The 10 Best Pool Deck Paints (2024 Reviews)

No matter how much time you spend keeping your pool water clean and clear, its surroundings make a statement. A faded, peeling, or worn deck can make your pool area look sort of depressing and uninviting.

Now, if your goal is to keep your guests out and keep the water to yourself, dingy surroundings might be ideal. But if you prefer a clean and friendly swimming space, it might be time to freshen it up.

There is more than one way to restore a pool deck. Depending on the type of material you have, you can stain it, pressure wash it, or resurface it.

But the fastest and most preferred way is to paint it. 

Believe it or not, you can paint almost any type of pool deck. You just have to make sure you prepare it correctly and choose the right paint.

The 10 Best Pool Deck Paints

#1. TotalBoat Non Skid Deck Paint

TotalBoat Total Tread non-skid deck paint is easy to apply on any surface, including fiberglass and wood. Its UV-stable formula keeps it from cracking, fading, or peeling and is extremely easy to clean.

This paint is unique in that it contains polyurethane instead of silica but provides just as much traction. That means it’s a lot less abrasive than traditional deck paints but just as tough.

One coat is all it takes for most surfaces. However, two coats are recommended for added coverage and traction. 

Each gallon covers 250-300 square feet and comes in sand beige, gray, white, and light gray.

#2. Kilz 1-Part Epoxy Paint

Kilz 1-Part Epoxy Paint is designed specifically for concrete surfaces. It’s extremely durable and resistant to scuffing, staining, fading, cracking, and blistering.

This paint can be used on new or previously painted concrete, masonry, or other surfaces. And it has the same one-coat power as other Kilz products that completely cover almost anything with one coat. 

One gallon covers about 300-500 square feet and can be sprayed, rolled, or brushed on. 

#3. Kilz Over Armor

This version of Kilz deck paint is made from 100% acrylic resin. 

This is definitely our top pick for a deck that’s cracked and weathered because its textured coating fills in the cracks and gaps. It’s a great paint to hide little imperfections that you don’t want to spend the time or money repairing. 

With this paint, you’ll get a uniform look with excellent coverage that’s slip-resistant and durable. It also comes in three different colors to give you some versatility — chocolate brown, slate gray, and redwood. 

#4. INSL-X Sure Step

INSL-X Sure Step paint is an acrylic anti-slip paint made specifically for concrete. It requires no priming and minimal preparation and provides a perfectly smooth coating every time. 

Customers like this paint because it’s super thick and hides imperfections on the surface. That makes it the perfect product for swimming pool decks with small cracks and chips you’d rather not repair. 

This paint covers about 80-120 square feet and comes in a nice desert sand color.

#5. Liquid Rubber Deck Coating

Liquid Rubber Deck Coating is probably the best pool deck paint for rough surfaces. It will give you a hard, waterproof, non-skid surface on anything it’s applied to.

One of the great things about this paint is that it’s UV stable, which means it won’t fade from being exposed to the sun. 

It does require 3-4 coats for the best results, but you will have a tough, smooth, attractive surface that will last you for years to come. 

Liquid Rubber comes in a variety of different colors for versatility and it’s very easy to apply. 

#6. Kilz Low-Lustre Enamel Paint

In case you can’t tell, we do love our Kilz around here and this low-luster enamel paint will not disappoint. Just like the other blends, this one is highly resistant to fading, peeling, and scuffing, no matter what the conditions.

What makes this unique is its matte appearance and fast-drying formula. It also provides complete coverage on almost any surface. 

One gallon will cover 200-400 square feet, depending on the surface and method of application.

#7. RTG Deck Paint 

RTG deck, porch, and patio paint is formulated to give you great traction without the abrasive additives of other products. It’s a textured paint that’s easy to apply and cleans up quickly. 

There are several things to love about this paint. First of all, it’s made in the USA. And secondly, it’s low-VOC formula has little odor and is eco-friendly. 

Most importantly, though, this paint is very durable and stands up to all kinds of conditions and use. It covers 80-100 square feet and usually covers well with only one or two coats.

#8. Kilz Decorative Coating

Kilz Decorative Coating is unique for its cool speckled granite-like finish. It’s also one of the most durable paints for concrete surfaces. 

This durable product will not only seal your decking or walkways, but it will also fill in hairline cracks and blemishes, giving them a fresh new look. 

The non-slip texture makes it perfect for pool areas. And it’s super resistant to staining or peeling, so it can be used in other areas as well.

The manufacturer recommends two coats, so a gallon will cover about 50 square feet. 

#9. In the Swim Patio and Deck Paint

We like In the Swim products because pools and decks are their only business. That means every product is formulated specifically for that use and tested by many people in the industry.

Their patio and deck paint provides a non-slip finish and can be applied on any surface whether wet or dry. 

They recommend using two coats for optimum results, so a gallon will cover up to 125 square feet. 

#10. Rust-Oleum

Rust-Oleum’s Decorative Concrete Coating is the perfect finish for patios, decks, and porches. It dries in a unique speckled finish that has the appearance of granite, and it will stand up under any conditions. 

The finish is, of course, slip-resistant and water-repellent. You’ll only need one-two coats of this max coverage paint, so a gallon will cover up to 125 square feet.

Benefits of Painting a Pool Deck

Besides giving your deck a fresh new appearance, there are several pretty good reasons for painting it.

Easier to Maintain

A painted deck is much easier and less time-consuming to maintain than raw or stained surfaces. 

It creates a non-porous barrier that protects wood or concrete and makes it difficult for water to penetrate it. It also protects it from harsh pool chemicals that can damage it over time.

This means it’s less likely to crack, fade, or chip and clean-up is a breeze.

Lower Cost

If you’re planning to redo your deck, paint is definitely the cheapest way to go for any surface. 

Refinishing a wood surface often involves stripping the old stain, sanding, and re-staining. For a concrete surface, you might have to pressure wash, repair cracks, and re-seal it. 

All of those things take time and cost money, especially if you hire someone else to do it. But using deck paint is usually just a one-step process that just requires a little of your time and a lot less money. 

Covers Imperfections

Chips and cracks in concrete can make it unsightly. The same goes for splinters and cracks in wood. 

Deck paint can cover a multitude of sins in your deck and keep them from getting worse. It fills in cracks and gaps and keeps water from getting in and worsening the situation.

Better for Bare Feet

We’ve all been the victims of scalding concrete on bare feet at one time or another. And natural materials are the worst sources of this annoyance.

Concrete, especially, tends to soak up the sun’s rays faster than others, but wood isn’t far behind. Most deck paints are UV-resistant. This not only helps them maintain their appearance under harsh exposure, but it also repels the heat. 

Safer

Possibly one of the most important reasons to paint your deck is for safety. Pool deck coatings are made to be slip-resistant so there’s less chance for accidents. 

5 Things to Consider When Choosing Pool Deck Paint

1. Color

Not all pool deck paints come in different colors. If you’re firm about the product you want, you may not have a choice.

However, if color is important to you, try to find one with multiple options.

2. Type of Deck Surface

Most of the deck paints we listed will work on any surface, but it’s important to check that out. This could also save you some money since some surfaces don’t require as many coats.

3. Deck Condition

One of the best things about painting your deck is that it covers flaws and damage, so take that into consideration when choosing your product.

If your pool deck is extremely weathered and splintered, it’s best to choose a thicker paint meant to fill in cracks and gaps. But if it’s a smooth, new surface, you can probably get by with something else.

4. Appearance

Just like color, the appearance of the paint might be important to you. These products come in a variety of different textures and finishes, such as speckled, low-luster, and gloss.

5. Durability

You can’t go wrong with any of the products we listed here, but if you branch out, be sure to check the reviews. Most of the time, you can tell how well a paint holds up by what previous customers have to say.

How to Paint Your Pool Deck

Painting a pool deck is a different process for each type of material. And the amount of prep work you’ll have to do varies with different paints and different deck conditions.

For wood decks, you may need to hammer in or remove loose nails, sand down or cut rough spots, and fill in knot holes or deep cracks. 

Here’s a good video that walks you through the whole process:

For cement decks, it’s a good idea to power wash and remove as much of any old sealant as possible. 

Once you’ve prepped your surface, all that’s left to do is brush, roll, or spray on the paint. Each product is different and has its own suggested application method, but spraying or rolling will give you the smoothest finish.

You’ll also need to pay careful attention to drying times to decide how much time to give it between coats.

Pool Deck Paint FAQs

Why should I prime my pool deck before painting?

Some pool deck paints include a primer in their formulas so you might be able to skip this step altogether.

However, if they don’t, it’s important to do. This is because natural materials are porous and vulnerable to outside conditions.

A primer helps seal porous wood and concrete so that it won’t absorb liquids. It also makes the surface much smoother, giving the paint a nice, even finish.

Can I paint a pool deck that is pitted or damaged?

Paint is actually the best remedy for a less-than-perfect deck surface. This is because it helps fill in cracks and imperfections in a way that stain does not. 

What is the difference between pool deck paints and stains?

Pool deck paints completely cover the surface, recoloring and restoring it to a new finish. Stains, on the other hand, soak into the wood, still revealing the grain.

How much does it cost to paint a pool deck?

This answer varies, depending on some different factors. You’ll need to know the size of the deck, the number of coats required, and the cost of the paint.

According to Home Depot, the average is about $2-$5 per sq ft or $300-$1,200 per project. This is a pretty big range, but you can get a better estimate by calling and talking to someone in the department. 

You can also get a decent idea by using the cost estimator on the homewyse site.

Can I paint my concrete pool deck?

Absolutely!

A lot of people don’t realize this can be done, but painting a concrete deck is actually pretty easy. As long as the surface is clean and you choose the right paint, this can give you a whole new look and save it from wear and tear.

Conclusion

Painting your pool deck is a great way to give your space an updated look and protect it from the elements. Just make sure you buy the appropriate product for your surface and clean it well before starting.

And if you have any questions, just let us know!