Poolside Etiquette and Protecting Hardwood Flooring from Damage
Summer is finally here and things are really heating up! School is out and the pools are probably the most crowded gathering areas in your communities as far as children, teenagers and parents go. Although we are only thinking about having a ton of fun and relaxing, a swimming pool is a very unassuming danger to your hardwood flooring.
How Can Swimming Pools Be a Danger to My Hardwood Flooring?
Well, let’s not blame the pool directly. It’s more about the traffic going in and out of the area around the pool.
Grit and Debris: Small Particles, Big Scratches on Hardwood Floors
You see, when we go out to the pool, especially as children do, we don’t really think about anything except jumping right in. Bare feet can pick up a plethora of debris, and as most of our pools are outlined with some sort of textured or concrete surface, sedimentary bits easily cling to wet feet once we step out of the water.
We then track these sandy, highly abrasive materials straight back into the house, completely unaware of the damage these micro-pellets are doing to our hardwood flooring. Over time, this gritty debris acts like sandpaper, dulling the finish, creating micro-scratches, and accelerating wear in high-traffic areas. Even small amounts of grit can leave visible marks, especially on darker or glossier finishes.
Water Exposure: How Moisture Leads to Hardwood Flooring Water Damage
Another thing we think even less about is the simple fact that wet bodies are coming in and out of the home. See where I’m going with this?
Of course you do. If you know anything about flooring, you know that hardwood flooring isn’t really made to let water stand on it without absorbing it. Wet hardwood flooring can swell at the edges, causing the joints between boards to become uneven and perceptible to foot traffic. Even exposure to water for as little as an hour, even if cleaned up quickly, can be enough for hardwood boards to begin swelling, curling, or cupping.
And while the surface may appear to dry, lingering moisture can remain trapped in the subfloor underneath wet hardwood flooring, especially when water seeps between planks. This hidden moisture often leads to long-term problems like warping, mold growth, or persistent musty odors.
Discoloration will typically follow, and in more significant cases, the swelling or curling cannot always be reversed. Fortunately, individual board replacement is possible when hardwood flooring water damage becomes irreversible, helping restore the overall appearance without tearing out the entire floor.
Sunlight Exposure: The Fading Effect of UV Rays
Speaking of discoloration, are you opening your blinds and letting the light in on these beautiful days?
Warning! While this may seem like a wonderful idea, your hardwood flooring can darken or fade when subjected to constant sun exposure. Many people do not realize this until it is too late. Over time, UV rays can create uneven color patches, lighten certain wood species, darken others, and even weaken the finish itself.
Luckily, you’ve read this, so now you know to keep them shaded! Rotating rugs, closing blinds during peak sunlight, or using UV-filtering window treatments can help maintain the beauty and consistency of your hardwood flooring for years to come.
What Should I Do If My Hardwood Flooring Gets Wet?
Since water can be the most immediately and intensely damaging, when it gets onto your hardwood flooring, quick action can make all the difference. Here’s a simple step-by-step list to help minimize damage:
- Remove Standing Water Immediately: Use towels to blot up as much water as you can right away, or use a wet vacuum if available. The goal is to keep moisture from sitting on the surface long enough to soak into the wood.
- Check for Hidden Moisture: Lift any rugs, mats, or nearby furniture to make sure water hasn’t become trapped underneath. Even small amounts of hidden moisture can continue causing swelling or discoloration long after the surface appears dry.
- Begin the Drying Process Safely: Set up fans and a dehumidifier to circulate air and pull moisture from the room. Let them run for several days depending on how much water was involved. Avoid direct heat from hair dryers or space heaters, since these can dry the boards unevenly and make cupping or cracking worse.
- Inspect the Floor After Drying: Once the area is fully dry, look closely for signs of warping, cupping, or discoloration. Minor issues may settle back down or be corrected with light sanding. For more noticeable swelling or curling, consult a flooring professional who can determine if refinishing or replacing individual planks is needed.
- Take Preventative Steps Going Forward: Clean up spills quickly, use mats or rugs in high-risk areas, and maintain a regular cleaning and refinishing routine. A good-quality sealer can also give your hardwood flooring an extra layer of moisture resistance.
- Consider DIY Solutions for Minor Damage: If you notice small areas of swelling or cupping, you can sometimes reduce their appearance once the wood is fully dry, such as by gently weighting raised boards or lightly sanding affected spots. Just remember: if the damage doesn’t improve or worsens, it’s best to bring in a professional.
Summer Season Hardwood Flooring Protection
Quick Tips for Preventing Poolside Damage to My Hardwood Flooring
- Use mats that are designed to absorb moisture. Place them at the openings of your home on bother the outside and inside of the doorways. This will catch extra water as well as allow for removing dirt and debris from the feet.
- Place dry towels at the entrances on the outside of the door for children and guests to dry off before they even step foot inside the house.
- Keep your flooring shaded or minimize the amount of sun time that the flooring is exposed to. If you really want to let some light in that is completely fine, just make sure to protect your hardwood flooring after you are finished enjoying it by closing the blinds you opened when finished or no longer in the room.
