How to Best Protect Pool Deck from Grill Grease?
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How Do I Protect My Pool Deck from Grill Grease?
For many of us the ultimate summer weekend getaway is right in our backyard, on our pool deck. Kids splashing in the pool, adults sipping cold beers and grilling, the smell of smoke and sound of music. It does not get any better! Just make sure you know how to protect your pool deck from grill grease?
To protect your pool deck from grill grease you must use a grill mat under the grill. The mat will protect from grease drips, burning embers and radiant heat. Protect nearby deck railings or furniture by draping them in thick wet blankets.
The joy of grilling and having fun with family & friends on your own backyard pool deck on a summer afternoon is the epitome of the American Dream. Live it! But live it with responsibility.
You of course need to protect your pool deck from the grill heat and the grill grease. No matter what the decking material, wood, concrete or natural stone pavers; they can all get stained by the dripping grill grease!
A pool deck can also get damaged by the high radiant heat from the grill. The high heat from the grill can also damage railings and other fixtures that are close by. Actually, a grill is a potential fire hazard and must be kept at least 10 feet away from the house and any flammable objects.
Most importantly with a party atmosphere and kids running around, you need to be extra vigilant when it comes to personal safety. It is best to cordon off the grill area so that the young ones are kept at a safe distance. Let the grill be operated only by experienced and responsible adults.
What Can I Put Under My Grill to Catch Grease?
Grill Mat
To protect your pool deck from grill grease, hot embers and grill radiant heat you should place a grill mat or a grill protector pad under the grill. Make sure the grill mat is larger than the footprint of the grill.
The important features to look for in a high quality grill mat for pool decks is
- Large enough size
- High temperature resistance
- Fireproof, waterproof and anti-skid
- Non-stick and Easy to clean
- Lightweight and easy to store
You can use the MAJITA Grill Mat to protect your pool deck from a fire pit too!
Drip Pan
A drip pan placed under juicier and fattier pieces of meat will also help contain the grease drip. A drip pan serves many purposes
- Controls flare ups
- Keeps the grill clean
- Reduces waste
- Captures the flavors for use in sauces
- Temporary storage for food or leftovers
How Do I Protect My Deck Railing from the Grill Heat?
More often than not you will place your grill on one side of the pool deck and away from the main house. This means that the grill may be close to a wooden, iron or vinyl railing or fence.
A roaring charcoal grill can get pretty hot (1800°F). Even though the grill is not in direct contact with the railing or fence, radiant heat can cause some damage.
It is best to protect the railing or fence by throwing a thick wet blanket on it. Spray water with the garden hose if the blanket dries up during grilling.
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What Is the Best Way to Protect My Decking?
Drip pans will capture the grill grease just below the meat pieces and a grill mat will get most of the grease splatter from the grilling. But they by themselves can not protect your entire pool deck from grill grease.
In a pool party your guests will be all over the deck, eating, drinking and having a great time. Be totally prepared that some of the food, especially grease & sauce, will end up on the pool deck!
Use wet wipes to scoop up as much of the mess as possible. Keep a wet mop and some soap water handy. Give the spot a quick swipe of the mop and party on!
Cleaning up will be a breeze if your pool deck has been well sealed. All decking material, wood, concrete or natural stone pavers are porous. The porosity may vary from material to material but pool decks need to be sealed and waterproofed.
Sealing will protect your pool deck from grill grease and other food & beverage stains.
The best sealer for each type of decking material is
WOOD POOL DECK:
Thompson’s Waterseal Clear Water-Based Waterproofer Wood Protector even exceeds Industry Standard ASTM D-4446 for Waterproofing Wood. It is exceptionally good at
- Preventing Water Damage
- Maintaining Wood’s Natural Color
- Resisting Mildew and UV Damage
A composite wood deck will not need a sealer if it is capped. If not capped a sealer would be required.
CONCRETE POOL DECK:
Foundation Armor SX5000 Water Based Silane Siloxane Penetrating Concrete Sealer is a water-based Department of Transportation approved Silane-Siloxane penetrating concrete sealer.
It penetrates deep into the substrate where it chemically reacts to form a hydrophobic barrier within the pores. This reduces the absorption of water by up to 95%. It protects concrete, from within, without changing the look or feel of the surface.
NATURAL STONE POOL DECK:
Miracle Sealants 511QT6 511 Impregnator Sealer will last 1-3 years on a natural stone pool deck. The actual life depends on the texture, foot traffic and even the strength of the power wash.
Thank you very much for reading the post. I do hope you found it informative and helpful.
