHED PRODUCT:


After the stone has set over night, the final steps in the installation can begin. The forms are removed from all edges. All expansion joints are cut into the stone using a diamond blade concrete saw. These saw cuts will be virtually invisible and they will allow the concrete to move without breaking the stone.

As you can see the pool deck has been completely rejuvenated and transformed. This entire process was completed in 2 days. Epoxy stone can be used in almost any place in or around your home. We regularly install epoxy stone on patios, porches, steps, walkways, carports, driveways, and garages. Our epoxy stone can also be installed in basements or any other area of your home.

If you would like more information about epoxy stone please call our office at 828-256-7915 and set up a time for your no cost estimate. You can also see more pictures of our work in the gallery section of our website.