17 September 2026 ยท Timber Deck Sanding
How to Sand a Timber Deck Around a Pool in Tamarin
Poolside timber decks work hard in Tamarin. They receive intense west-coast sun, splashed chlorinated water, sunscreen, sand and salt-laden air, often while bare feet move across them every day. When the boards turn grey or the old oil starts flaking, sanding can restore a clean surface, but pool surrounds need more care than an open garden deck. Water, drains and tight edges all change the job.
Start with a dry, safe work area
Do not sand immediately after cleaning the pool surround or after rain. Timber needs to be dry throughout, not just dry on top. Allow at least 24 to 48 hours of settled weather, longer in shaded areas or where boards sit close to damp masonry. Cover the pool with a secure protective sheet, switch off nearby pumps and remove furniture, planters and loose grit. Keep sanding dust out of the water and away from skimmer boxes.
Before using a machine, check every board for raised screws, loose fixings, cracked ends and soft patches. A sander will not repair a structural problem. Replace or secure damaged boards first, and make sure drainage channels are clear so the finished deck can dry properly.
Choose a controlled sanding sequence
For sound but weathered hardwood, begin with 60-grit. Use 40-grit only where old coating, deep greying or raised grain requires it. Follow with 80-grit and finish around 100 or 120-grit. The aim is an even, open surface that will accept oil, not a polished floor that becomes slippery when wet.
A random orbital sander is usually safer around a pool than an aggressive belt sander because it is easier to control near drains, coping and board ends. Keep it moving, work with the grain and never hold a running machine in one spot. On narrow strips and steps, use a sanding block or detail sander. Handwork takes longer, but it prevents rounded edges and gouges where a machine cannot sit flat.
Pay attention to pool edges and transitions
Stop short of coping, tile and waterproof membranes rather than forcing a machine into the joint. Sand those margins by hand and keep the abrasive flat. Do not bridge movement gaps with dust or filler. Pool decks expand and contract, and blocked gaps can trap water against the board ends.
Use a vacuum connected to the sander where possible. Sweep with a soft broom, then vacuum the gaps and perimeter. Avoid blasting the deck with a pressure washer after sanding: it can drive dust and moisture into joints and roughen the freshly prepared timber. A lightly damp microfibre wipe is enough, followed by a complete drying period.
Oil at the right time
Apply a suitable exterior decking oil only when the timber is clean, dry and not hot enough to flash-dry the product. A shaded morning with a dry forecast is usually better than the middle of a Tamarin afternoon. Work in manageable sections, wipe away excess oil and keep the pool protected until the coating has cured according to the manufacturer's instructions. Choose a product intended for poolside exterior timber, and avoid creating a thick film that can peel or become slippery.
Need a pool deck assessed or restored? Rivage Decking provides timber sanding, oiling and repairs across Tamarin, Tamarina Golf Estate, Flic en Flac and Mauritius' west coast. See our Tamarin decking services or contact the team for a site visit.