Pool Deck Care: Moss and Mildew

I'm up in Oregon again for the holidays and I'm experiencing some of the weather the area is famous for this time of year.

This weekend the forecast calls for very cold temperatures, slushy rain, and snow tomorrow. Also, this is happening when a contractor has gone to work adding new footings to our units foundation.

This process requires the contractor to get under our deck here and remove some of it for a new pier.

Since the deck has been taken apart in some sections - and since the weather has been very wet lately - I decided to look underneath some of the 2x4's.

Since the decking lumber is treated it looks OK now. The biggest concern, of course, is wet or dry rot. At the moment I haven't noticed any obvious problems with rot.

Another possible problem that you should be on the look out for is moss or mildew.

Moss is very common around here, especially this time of year because of the rain and lack of sunlight. It grows out of the pavement here!

So far I haven't noticed any on my deck. But that does not mean it cannot become a problem later on... winter is still in the early going.

Should You Be Alarmed If You Discover Mildew on Your Pool Deck?

I don't think you should be panicked by mildew. If you see the black slime commonly associated with mildew it likely won't cause any structural risk like rot does.

But mildew does look ugly and can smell bad. Similar to mildew in your bathtub, breathing this stuff can aggravate your respiratory system or allergies.

So it's always a good idea to clean the mildew off you above ground pool deck.

You can do this easily with bleach. Also, sweep you pool deck regularly so sunlight can be a natural drier.

What About Moss?

Moss isn't the emergency that rot is. But, like mildew, it's a good idea to remove it from your pool deck at your earliest opportunity.

The chemical solution used to remove moss is a very complex one, compared to the mildew solution. I suggest asking your local home and garden store for assistance on this one.

Or, consider hiring a deck cleaning service. Spending a little on a qualified service will definitely save you time and keep you from having to do a little dirty work, unless you really want to.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Regards,

Paul Ottaviano
How to Build an Above Ground Pool Deck

More on Pool Deck and Surface Repair

Many of you who started your above ground pool deck earlier this summer or spring are likely finished now... or close to it.

Those of you who just started recently will be finished eventually, likely before the end of summer.

So now is a good time to start thinking of how you'll maintain your pool deck and go about surface repair.

Hopefully - if you followed building code and used a guide like "How to Build a Pool Deck" - you're above ground pool deck is sturdy and generally safe.

However, like all things pool decks are gradually worn down over time by use or natural elements and will require surface repair from time-to-time.

But if you're paying attention and do your basic repairs as necessary your pool deck will remain a generally inexpensive and safe - and possibly valuable - addition to your home for a long time.

There are many pool deck repair issues to be on the look out for... termites, surface damage, loose railings, raised nail heads, and more...

That said, one of the most common problems and the most dangerous to your wood is moisture, i.e. wet and dry rot.

• Wet rot will be colored black and has a spongy texture.
  

• Dry rot is less dark but also has a spongy feel.
  

What causes this is moisture, so make sure your wood is dry before assembly. And consider painting it - completely.

Also, remember to sweep your pool deck regularly so that the air and sun can act as a natural drier and disinfectant for the wood.

If there is obvious compromising of a structural board - such as a joist or beam - you will need to replace it.

It's a little bit of work and some attention to detail is necessary. But it's much better than the alternative, which is ignoring your pool deck and not fixing a problem before it's very costly to fix... or too late.

That said, if you make it a regular priority - or even just an occasional chore - to care for your pool deck and do the necessary surface repairs then your above ground pool deck will remain safe and fun for everyone lucky enough to use it.

As always, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano
Createyourdeck.com

P.S. - Learn more about how to build a pool deck and pool deck surface repair here.

When Ducks Land: Pool Deck and Surface Repair

Every spring a duck couple - and I do mean "couple" in the husband and wife sense of the word - treats our backyard like a spring vacation home.

The ducks sleep on the deck and when awake swim freely in the swimming pool. They're funny to watch. She leads, he follows. She floats around, he will show off by diving under water and then come up ten feet away. If they sense potential trouble he will start making noise and posture like a protector.

And then they fly away for a reason that's beyond me, only to return again that night or the next day.

On one hand, I take it as a compliment that they see our pool and deck as a relaxing safe spot. On the other hand, it's our backyard and the ducks are no longer "cute" the minute I see the mess they have made on the deck.

And when I say mess, I mean "mess". You know, the kind of thing we put up with from our pets but not uninvited guests like our ducky free loaders.

Luckily their kind of mess cleans up fairly easily. Water and a little scrubbing usually does the trick. I'll use mild detergent or deck cleaning product if necessary.

That said, there probably isn't much you can do to prevent a duck landing on your pool deck - other than have a dog who chases them away (ours prefers to sleep on the job).

But, there are some general things you can do to make sure your above ground pool deck is maintained and clean. You should re-coat water repellent deck finishes at least one time each year. Periodically clean off dirt with a broom or hose. Or if you want to go big with your cleaning, use a power washer.

Also, selecting the right finish for your climate and lumber can go a long way towards maintaining a clean pool deck too. Key ingredients in deck finishes include water repellent, preservatives, UV stabilizers, and pigment.

Remember that building a deck around your pool is one thing, but once that is done you'll want to keep it looking clean so it's something you enjoy using often.

Know your pool, enjoy your pool!

Best regards,

Paul Ottaviano

P.S. - Learn more about how to build and maintain an above ground pool deck.