DH has used a few different products over the years, kool deck has become a generic term for sprayed on, knock down texture. It is cooler because the foot isn't in 100% contact with the deck. We use X cel deck products now, happy with the longevity. It is 3 coats, the top being a very heavy color coat. Their new top coat, termed IR, is much cooler than their original top coat which is very important for us here in the desert. No chipping reported by clients so far, been in use for 4 years. Used it on our own pool this summer as well. We want to stone the deck, but haven't found a stone we can walk on/agree on........ thats another story. We have had problems in the past with other spray deck brands and eliminated them from use, they are no longer on the market anyway. Keep in mind your area's weather plays a huge part in success, as well as surface prep. I would suggest asking your PB to see other jobs he's done. Hope this helps, Barb

If your question is if there is another way of installing a spray deck surface than what your PB uses, I don't know of any other way. There are other materials/types of decking, but they cost more than a spray deck surface.

"Real Kool Deck" by Mortex has the color in the mix. They have a good comparison on their website.

One of the main reasons that the 20 year old "Kool Deck" is still ok is because it has asbestos in it. That makes it adhere to the concrete better. All of the newer products do not have it in there, for obvious reasons. Going with a material with the 3 step process is probably your best bet. The all in one applied materials will not last near as long as the 3 step stuff that earlier poster mentioned.

Just a correction for adgpoolman. Kool Deck hasn't had asbestos in it since about 1968. I might add that asbestos was a common additive to plaster for years.
KD is a topping applied to freshly poured concrete. It can last for many years. I have some vintage pools with KD. It is cool to the feet. Most of the problems I see are stains from flower pots sitting on the deck and chips caused by edgers or something being dropped on the surface. Like the acrylic products, preparation is key to a good, lasting installation.

Additional information for original poster. You can use the x cel deck product and not add the top "paint coat". You can add color to the base coat which comes in white and tan and not add the top coat. We have never done that, just quoting the concrete supplier........ so no recommendation for it from us.

Mortex is indeed the original Kool Deck, just don't really like the look, too dull and too hard to keep clean here in the sandy desert. Again, depends on where you are located. Barb