Pond Boss Forums GENERAL QUESTIONS Property Projects & Construction Safe pond dock sealer?

Can anyone suggest a safe sealer to apply to 12-year old treated lumber deck boards that extend out over the pond? I have power washed and will have rough sanded it this week and havent found a lot of info about readily available sealers that are safe for the bluegills and bass in my half acre pond. I may have a local source for vermont natural coatings but wanted some Forum suggestions and experiences.

Hey southwest,
I don't know how safe any of them are for use around the pond. I refinished mine last summer and used Cabots Australian timber oil. After reading up on the stuff it sounded like it would be good since my deck was also old and dry. The stuff supposedly soaks in to the wood and after using it, I would agree. The finish wasn't quite as nice as I had hoped for but it did make a huge difference.

When applying it, I used a brush and was very careful to try and avoid any excess to keep from dripping any into the water. Time consuming but better than taking a risk of spraying it in the water. I'm sure any product you use would be fine with careful application.

I'm going to go out on a limb and guess that any minimal amount that gets in the pond would probably be diluted to the point of not being harmful. If you were to accidentally drop the entire gallon in then I would say there would be consequences. Sorry I can't help ya more but that's how I did mine.

Dockbuilders.com has a couple of products that may fill your need. I haven't used either but noticed them when I was purcasing dock building kits last year.

http://www.dockbuilders.com/spa-n-deck-wood-finish.htm

http://www.dockbuilders.com/woodrx-deck-stain-sealer.htm

Thanks, Tranquility. Appreciate you weighing in. We will use brushes as you said to reduce drops into pond. As much dock sealing is done, I thought I would find more guidance online, and especially on this forum. I guess most folks are just using lots of caution in the application department, and going with a decent sealer regardless of VOC content. This project will get finished (no pun intended) this week, so I will report back on the experience. Thanks also to dj, I had seen those sites but was hoping for a commonly available solution to this common need. Stay tuned and I will report back; cross your fingers for no dead bluegills.

Folks have been sensitized by advocacy groups concerning chemicals in the products that we buy. The truth is that most fish kills are the result of organic/natural causes like too much plant material dying in the water. If sealers caused a significant effect when docks were treated, the companies that made them would be sued out of existance. I do not blame you for being concerned. We are blitzed with propaganda.