Pool deck cost breakdown
Concrete Pool Deck Cost Calculator
Answer first: concrete pool deck costs $7–$13 per sq ft installed in 2026. 300 sq ft: $2,100–$3,900. 500 sq ft: $3,500–$6,500. 800 sq ft: $5,600–$10,400. Broom finish is safest near water. Resurfacing existing deck: $3–$7/sq ft.
500 sq ft pool deck — broom finish
$3,500–$6,500 installed ($7–$13/sq ft)
Includes excavation, 4-in slab, slip-resistant broom finish, and control joints. Add $1,500–$3,500 for drains, cool-deck coating, or stamped pattern.
Pool deck vs patio cost
Pool deck: $7–$13/sq ft | Standard patio: $6–$12/sq ft
Pool decks cost slightly more due to drainage requirements, slip-resistant finish, and chemical resistance needed near pool water.
Cool deck or Kool Deck coating
$2–$6/sq ft on top of base concrete cost
Acrylic coating that reduces surface temperature by 30°F. Applied over existing concrete or new slab. Needs recoating every 3–5 years.
Pool deck cost by size (broom finish, 2026)
300 sq ft: $2,100–$3,900 | 500 sq ft: $3,500–$6,500 | 800 sq ft: $5,600–$10,400
Larger decks are more cost-efficient per sq ft due to equipment setup amortization. For pools with coping, add $15–$25 per linear foot for the perimeter edge work.
Interactive workflow
Run the numbers, then save or export the project
How much does a concrete pool deck cost per square foot?
Concrete pool decks cost $7–$13 per sq ft installed in 2026. Plain broom finish: $7–$10/sq ft. Stamped concrete: $12–$20/sq ft. Exposed aggregate: $8–$12/sq ft. Cool deck or Kool Deck acrylic coating: add $2–$6/sq ft on top of base cost.
What is the best concrete finish for a pool deck?
Broom finish is the safest and most cost-effective option for pool decks — it provides a natural slip-resistant texture. Exposed aggregate is attractive and durable. Stamped concrete looks great but requires a slip-resistant sealer; some stamped patterns can be slippery when wet. Avoid smooth trowel finishes near pools.
How thick should a pool deck be?
Residential pool decks use 4 inches of concrete over a 4-inch compacted gravel base. For heavy loads (slide bases, diving board footings), use 5–6 inches with rebar reinforcement. The concrete must extend at least 4 ft from the pool edge to provide a safe walking zone.
Does a pool deck need special concrete?
Yes. Pool deck concrete should be: (1) 4,000 PSI minimum (higher than standard 3,000 PSI), (2) air-entrained if in a freeze-thaw climate, (3) finished with a slip-resistant texture, (4) sealed with a UV-resistant, chemical-resistant sealer that handles pool water and chlorine. Avoid sealers that become slippery when wet.
How long does a concrete pool deck last?
A properly installed concrete pool deck lasts 20–40 years. Main longevity factors: quality sealer applied every 3–5 years, controlling pool water chemistry to prevent acid etching, prompt crack repair, and avoiding de-icing salts. Stamped concrete and cool-deck coatings have shorter maintenance cycles (reseal every 2–3 years).
Is it worth paying extra for stamped concrete around a pool vs plain broom finish?
From a safety standpoint, plain broom finish is the better choice around pools. Broom finish costs $7-$10/sq ft and is naturally slip-resistant when wet. Stamped concrete ($12-$20/sq ft) looks great but requires a slip-resistant sealer every 2-3 years — without resealing it can become dangerously slippery near water. Exposed aggregate ($8-$12/sq ft) is the best middle ground: more decorative than broom finish, still slip-resistant, and lower maintenance than stamped.
Should I resurface or replace my existing concrete pool deck?
Resurface when: surface is discolored or mildly spalled but structurally sound, cracks are hairline-only, and the deck is level. Resurfacing costs $3–$7/sq ft vs $7–$13/sq ft for full replacement. Replace when: cracks are wide or structural, the deck has heaved or settled, spalling covers more than 30% of the surface, or repeated repairs have failed. A 500 sq ft deck: resurfacing = $1,500–$3,500 vs replacement = $3,500–$6,500.