Picture yourself in this scenario: You’ve invested in a stunning swimming pool area that becomes the centrepiece of your outdoor space. A place for entertaining friends and family, relaxing and recharging. What if a crucial aspect of your pool – its concrete edging – begins to deteriorate over time, affecting not only the visual appeal of your pool, but also its safety and functionality? Are you doing everything you can to protect your edging?
Concrete pool edging is more than a border, it’s the frame holding everything together and ensuring your pool remains safe, durable and visually appealing. Throughout this article, we’ll explore some essential maintenance tips to keep your pool edging in top condition for the long run.
The Importance Of Maintaining Concrete Pool Edging
Concrete pool edging plays a crucial role in both the functionality and aesthetics of your swimming pool. While concrete is renowned for its strength and durability, like any material, it requires care to maintain its appearance over time. It is especially important to employ a few simple maintenance activities to your concrete pool edging due to the constant exposure to water and pool chemicals. Proper maintenance not only ensures your pool edging remains in pristine condition, but also extends its lifespan, helping you to avoid costly replacements and repairs.
Routine Cleaning: Keeping Your Edging Pristine
One of the first steps in correctly maintaining your concrete pool edging is routine cleaning. Over time, dirt, algae and debris can accumulate on the surface of the concrete, detracting from your pool area’s appearance. This can potentially cause damage to the concrete edging if left unaddressed.
By regularly sweeping the edge of your concrete pool edging, you can remove loose debris including leaves and twigs. For a more thorough clean, use mild detergent mixed with water and a soft brush to scrub away any residue. Be sure to avoid harsh chemicals and abrasive tools that can damage the surface of your edging.
Routine cleaning not only enhances the appearance of your pool edging but helps to prevent the buildup of materials that can lead to deterioration over time. By maintaining your concrete through cleaning, you’ll preserve both its visual appeal and structural integrity.
Sealing Your Concrete: Protection Against The Elements
Sealing your concrete pool edging is a crucial step in protecting the surface from the elements. Applying a high quality sealant to the concrete surface creates a protective barrier preventing water infiltration, reducing the impact of chemical exposure and protecting against UV damage. Sealing also makes the surface easier to clean and can enhance the colour and texture of the concrete.
It is recommended to seal your concrete pool edging every 2-3 years, depending on the level of exposure to water and sunlight. When selecting a sealant to apply, choose one specifically designed for use around pools to ensure it can withstand the unique conditions of your pool’s environment. It is also recommended to give your concrete a good clean before resealing, to ensure any staining is addressed. By regularly sealing your concrete edging, you’ll significantly extend its lifespan and keep it looking as good as new for the long haul.
Preventing Discolouration: Keep Your Edging Looking New
Discolouration is a common issue with concrete edging around swimming pools, often caused by exposure to pool chemicals, sunlight and organic matter including leaves and algae. Fortunately, you can address and prevent discolouration, helping your pool edging retain its original appearance.
One of the most effective ways to prevent discolouration of your concrete edging is to keep it clean and sealed. As mentioned earlier, regular cleaning removes organic material that can stain the concrete, while sealing provides an extra barrier against UV damage and chemical exposure.
If discolouration does occur, it can often be treated with a specialised concrete cleaner. For more stubborn stains, a diluted solution of hydrochloric acid can be used, but this should be done with caution, as it can damage the concrete if not used correctly. Manufacturer’s instructions should always be followed and the solution should be tested on a small, secluded area before you apply it more broadly.
Taking proactive measures to prevent and address discolouration aids to keep your concrete pool edging looking as good as new year after year.
Care Tips
Maintaining your concrete pool edging is relatively straightforward when following a few simple practices. A high quality sealer is essential for protecting the surface from wear and stains, keeping it in great condition over time.
- Regular Cleaning: Keep your pool edge clean by hosing it down regularly to remove dirt, dust and debris. Organic material, like leaves or grass clippings, should be promptly cleared away as they can cause staining if left unaddressed.
- Protective Sealing: Applying a durable sealant is an absolutely crucial step to safeguarding your concrete surface. A good sealant reduces the risks of staining and shields the concrete from general wear and tear. Reapply the sealant as recommended by the manufacturer to ensure suitable protection.
- Preventative Measures: To avoid unnecessary damage, it is best practice to keep heavy or sharp objects away from your pool’s edging. This ensures no accidents that can impact your surface’s condition occur.
With these simple tips, your concrete edging will stay visually appealing and resilient over time, enhancing the overall look and functionality of your pool area.
The Long Term Benefits Of Regular Maintenance
Concrete pool edging is a durable and attractive choice for any swimming pool, but like all materials, it requires regular maintenance to remain in top condition. By following the tips outlined in this article, you can significantly extend the life of your concrete pool edging, keeping it looking beautiful for years to come.
Regular maintenance not only preserves the aesthetic appeal of your pool area, but it also protects your investment, saving you time and money or repairs and replacements. With a little effort and attention, you ensure your concrete edging remains a functional and aesthetically pleasing feature of your outdoor space.
PoolEdge: Your Local Experts
Seamless pool edging is a simple, yet luxurious option for a flawless finish that your pool deserves. Our award-winning PoolEdge System formwork is manufactured in Western Australia and is suited to pools of all types, sizes, shapes and designs.
Don’t wait until issues arise – take action now to maintain your concrete pool edging. Whether you’re cleaning, sealing or repairing, these simple steps can make a big difference. If you’re unsure where to start, get in touch with our specialist team and we’ll point you in the right direction. A well-maintained pool is the key feature of an outdoor space you’ll enjoy over many years.