Blog

When homeowners in Jacksonville, Florida, from Riverside to the Beaches to Nocatee, ask us at Coastal Coating & Resurfacing how to turn their backyard pool area into a true resort-style oasis, one of the most compelling combinations we discuss is: a custom pool slide and rock-feature installation, paired with a top-tier pool deck resurfacing system. Below, we explore in depth how this works, why it’s especially fitting for Northeast Florida, and how you can plan for your own transformation.

Why Upgrade the Pool Area in Jacksonville?

For Jacksonville’s warm climate, year-round use of outdoor living spaces is almost a given. A basic pool is great, but when you add features like a rock-slide, waterfall, grotto and then match it all with a high-performance deck surface, you create:

• Increased entertainment appeal for families, friends and gatherings

• Improved safety, comfort and aesthetics (slip resistance, cooler underfoot, fewer maintenance headaches)

• A boost in backyard curb-appeal and home value

In fact, at Coastal Coating & Resurfacing, we frequently see pool decks that are worn, cracked, faded or too hot in the sun. By refurbishing the deck and adding rock/water features, the entire space becomes highly functional and visually striking. coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

Designing a Custom Slide + Rock Water Feature with RicoRock

• RicoRock® manufactures artificial rock panels, boulders, waterfall kits and structural rockwork designed for swimming pools and water features. RicoRock®, Inc.

• Their rock systems are crafted from a high-tech fibre-reinforced concrete (GFRC or FRC) for strength, durability and relatively lightweight installation compared to natural stone. RicoRock®, Inc.

• What sets them apart: the rock units are molded from real rock formations, offering natural texture and character. RicoRock®, Inc.

Why this matters in Jacksonville

• The Florida climate, with heat, humidity, salt air and pool chemistry, demands durable materials — and RicoRock’s dense concrete mix is built for long life and can resist moisture penetration. RicoRock®, Inc.

• Because many slides and rock features are “theming” elements, customizing the shape, height, water-flow characteristics, and how the slide engages the pool is key for a seamless design.

Planning the slide & rock feature

1. Slide location & entry: Choose a safe, accessible point for the slide tower or ramp, ideally oriented to take advantage of the yard and view, while keeping safe clearance for splashdown. A rock formation can wrap or frame the slide to hide supports and plumbing.

2. Rock formation integration: The artificial rock can serve to conceal the slide structure, provide natural-looking steps or steps to climb, support a waterfall or sheet cascade, and tie into the pool coping or deck.

3. Waterfall/Sheet cascade detail: RicoRock offers modular kits (“3 ft Modular”, “4 ft Double”, “Florida Three-Step”, etc.) that allow you to choose the width, drop height, and style of water flow. RicoRock®, Inc.

4. Plumbing & structure: Behind the scenes, the rockwork must integrate with slide structure, pool plumbing (2″ PVC is typical for their waterfall kit plumbing) and ensure the foundation is properly built. RicoRock®, Inc.

5. Material finish & color: Select rock texture and coloration that match your hardscape and landscape. RicoRock offers coloring and acrylic stains for that purpose. RicoRock®, Inc.

What to expect in schedule & cost

• Many RicoRock kits install in one to two days for the modular portion, but wiring/plumbing, structural work, slide installation plus surroundings will take longer. RicoRock®, Inc.

• The cost will vary based on height, slide complexity, rock footprint, integrated waterfall, and labor. But in Jacksonville a well-executed custom slide+rock feature adds significant wow factor and value.

Resurfacing the Pool Deck with the CTi Concrete Acrylic Resurfacing System

What is the CTi system?

• CTi’s offerings (including the Hallmark system, Acrylistain, and other decorative overlays) allow you to transform existing concrete slabs into stylish, durable surfaces.

• Specifically for pool decks, the CTi Concrete Acrylic Resurfacing System (as used by Coastal Coating & Resurfacing) is described as a “modified multi-color, 100% acrylic resin spray coat that is twice as strong as standard concrete” when applied over structurally sound slabs. coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

Benefits in Jacksonville’s climate

• Non-skid and heat-resistant: Important for bare-foot poolside in Florida. The CTi system, as implemented locally, emphasizes these aspects. coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

• Fade, mold, mildew & stain resistant: The coating resists UV, salt air, pool chemicals, and outdoor wear. coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

• Design versatility & maintenance ease: You can choose textures and patterns that mimic stone or tile, and cleaning is straightforward (garden hose and mild detergent). coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

Typical resurfacing process

1. Assessment & preparation: Repair cracks, remove paint/coatings, clean and ensure slab is sound.

2. Base coat application: A skim coat (modified acrylic cement) is applied, which helps even texture and establishes color for “grout lines.”

3. Design-spray coat: Using hopper guns, the texture and main color coat is sprayed, followed by highlight colors if desired. Patterns (tile, stone) can be created with stencils or tape.

4. Sealing: A clear acrylic sealer bonds the system to the slab and provides the final durable finish. According to CTi, this creates a molecular bond and yields a surface “twice as strong as the concrete beneath it.”

Why pair it with the slide/rock feature?

When you install a major visual element like a slide and rock waterfall, your deck surface should match in quality and aesthetic. A damaged or hot-to-the-touch deck undercuts the luxury feel of the new feature. By surfacing with the CTi system, you ensure a cohesive, high-end look and feel that will stand up to wear, water, sun and Florida’s backyard lifestyle.

Bringing It All Together: Project Roadmap for Jacksonville Homeowners

Here’s how to approach a combined project — custom slide/rock feature + deck resurfacing — from concept to completion:

Step 1: Vision & Site Assessment

• Evaluate your yard space: orientation, sun/shade patterns, pool shape, existing deck condition, clearance for slide splashdown, sight-lines and landscaping.

• Decide your key features: slide height, rock formation style (grotto, waterfall, jumps), deck area to resurface, texture & color preferences for deck, integration with hardscape/pavers.

• At Coastal Coating & Resurfacing we’ll help you verify that the concrete deck slab is sound and suitable for the CTi resurfacing.

Step 2: Design & Specifications

• For the rock/slide: select your RicoRock components (e.g., modular waterfall kit size, boulder pieces, enclosure), define plumbing and structural requirements, coordinate with pool builder or remodel contractor.

• For the deck: choose surfacing color, texture, pattern (stone look, stamped motif, custom patterning), and set schedule.

• Confirm budget, timeline, and logistics (access, pool shut-down, staging, weather windows).

Step 3: Construction Sequence

• Usually: install slide/rock feature first (foundation, plumbing, slide structure, rockwork, waterfall plumbing).

• Once the feature is structurally ready and pool is operational, schedule deck resurfacing. The CTi system can usually be applied in 2-4 days, depending on area and prep work. coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

• After surfacing, allow recommended cure time before heavy use (furniture, pool equipment, foot traffic).

Step 4: Finish Details & Landscaping

• Add deck coping, rock accent lighting, waterfalls or sheet cascades, pool interior finish if needed.

• Landscape around rock feature (plantings, palms, bromeliads) so that the rock blends with the yard and gives that resort-style feel.

• Ensure deck furniture, shade structures, outdoor kitchens or bars are properly placed and anchored on your new coating.

Step 5: Maintenance & Longevity

• With the CTi system, upkeep is minimal: hose-off annually, pressure-wash as needed, re-seal per manufacturer recommendation (often after several years).

• For the rock/slide feature: ensure pool water chemistry is balanced (especially around waterfalls), inspect rock joints and slide bolts annually, keep the slide surface clean and safe.

Why Choose Coastal Coating & Resurfacing in Jacksonville

As a locally-owned, family-operated business based in Jacksonville Beach, we bring:

• Certified installation of the CTi Concrete Acrylic Resurfacing System. coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

• Experience installing RicoRock formations and waterfall features in Northeast Florida. coastalcoatingresurfacing.com

• Familiarity with Jacksonville’s climate, building codes, homeowner association constraints and outdoor-living preferences.

• Single-crew consistency (we don’t subcontract), with quality control and warranty.

• A focus on both design and longevity: we understand that in Jacksonville the surface must resist heat, sun, salt air, humidity and pool use.

Final Thoughts

If you’re ready to move beyond a “just-functional” pool deck and want a backyard that says “vacation at home”, combining a custom slide + rock feature (via RicoRock) with a high-performance deck surface (via CTi/Coastal Coating & Resurfacing) is one of the most powerful ways to upgrade.

In Jacksonville, where outdoor living is almost a year-round lifestyle, you want materials and workmanship that will hold up for years, perform safely and look stunning. Let us help you plan the feature, coordinate the installation, and deliver a backyard you’ll love and use for decades.

If you’d like a free site-visit estimate, deck-condition assessment or custom slide/rock consultation for your home in Jacksonville, the Beaches or nearby, just reply or give us a call — we’re ready when you are.

— The team at Coastal Coating & Resurfacing