Get a Cool Deck Coating for Your Tampa Pool Deck

Posted on August 7, 2026 in Blog

SUNDEK's Classic Texture creates a cool deck that is also non-slip and comfortable to walk on.

Homeowners and property managers resurface their pool decks for plenty of reasons, but staying cool underfoot tops the list for most. Without the right coating, a pool deck can get scorching hot, uncomfortable or even unsafe to walk on barefoot. That's exactly what cool deck coatings are built to solve.

What is a cool deck?

A cool deck is a pool deck surface designed to stay comfortably cool even on the hottest days. Florida's sun can make concrete unbearably hot, but a cool deck coating is engineered to reflect heat and stay comfortable under bare feet, even in peak summer conditions. It's made possible through a specific type of coating, applied in a way that keeps the surface noticeably cooler than standard concrete.

What causes pool decks to get so hot?

A few different factors drive up surface temperature on a pool deck:

• Topcoat material: Material choice matters a lot here. Acrylic absorbs less heat than stone, plain gray concrete, and most other options.
• Surface color: Darker surfaces hold onto more heat than lighter ones.
• Location: A deck sitting in full sun all day will run hotter than one with partial shade.
• Surface texture: Textured coatings hold less heat than smooth ones.

Can you make an existing concrete pool deck cooler?

Definitely. A cool deck coating can be applied right over your existing concrete. Any cracking, spalling, or other minor damage just needs to be addressed first, before the new coating goes on.

We can resurface your pool deck to be cool and comfortable for bare feet, even on hot summer days.

Is a cool deck more expensive than concrete?

For most homeowners, a cool deck coating is actually the more affordable path, since it's applied directly over your existing slab rather than requiring new concrete to be poured. The cost of the coating itself varies based on your project, but it's typically far less than a full replacement.

A few things factor into the final cost:

• Whether you're coating your existing slab or need new concrete poured first.
• The condition of your current concrete, since cracks, spalling, and other damage need to be repaired before the coating goes on.
• Property access and site conditions, such as whether the deck is inside a screened pool enclosure.
• The complexity of your design. A detailed, multi-color pattern costs more than a simple, single-color finish.

For an accurate quote, reach out to SUNDEK of Tampa.

What material is cool deck?

Cool deck resurfacing typically uses acrylic- and concrete-based products. At SUNDEK of Tampa, our cool deck surfaces are built with:

• Classic Texture: Our most popular pool deck coating. This textured, acrylic water-based system delivers a surface that's both cool and comfortable.
• SunColor: A water-based acrylic coating that applies over bare or textured concrete for a refreshed look.
• SunSplash: Another textured acrylic option, well suited to high-traffic areas.

Are cool decks slippery?

We take real steps to keep your pool deck from getting slippery when wet. Here's how we build in slip resistance:

• Add texture that gives real grip underfoot.
• Mix non-slip aggregates into the sealer. Keep in mind, the sealer needs to be reapplied regularly to keep those additives working effectively.

Which colors are best for cool pool decks?

As mentioned above, darker colors soak up more heat. If keeping your deck cool is the goal, lighter colors are the way to go.

SUNDEK of Tampa works with a wide range of colors, including plenty of light, neutral tones that look great on any pool deck. If you're curious which shades reflect the most heat, our contractors can walk you through the options.

Light colors such as the one used here on this residential pool deck and cooking area help keep the surface cool.

How long does a cool deck last?

A cool deck holds up just as long as any other decorative concrete surface, as long as it's cared for properly. That means:

• Clearing away dirt and debris regularly.
• Wiping up oil spills and other contaminants right away.
• Keeping wet towels and pool toys off the surface when not in use.
• Keeping an eye on your sealer's condition and reapplying when needed. (Learn more about sealers.)
• Addressing small cracks as soon as they show up.

Get more information about cleaning your decorative concrete surface.

Cool deck contractors near me

Looking for a contractor to install a cool deck for your pool in the Tampa area? We're here to help.

We serve Tampa, St. Petersburg, Clearwater, Brandon, Riverview, Wesley Chapel, Land O' Lakes, Lutz, Odessa, Trinity, Palm Harbor, Dunedin, Safety Harbor, Oldsmar, Apollo Beach, Valrico, FishHawk, Lakewood Ranch, Bradenton, and Sarasota.

Call us: 833-278-6335

Email us: [email protected]

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