Pool Deck & Patio Travertine

What happens to pool deck stone here

Outdoor travertine in Vegas works hard. The sun bakes it. Pool water splashes up full of chlorine or salt, then evaporates and leaves minerals behind. Sprinklers add their own hard-water spots. Sunscreen, leaves and dust all get ground in. After a few summers, a lot of decks turn chalky and pale, with white crusty spots near the waterline and dark dirty holes.

What I do

• Clean. I use a stone-appropriate cleaner and a pressure setting that won't blast the stone apart. Travertine is softer than concrete, and too much pressure opens up more holes.
• Mineral and efflorescence treatment. Those white, crusty deposits near the coping and drains get worked on carefully. Acid cleaners can damage travertine, so I don't just pour something strong on it.
• Fill. Open holes get filled with a material suited for outdoor, wet, hot stone.
• Seal. I use a penetrating, outdoor-rated sealer that can handle UV and pool water. Some people want a "wet look" enhancer, and I'll show you both so you can choose.

Safety first

Pool decks need grip, so I don't polish them. The goal outside is clean, consistent and protected. A slick, shiny pool deck is a hazard.

Timing

Spring and fall are easier for outdoor sealing. Summer works too, but the deck surface can get too hot to work on in the afternoon, so those jobs start early. I'll plan around your pool schedule. Usually the pool can be used again soon, but the deck needs to stay dry for the sealer to cure.

More detail in the pool deck care guide.