With the new trend in salt water pools in Atlanta, GA comes the worry of just how to protect your deck against the damaging effects the salt water has on the concrete pavers, travertine pavers and surrounding stone pool coping. It has long been known that salt water damages pavers, travertine, and natural stone but, to what extent, and, is it really worth the worry?
First, the bad news: When salt water comes into contact with paver, travertine or natural stone, “Salt water attack,” as it is commonly called, can happen 3 different ways:
1) Efflorescence: salt water absorbs into the stone’s pores and leaves behind a white, chalky residue. This residue, if caught soon enough, can usually be swept off with a broom. But if left long enough, you’ll need to acid wash the stone to remove it.
2) Spalling: this method is very similar to efflorescence, however, spalling is when pits begin to form in the travertine because salt water crystals are trapped beneath the surface of the stone.
3) Leeching: since natural stone is, well, natural, it can contain salt within the stone, beneath the surface. When water absorbs into the stone, the salt dissolves, leaving empty pockets, and weakens the stone.
The good news? It’s not as scary as it sounds.
Pavers, Travertine and Natural Stone can safely be used around a salt water pool as long as the appropriate measures are taken to protect it.
A high quality water-repellant, impregnating sealer should be used on the surface, giving reasonable protection for 5-10 years.
Georgia Paver Restoration has the experience and right tools to make sure your pool deck is protected from the salt water for many years! Please contact us for a free quote!