I thought of installing curtains, but this would have some side-effects I might not be happy with (cost, forgetting to draw them and loosing a lot of sun light through out the day)

several times a day), so I'm going to have to keep them inside and take them out front for pottying during this process. During the years since the deck was built, dirt and fur has accumulated between the boards. I know I have to get it out before doing anything. After that's done and I clean the deck well and while it's drying out, can I let the dogs out there or must they be kept off it since they WILL track in soil from the yard? OR, can I cover the deck floor with a large vinyl tarp during the drying out process so the dogs can go out there? I've also read not to use chlorine bleach on it but to use oxygen bleach because it's less destructive to the wood. What about that?

And last question, once the sealant is put down, would putting a tarp on IT and letting the dogs out be a no-no? If it IS a no-no, is there a sealant that will dry out in 24 hours for sure? Keeping the dogs off the deck is going to be a chore and I'm trying to make my life easier. OH, and one more question. Since the deck isn't brand new, will that effect the kind of sealant I use -- transparent, semi, or whatever?