Cleaning and Resealing Exposed Aggregate around many backyard swimming pools
Exposed aggregate, common around many backyard swimming pools, is often a gorgeous accent that adds to poolside appeal. But when these surfaces are heavily used, they begin to lose their luster. We here at Concrete Decor have found a couple of great products that clean off hard water/mineral deposits, algae, rust and other substances that make exposed aggregate look less than appealing.
Tek Gel for Profiling, from Surface Gel Tek, is an outstanding method for cleaning these surfaces. Because Tek Gel (a muriatic acid in a gel form) lays on the surface of the concrete without absorbing into the cement, it removes hard mineral deposits from the surface without deteriorating the cement. This helps keep the exposed aggregate in place. Tek Gel actually needs to sit on the surface for only 5 to 15 minutes before it can be pressure-washed away to the sewer. That’s right, Tek Gel is also safe for the environment. After 24 to 48 hours of drying time, we apply two coats of clear Ultra Surface Sealcoat 1000 by Concrete Solutions. These products offer a great solution for most of your customers’ stained or tarnished concrete surfaces.
Note: the second coat also included a slip-resistant additive called Shark-grip. This product is a powder that mixes into the sealer and applies per manufacturer’s specifications.