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Board budgets $725,000 placeholder for R.H. Johnson pool deck; staff favor Aquaflex coating
Summary
Directors approved including $725,000 in next year’s capital plan as a placeholder for replacing the R.H. Johnson pool deck. Staff recommended a rubberized Aquaflex coating (shorter downtime, lower recurring maintenance) over travertine stone; the dollar amount will allow staff to complete procurement and finalize scope.
The Sun City West governing board on April 23 added a $725,000 placeholder to the FY2026–27 capital plan to fund replacement of the R.H. Johnson pool deck surface, while staff recommended a rubberized coating (Aquaflex) over travertine natural stone.
Maintenance and capital staff presented operational and life‑cycle comparisons. The travertine option was estimated to have a longer theoretical life (about 25 years) but requires yearly sealing (estimated about $20,000 per year) and would need demolition of existing concrete — increasing downtime and risk of damage to underlying plumbing. Staff estimated the travertine 5‑year cost at roughly $245,000 (spread basis) in one example.
By contrast, the Aquaflex coating carried a higher initial install estimate (revised to about $625,000 based on site visit and scope for R.H. Johnson) and a stated useful life of roughly 15 years, but operations argued Aquaflex gives superior slip resistance, a softer surface for fall mitigation, lower annual maintenance and significantly less facility downtime (about 30 days install vs. 90 days for travertine). The association’s insurance provider reviewed both surfaces and said both were acceptable but indicated a preference for the Aquaflex surface because of slip resistance and occupant safety.
Directors agreed to include the larger of the two estimates in next year’s capital plan so staff can proceed with procurement and final engineering without underbudgeting the project. Board members emphasized the placeholder dollar is not a final scope approval: the decision on product, warranty options and final contractor selection will follow competitive bidding and further technical review. Several residents and board members noted the association’s prior experience with a failed pool deck product and emphasized the need to choose a contractor and material with proven track records.
The board’s decision was limited to adding the dollar figure to the FY2026–27 plan; the final selection between travertine and Aquaflex and contract award will be made after staff completes evaluations and solicits bids.
