Interesting point about epoxy...have you noticed any slipperiness issues when it's wet? I've been debating epoxy vs polymeric sand for my patio, but safety around the pool is a big factor for me. Curious how it holds up underfoot.
"Interesting point about epoxy...have you noticed any slipperiness issues when it's wet?"
I've done epoxy coatings around my pool area before, and yeah, it can get pretty slick when wet if you don't add texture. The key is mixing in a good anti-slip additive—usually silica sand or aluminum oxide. Just sprinkle it evenly onto the wet epoxy coat and roll it in lightly. Makes a huge difference underfoot, especially with kids running around. Polymeric sand is decent too, but epoxy with grit added has held up better for me long-term.
I agree about adding grit to epoxy—makes all the difference. I've used aluminum oxide myself, and it definitely holds up well over time. One thing I'd add though: be careful not to go overboard when sprinkling it in. I made that mistake on a driveway project once... thought more grit meant safer footing, but ended up with a surface that was rough enough to scrape knees and elbows if someone fell. Lesson learned.
"Polymeric sand is decent too, but epoxy with grit added has held up better for me long-term."
Yeah, polymeric sand works okay at first, but I've noticed it tends to wear down faster in high-traffic areas. Epoxy with silica or aluminum oxide just seems tougher, especially around pools or patios where water and foot traffic are constant. Just my two cents from experience.
Good points about epoxy durability, but honestly, polymeric sand isn't always that bad. I've had decent luck with it around patios—especially if you seal it properly afterward. Maybe not as bulletproof as epoxy, but easier to redo if something goes wrong... just my experience.
Yeah, polymeric sand can definitely hold its own if you're careful with prep and sealing. I've seen it used around pool decks and patios, and honestly, it looked pretty good even after a couple of seasons. One thing I've noticed though—if you have heavy rain or drainage issues, polymeric sand can sometimes wash out or get patchy faster than you'd expect. Epoxy doesn't seem to have that issue as much, but like you said, it's a pain if something goes wrong.
Have you tried different brands of polymeric sand? I've heard some folks swear by certain brands being way more durable than others. Also curious if climate plays a big role here... maybe areas with harsher winters or freeze-thaw cycles might see different results? Just thinking out loud here, since durability can vary so much depending on conditions.
