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Overlay pool deck or replace it?

Q. I live in Minnesota and have weather realted issues to contend with. I have two concrete slabs that that have cracked and have loose concrete. It is unsightly.
I have been told many different things by contractors. What would be the best course of action to make my pool deck look good again. Replacement of concrete. Restaining after replacement. Possibly overlay or epoxy. Any help would be greatly appreciated.

A. The answer depends on how much you are willing to spend. The best solution is to have it torn out and repoured. But this is obviously the most expensive option. Overlays can definitely make it look better, but cannot be used to fix structural problems. Any cracks will eventually come back through. You would probably spend about half the amount for a good overlay that you would for replacement. If you can afford it and plan to live there many more years, then I would have it completely replaced and insist that the new concrete is reinforced with rebar, wire mesh, fiber mesh, or a combination.