How to Keep a Florida Pool Deck Cool Underfoot

Everyone walks onto a pool deck barefoot, wet, and usually in a hurry. That makes it one of the few places where surface temperature and surface grip aren't extras. They're the point. Dark, smooth concrete in direct Florida sun gets too hot to walk on barefoot by midday, and a deck that's too hot to use is a deck that doesn't earn its keep. The good news is that two choices, color and texture, do most of the work.

Start with color

Lighter colors reflect more sunlight and hold less heat than dark ones. That's not specific to concrete, it's how any surface behaves in the sun. When you're choosing a deck color, resist the urge to pick the darkest sample because it photographs well. Look at the swatch in direct sunlight, and think about what it will feel like at one in the afternoon in July.

A lighter deck also tends to feel more open around the water. It reads as part of the pool area instead of competing with it. If you have your heart set on a deeper shade for the look of it, tell us. We can talk through the trade-off for your yard, including how much of the day the deck sits in full sun.

Then choose a texture

A smooth, steel-troweled surface looks sleek and is the worst choice around a pool. Texture does two jobs at once. It reduces surface temperature compared with dark, smooth concrete, and it gives wet feet something to grip. The finishes we use for pool decks are knockdown, broom and stamped textures:

• Knockdown has a light, mottled, slightly raised texture that is common around pools. It's comfortable to walk on and gives good traction when wet.
• Broom finish is created by drawing a broom across the fresh surface, leaving fine parallel lines for grip. It's simple and dependable.
• Stamped patterns press a design into the concrete while it's still wet, so the deck gets a pattern as well as grip. Pair a stamped pattern with a lighter color if heat is a concern.

All three can be paired with lighter colors, and the combination of a lighter color and a textured finish does more for comfort than either one alone. That combination is what we design our pool decks around: surfaces meant to stay cool underfoot and safe when wet.

Concrete or pavers around the pool

Pool surrounds can be poured concrete or pavers, and the same color rule applies to both. Choose lighter tones and a textured surface. Pavers have the added benefit that a damaged unit can be replaced individually. You can see both options on our Pool Decks page.

What to expect from the job

Most residential pool decks take 4 to 6 days depending on size and finish. Stamped and textured finishes add curing and sealing time, so a decorative deck usually lands toward the longer end. You'll get a specific timeline during your free estimate rather than a guess.

If the pool itself is being updated, the deck often needs attention too. We handle the concrete and hardscape side of a pool remodel, including deck removal and replacement, coping repair or replacement, and drainage correction. Our Pool Remodeling page explains exactly what is ours and what belongs to other trades, like shell resurfacing or equipment.

We also handle commercial pool decks, including HOA and apartment pools, with estimates provided within 10 days.

A simple test before you commit

Ask any contractor to show you the finish you're considering in a large sample, then set it in the sun for an hour and put your hand on it. If it's uncomfortable on your palm, it will be worse under bare feet. A few minutes of that beats a season of regret.

When you're ready to talk about your deck, use the contact page or call Perkins Concrete at (727) 531-2545. We offer free on-site estimates, and residential estimates happen within 36 hours.