Franco Project

Case Study: Restoring a Sand-Set Paver Pool Deck in On Top of the World, Florida

What do you do when the recommended solution is to remove everything and start over?

For Mr. Franco, replacing his pool deck seemed like the only option. A large section of the existing deck contained pavers that had been installed directly into sand, creating a challenging surface condition that made a traditional coating installation difficult.

Several contractors recommended removing the pavers, rebuilding the area, and bringing in new concrete. That approach would have added thousands of dollars in unnecessary costs.

Instead, Tru-Grit developed a solution designed around what was already there.

The Challenge: A Pool Deck Built on Multiple Surfaces

Mr. Franco wanted a seamless pool deck that would provide a modern appearance, easier maintenance, and long-term performance.

The challenge was the existing construction.

A large portion of the pool deck consisted of pavers installed directly into sand rather than a properly prepared concrete base. This created an unstable surface that required a different approach before a coating system could be applied.

A complete removal and rebuild would have meant demolition, additional materials, and significantly higher project costs.

The Solution: Stabilizing the Existing Surface

Rather than tearing out the existing deck, our team used our background in resin and concrete chemistry to engineer a restoration approach.

The goal was simple:

Preserve what could be saved while creating a strong foundation for a new seamless coating system.

We reinforced and encapsulated the existing pavers using Tru Moisture Blok MVB, resin, and sand to create a stabilized surface. This process allowed us to bridge the transition between the paver section and the surrounding concrete.

After the surface was properly prepared, both areas were blended together into one smooth, seamless flooring system.

This approach saved Mr. Franco approximately $4,000 compared to the demolition and replacement options he was originally quoted.

The Installation Process

The project was completed using a two-day installation process.

Day One

• Applied Tru Moisture Blok MVB with 20 gallons of material.

• Added one bag of 60/40 sand per kit to reinforce and stabilize the paver section.

• Completed the paver encapsulation and reinforced resin float process.

• Repaired cracks, joints, and surface imperfections throughout the deck.

Day Two

• Mechanically ground the floated MVB surface smooth and flush to create a uniform foundation.

• Applied a pigmented NanoX Polyaspartic Body Coat.

• Broadcast the Barnacle UV Polymer Flake blend throughout the surface.

• Finished with a Clear NanoX Polyaspartic Top Coat enhanced with our DuraSafe Additive Package for improved durability and slip resistance.

Final System Thickness: More than 100 mils thick.

Why This Approach Worked

Not every failing or challenging surface needs to be removed.

The key is understanding the existing structure, identifying what can be restored, and applying the correct preparation methods before installing a new system.

By stabilizing the existing pavers instead of demolishing the entire area, Tru-Grit was able to reduce costs while still delivering the seamless look and performance Mr. Franco wanted.

The Outcome: Experience Made the Difference

Nearly three years after installation, the pool deck continues to perform and maintain its finished appearance.

The completed system provided Mr. Franco with a low-maintenance, seamless pool deck backed by Tru-Grit’s 20-Year Product Performance and Workmanship Warranty.

Sometimes the best solution is not starting over.

It is having the experience to understand what can be saved and the technical knowledge to restore it correctly.