Mortex Kool Deck Elite Cool Deck Topping Review (2026)
By Nate Sawyer, Editor · Updated July 2026
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- Cool underfoot
- Pool decks
- Heat reduction
- Non skid
The original Tucson-born cool-deck topping, a cement-based, acrylic-modified mix you tint and trowel over concrete to drop a scorching pool deck's surface temperature and add a comfortable non-skid texture. Unlike roll-on coatings it is a genuine masonry job: mixing and troweling take skill, it bonds best to fresh or well-prepped slabs, and you will likely source it from a pool-supply specialist rather than a home center.
Pros
- The original cool-deck topping — light color and texture cut surface heat markedly
- Cement-based topping is harder and more durable than a thin paint film
- Non-skid mottled texture is comfortable and safe around a wet pool
Cons
- Mix-and-trowel cement application is labor-intensive and skill-dependent, not roll-on
- Best bonded to fresh or properly prepped concrete — retrofit prep is demanding
- Sold mainly through specialty pool suppliers, not big-box stores
Specifications
| Type | Cement-based acrylic-modified topping (add water + color) |
|---|---|
| Coverage | ~one 50 lb unit per ~200-350 sq ft depending on texture |
| Finish/Texture | Troweled/knockdown mottled texture |
| Dry time | Cure like concrete — keep off ~24-72 hrs, water traffic longer |
| Slip resistance | High — natural non-skid mineral texture |
| Cleanup | Water while wet |
| Use | Concrete pool decks and patios needing a cooler walking surface |
Frequently Asked Questions
- Does a cool deck coating really reduce heat?
- Yes — the light color combined with the textured cement topping cuts surface temperature markedly, which is the entire reason it exists for pool decks in hot climates.
- Is Kool Deck a DIY product?
- It is demanding. This is a mix-and-trowel cement topping, not a roll-on coating, so results depend on trowel skill and it is best bonded to fresh or properly prepped concrete. A retrofit needs serious prep.
- Where do you buy it?
- Mainly through specialty pool suppliers rather than big-box stores. Coverage is roughly one 50 lb unit per 200-350 sq ft depending on texture, and it cures like concrete — keep off 24-72 hours, longer for water traffic.