Pool Deck Care & Maintenance Guide

Protect Your Investment

Congratulations on your new pool deck or patio, and thank you for choosing Imagine Architectural Concrete.

Your new decorative concrete surface was professionally installed using premium materials and backed by over 23 years of experience and 23,000 completed projects throughout Arizona. Like any quality investment, a little routine care will help preserve its beauty, durability, and performance for years to come.

This guide provides simple recommendations for cleaning, maintenance, and long-term care to help protect your investment and keep your outdoor living space looking its best.

Caring for Your New Surface

Your new decorative concrete coating continues to cure after installation. Following these recommendations during the curing period will help ensure maximum strength, durability, and long-term performance.

During the First 48 Hours

Keep foot traffic and pets off the surface.
Allow the coating to cure undisturbed before placing any items on it.

During the First 10 Days

Wait before placing patio furniture, grills, planters, or other heavy objects on the deck.
Lift furniture into place rather than dragging it across the surface.
Keep dirt, mulch, rocks, and construction materials off the coating while it continues to harden.

During the First 30 Days

Minimize prolonged standing water whenever possible.
Rinse away fertilizer, landscaping chemicals, or other spills as soon as possible.
Avoid aggressive pressure washing or harsh chemical cleaners until the coating has fully cured.

Routine Cleaning

Regular cleaning is one of the easiest and most effective ways to protect your investment and maintain the appearance of your decorative concrete.

Weekly Maintenance

Blow or sweep away leaves, dirt, and debris.
Rinse the deck with a garden hose as needed.

Monthly Cleaning

Wash the surface using:

Warm water
A soft nylon deck brush
A microfiber mop or sponge
A pH-neutral cleaner

Rinse thoroughly with clean water after washing.

Recommended Cleaning Products

The following products have been proven safe and effective for decorative concrete surfaces when used according to the manufacturer’s directions.

Everyday Cleaning

Dawn® Dish Soap
Simple Green® All-Purpose Cleaner
Zep® Neutral Floor Cleaner
Simple Green® Oxy Solve Concrete Cleaner for seasonal deep cleaning

Oil & Grease Removal

Clean grease, cooking oil, or automotive fluids as soon as possible to help prevent staining.

Calcium & Hard Water Deposits

Arizona’s hard water can occasionally leave white calcium deposits around pool decks and water features.

Rust Stains

For isolated rust stains:

Whink® Rust Stain Remover
Naval Jelly®
Rust-Oleum rust treatment®

Always test in an inconspicuous area before treating larger sections.

Mold, Mildew & Organic Growth

Although uncommon in Arizona’s dry climate, shaded or damp areas may occasionally develop mildew or algae.

Recommended cleaners:

Simple Green® Outdoor Cleaner
Wet & Forget® Outdoor Cleaner

If necessary, a diluted solution of household bleach (1 part bleach to 4 parts water) may also be used. Rinse thoroughly afterward and protect nearby plants during cleaning.

Pressure Washing

Periodic pressure washing helps protect your investment by removing dirt, hard water deposits, pollen, and surface contaminants that can dull the appearance of your deck.

For best results:

Maximum pressure: 3,500 PSI
Use a 25° or 40° spray tip.
Hold the spray wand approximately 12–18 inches from the surface.
Keep the spray moving continuously to avoid concentrating pressure in one location.

Most Arizona pool decks only require pressure washing once or twice each year.

Products to Avoid

To preserve the integrity and appearance of your decorative concrete coating, avoid using:

Wire brushes
Metal scrapers
Abrasive scouring pads
Muriatic acid

Straight hydrochloric acid
Solvent-based paint removers
Highly caustic degreasers
Acetone, lacquer thinner, or similar solvents

Using these products may damage the decorative finish or shorten the life of the coating.

Furniture & Outdoor Accessories

Taking a few simple precautions can help protect your investment from unnecessary scratches and wear.

Install rubber or plastic furniture glides.
Lift furniture instead of dragging it.
Use planter risers to allow moisture to escape beneath flower pots.
Avoid leaving rubber-backed mats in the same location for extended periods.

Pool Chemicals

Pool chemicals should never be stored directly on decorative concrete surfaces. If chlorine, muriatic acid, fertilizer, or other chemicals are accidentally spilled:

Rinse immediately with plenty of clean water.
Clean the area thoroughly before allowing the product to dry on the surface.

Prompt cleanup helps protect your investment from discoloration or surface damage.

Understanding Concrete Cracks

Concrete is a natural building material and will expand and contract with changes in temperature, moisture, and soil movement.

While existing cracks are professionally repaired during the resurfacing process, no contractor can guarantee that repaired cracks will never reappear. Likewise, newly placed concrete may develop minor hairline shrinkage cracks as part of the normal curing process.

Our workmanship is backed by our warranty, and our team is always available to answer any questions should concerns arise.

Touch-Up Paint & Future Maintenance

Touch-up paint is available through Imagine Architectural Concrete if minor repairs ever become necessary.

If your deck requires maintenance or touch-up work in the future, please contact our office before attempting repairs. We’ll recommend the proper products and procedures to help protect your investment and keep your deck looking its best.