Karin,
We have the concrete pavers around our pool simlar to what you're getting, and they're great - low maintenance and keep their looks. But we're at a point of needing to reseal, and have hit the same wall with finding something that won't be slippery when wet. I also have a question to add to yours: is there anything that will be a little reflective so that it will keep the concrete from getting so scorching hot?? We found something a while back and tested it (dont' remember what it was, though). It kept the pavement cooler but was VERY slippery when wet!
Thanx!
Mary

Hi Mary,

In doing some research, it's my understanding that any film-forming sealer will attract more heat. The penetrating sealers, whether they be water or solvent based, are better around water. I've been looking at the Miracle line of sealers, specifically the 511 Porous Plus, and have just ordered samples from a company called Aldon.

There is however, another slew of products that use additives for slip resistance, ie..sand or the like. I was overwhelmed when trying to figure those out, lol!

Another way to decrease the heat would be to sandblast the surface. With less surface area due to holes/indentations, there is less heat when you're standing barefoot. I will most likely find a happy medium as I can choose the level of sandblasting when the casting is done.

I would advise to be careful with the film forming sealers. And anything with gloss will make the surface hotter and possibly slippery, unless you are using an additive, which if I'm correct, are used in epoxy coatings mostly. I was told to stay away from those by my paver installers.

Hope this helps, I'm by no means an expert, but have been trying to find as much info as I can before these go in. The companies I've contacted have been wonderful in their support, but as far as finding user recommendations...that hasn't been successful.

Karin

Karin,
Your info is VERY helpful - thank you! I agree - it's incredibly confusing to try and pick the right thing. But I just checked the Aldon website per your reference, and it looks like the best I've seen so far to help with a step by step process. I'll be doing that later this week.

Looking at our surface, i'm wondering if the people who previously owned the house used something to coat it. We've power-washed it and it's a bit chalky, so most of whatever they used is gone.

Keep me posted on your progress, and I'll let you know what i find out. Maybe someone else will also respond....
Mary

Glad I could help, Mary. The Aldon website is very thorough. Their products do have a specific method of application. (pour and push) I've applied a lot of sealers over the years and have never done it that way but they swear by it.

I wonder if your chalking is efflorescence (minerals, ie..salt, calcium?) coming to the surface. If that's the case, you want to look for a product that deals with that as well. It is a concern, especially with concrete.

I think this forum is full of extremely experienced wood people, but maybe not so much with sealers for other surfaces. I've tried searching different forums w/o success, so I think we're mostly on our own :)

I'll keep you posted...