Have you ever burned your feet on a hot concrete pool deck or worried someone might slip getting out of the pool? Or maybe your deck already looks sun-faded, stained, or cracked—despite only being a few seasons old?
If you live in places like western Idaho and northern Nevada, you know the pool deck takes a beating. From scorching summer UV rays to winter freeze-thaw cycles, your concrete needs more than just a pretty surface; it needs real protection. That’s where professional-grade pool deck coatings come in.
At Roe Painting, we’ve coated thousands of concrete surfaces across Idaho and Nevada. In this article, we’ll share the top pool deck coatings we actually use and recommend for our customers from Westcoat, along with how they perform in heat, moisture, and high-traffic environments.
Whether you want a cooler surface, better traction, or longer-lasting protection, we’ll help you choose the coating that’s best for your space, your climate, and your budget.
Not all pool deck coatings are created equal, and not every option will stand up to the unique demands of a backyard in Boise or a patio in Elko. The best coatings strike the right balance between safety, comfort, durability, and aesthetics. Here’s what we evaluate when recommending a coating system to a home or business owner.
Traction is a non-negotiable. The best coatings include textured finishes or anti-slip additives to reduce fall risks. Many coatings can be adjusted with additives like aluminum oxide or silica sand to reduce the chance of slipping, even when wet.
A hot deck can turn a relaxing pool day into a sprint across scorching concrete. That’s why we prioritize coatings with UV-reflective properties—especially light-colored acrylics or polyaspartics. The right product can lower surface temperatures by up to 30-40°F, making it safer and more comfortable underfoot.
In high-altitude areas, like Boise and Elko, your pool deck sees it all: UV, snow, chlorine, and dramatic temperature swings. That’s why we recommend systems with:
You don’t have to settle for gray concrete. The best pool deck coatings come in a wide range of colors, patterns, and textures, from natural stone finishes to modern chip systems. Whether you want a sleek look or something slip-friendly for the kids, you’ve got options.
When it comes to protecting and enhancing your pool deck, there are hundreds of coatings out there, but not all are created equal, and not all are suited for Idaho and Nevada’s climate extremes. We’ve tested many systems over the years, and as certified applicators for Westcoat products, we can testify to their durability and versatility even in the toughest environments.
Here are the top five Westcoat systems we recommend most often for pool decks:
Best for: All-around performance, customization, and texture underfoot.
Why we recommend it: Texture-Crete is one of the most versatile decorative coatings we install. It mimics stone, tile, or slate and works beautifully with a polyaspartic topcoat, which adds fast cure times and long-term UV-resistance.
Key benefits:
Ideal for: Home and business owners wanting a decorative, long-lasting finish without the premium cost of stamping.
Photo Credit: Westcoat
Best for: Custom color aesthetics and natural-looking finishes
Why we recommend it: 11/10 is a great concrete coating for adding color to your pool deck or revamping and refreshing worn stamped concrete. This system bonds well to concrete and combines the strength of water-based epoxy as a basecoat with the durability and chemical resistance of an acrylic topcoat.
Key benefits:
Ideal for: People looking to add earthy or custom tones to their pool deck
Roe Painting Patio Concrete Coating Project with Westcoat 11/10 System
Roe Painting Stamped Concrete Restoration with Westcoat 11/10
Best for: Restoring damaged decks or resurfacing stamped concrete
Why we recommend it: MACoat is a fiber-lath reinforced waterproofing system that is ideal for old or cracked pool decks, especially ones with stamped designs. We often use it when resurfacing weathered concrete in high-traffic or moisture-heavy environments.
Key Benefits:
Ideal for: Clients wanting to restore and preserve existing pool decks without tearing them out.
Photo Credit: Westcoat
Best for: Barefoot comfort and cooler surfaces
Why we recommend it: This system uses heat-reflective topcoat technology to reduce surface temperatures. While it’s a finish layer rather than a full coating system, it’s extremely effective when applied over other Westcoat bases, especially in high-elevation, sunny climates in western Idaho and northern Nevada.
Key benefits:
Ideal for: Clients prioritizing comfort underfoot during peak summer months.
Photo Credit: Westcoat
Best for: High-end stamped finishes with long-term protection
Why we recommend it: This is Westcoat’s premium stamped concrete coating system, offering the look of natural stone, brick, or tile with the performance of a professionally installed coating. It’s the most aesthetically elevated and expensive on this list, but well worth it for clients who want a custom luxury feel.
Key Benefits:
Ideal for: Clients looking for a luxury upgrade or designers seeking high-visual impact
Photo Credit: Westcoat
Coating System |
Durability |
Surface Temperature Control |
Slip Resistance |
Aesthetic Flexibility |
Best for |
Relative Cost |
|
Texture-Crete® |
High |
Moderate |
High |
High |
Decorative, textured finishes |
$$ |
|
11/10 System |
Moderate |
Low |
Low (Can be added to topcoat) |
Very High |
Custom stained color effects |
$$ |
|
MACoat™ |
Very High |
Moderate |
High |
Moderate |
Repairing and restoring stamped decks |
$$ |
|
Texture-Crete® Solar Reflective Finish |
Depends on basecoat |
High |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Cooler surfaces in sunny areas |
$ |
|
Stamp-It™ System |
High |
Moderate |
Moderate |
Very High |
Luxury stamped concrete look |
$$$ |
Choosing the right pool deck coating isn’t just about how it looks. It’s about how it performs under your specific conditions. Whether you live in Boise’s high-desert heat or Elko’s cold, dry winters, the best system for your pool deck depends on several key factors.
Here’s how we help our clients narrow it down:
If it’s in great shape, you have a little more flexibility. Texture-Crete or the 11/10 System can go right over a solid surface.
If your stamped concrete has cracked, spalled, or damaged, you need a coating like MACoat to restore structural integrity.
If your deck gets direct sun for most of the day, you’ll want a coating that reduces surface temperature. The Texture-Crete Solar Reflective Finish is ideal and can be added as a top layer to other systems.
For moderate cooling effects, choose a coating in a light color palette.
If kids and older adults are regulars at your pool, prioritize slip-resistant surfaces to maximize safety. Traction additives can be added to most coatings, but Texture-Crete and MACoat are great choices here.
Looking for a natural and earthy style? Try 11/10 for custom staining or Texture-Crete with a slate-style texture.
Prefer a luxury finish that mimics real stone or tile? Go for Stamp-It.
Like a modern, clean look? MACoat and Solar Reflective Finish work well.
If you are budget-conscious, the Solar Reflective Finish can be installed over an existing surface in good condition.
Mid-range options include Texture-Crete, 11/10, and MACoat.
Stamp-It stands out as the luxury, premium choice with the highest visual impact.
Pro Tip: Start with an onsite evaluation to assess the condition of your concrete and get recommendations for the right system. Our concrete coating professionals can guide you to the right solution.
Now that you’ve been introduced to the five best pool deck coatings from Westcoat—and why each one performs differently—you’re ready to decide which system is right for your outdoor space.
Whether you’re dealing with a cracked old deck, scorching hot surfaces, or a slick and unsafe pool area, the right coating can dramatically improve comfort, safety, and curb appeal.
If you’re still unsure what system fits your needs best, let us help. As certified Westcoat applicators serving western Idaho and northern Nevada, we can evaluate your existing deck and recommend the most durable, beautiful solution for your property.
At Roe Painting, we don’t just apply coatings; we help homeowners and businesses get more life, value, and enjoyment from their concrete surfaces. Contact us today to schedule your complimentary evaluation and take the first step toward a safer, better-looking pool deck.