What is the best concrete sealer to use for my acid stained concrete around the pool?

sealing concrete around a pool
sealing concrete around a pool 2

QUESTION:

I just finished acid staining the colored concrete patio around my pool. I'm located in central California, summers here have a few days over 100 degrees.

What can I use for a durable concrete sealer that will enhance/darken the coloring, add a semi-wet look, and is not slippery (due to the pool).

Best Concrete Sealer for an Acid-Stained Patio Around a Pool in Central California

First off, congratulations on completing your acid-stained concrete patio! Acid staining is a fantastic way to add rich, variegated colors to concrete, and sealing it properly will ensure longevity, durability, and enhanced aesthetics.

Since your patio surrounds a pool, you need a sealer that achieves three primary goals:

  1. Enhances and Darkens the Stained Color – This is often referred to as the “wet look.”
  2. Provides a Durable, Long-Lasting Finish – It must withstand Central California’s hot summers (100+ degrees) and pool chemicals.
  3. Maintains Slip Resistance – A slippery surface around a pool can be hazardous.

Based on these requirements, let's break down your best sealer options.

1. Choosing the Right Type of Sealer

Acrylic Sealers (Solvent-Based or Water-Based)

  • Solvent-Based Acrylic Sealers are excellent for enhancing color and achieving a semi-wet look. They penetrate the surface and create a deep, rich color enhancement.
  • Water-Based Acrylic Sealers provide good protection but don’t darken the concrete as much as solvent-based versions. However, they are lower in VOCs (volatile organic compounds) and better for the environment.

Pros:
✔ Enhances color significantly (solvent-based)
✔ Provides UV resistance, preventing color fading
✔ Fast drying and easy to reapply when needed

Cons:
✘ Can be slippery if not properly treated with an anti-slip additive
✘ Solvent-based options have strong fumesRecommended Products:

  • Armor AR350 Solvent-Based Acrylic Sealer – Enhances color with a semi-wet look and is UV-resistant.
  • SureSeal Super WB Water-Based Acrylic Sealer – Low-VOC and eco-friendly, providing good color enhancement.

Penetrating Sealers (Silane/Siloxane Blends)

If slip resistance is your top concern, a penetrating sealer is an option. These sealers soak into the concrete, forming a hydrophobic barrier that repels water while maintaining a natural matte finish. However, they do not enhance color or add a wet look.

Pros:
✔ Excellent water and chemical resistance
✔ No surface film, so they won’t be slippery
✔ Long lifespan (5+ years)

Cons:
✘ No color enhancement
✘ No glossy or wet-look finishRecommended Products:

  • Foundation Armor SX5000 – Excellent for pool decks and high-traffic areas.
  • Ghostshield 9500 – Long-lasting water-repellent sealer with no surface film.

Urethane and Epoxy Sealers

Urethane and epoxy sealers provide unmatched durability but are generally not recommended for outdoor pool decks. They create a thick, glossy film that can be dangerously slippery when wet.

Pros:
✔ Extremely durable, long-lasting protection
✔ Excellent chemical resistance

Cons:
✘ Can be too glossy and slippery
✘ More difficult to apply and removeRecommendation:

Since safety is a concern, I do not recommend urethane or epoxy sealers for your pool deck.

2. Balancing Slip Resistance & Aesthetic Appeal

Because you're sealing an area around a pool, preventing slipperiness is crucial. There are two ways to make a solvent-based acrylic sealer safer:

A. Add an Anti-Slip Additive

Anti-slip additives mix into the sealer before application, creating a slightly textured surface without compromising the wet look.

Best Anti-Slip Additives:

  • Armor Fine Non-Slip – A fine, non-slip additive that works well with acrylic sealers.
  • Ground Polypropylene Additives – These create a subtle texture for added traction.

B. Use a Low-Sheen or Matte-Finish Sealer

If slip resistance is a major concern, you may want to choose a low-sheen or matte-finish acrylic sealer. These offer mild color enhancement without making the surface overly glossy.

Recommended Matte-Finish Sealers:

  • Foundation Armor AR500 (semi-gloss solvent-based acrylic)
  • Ghostshield Cryli-Tek 5505 (low-sheen wet-look finish)

3. Application Tips for Best Results

  1. Surface Preparation is Key – Ensure the concrete is completely dry (at least 24–48 hours after acid staining). Any remaining moisture can prevent proper adhesion.
  2. Apply in the Right Weather Conditions – Ideal temperatures for sealing are between 50°F and 85°F. Avoid sealing in direct sunlight on a 100°F day, as the sealer can dry too quickly and lead to bubbling.
  3. Use a Sprayer or Roller – Solvent-based sealers should be applied using a high-quality sprayer or a roller with a 3/8-inch nap to ensure even coverage.
  4. Apply Thin Coats – Two thin coats are better than one thick coat to prevent bubbling and peeling.
  5. Reapply When Needed – Acrylic sealers typically need reapplication every 2-3 years, especially in high-traffic, sun-exposed areas.

Final Recommendation for Your Poolside Patio

Considering your requirements — color enhancement, durability, and slip resistance

I recommend:

Primary Sealer: Armor AR350 Solvent-Based Acrylic Sealer (for a semi-wet look and UV protection)
Anti-Slip Additive: Foundation Armor non-slip additive

PRO TIP: You can cut the solvent sealers with a little Xylene (.5 gallon Xylene to 2.5 gallons sealer) to help it spray thinner out of a pump up sprayer.

PUMP UP SPRAYER I RECOMMEND: Chapin Stainless Steel 2 Gallon Sprayer

If you prefer a water-based alternative, go with SureSeal Super WB, but note that it won’t darken the stain as much as a solvent-based option.

conclusion

By selecting the right sealer and applying it correctly, you’ll not only enhance the beauty of your acid-stained patio but also ensure its longevity and safety in the hot California climate.

Stick with a high-quality acrylic sealer, use an anti-slip additive, and maintain the surface every couple of years to keep it looking its best.

Back to Concrete Sealers

To Home Page

One more way to share everything-about-concrete.com

Would you prefer to share this page with others by linking to it?

  1. Click on the HTML link code below.
  2. Copy and paste it, adding a note of your own, into your blog, a Web page, forums, a blog comment, your Facebook account, or anywhere that someone would find this page valuable.