When the first sign of warm weather hits, it’s time for pool owners to roll back the tarp and revive their pool from its winter hibernation. From draining and cleaning to adding in the right chemical concoction—maintaining a healthy pool is essential for summertime fun.
Did you know that having an even concrete pool deck is part of a safe, healthy pool?
When you’re dealing with cracks in the concrete around your pool, it’s not just an unsightly nuisance. Cracks and uneven concrete around your pool present a major safety hazard, as children or older adults can easily trip and fall either on the concrete or in the pool itself.
In this blog, we’ll explore why cracks appear in concrete pool decks, the types of cracks you might find, and how you can maintain your pool deck for years to come.
Why Do Cracks Appear Around Pools?
Hydrostatic Pressure
It’s all about the soil. Expansive soil, typically composed of clay, is highly sensitive to changes in moisture. During periods of heavy rain, it expands, inflicting pressure on your concrete pool deck or concrete pool itself. This phenomenon is called hydrostatic pressure. During periods of drought, soil contracts, creating voids and air pockets. This shifting support system surrounding your pool makes concrete unable to remain sturdy in the face of changing weather.
Weather
Freeze-thaw cycles also have an impact on the concrete around your pool. Just as moisture levels can cause soil to expand and contract, water soaked up by the porous concrete itself can freeze and expand when the weather is below freezing. As the freeze-thaw cycle continues throughout early spring, cracks are worsened as water sneaks into the crevasses, freezes, and expands again.
Construction
Poor construction or engineering of a pool can be a bad omen for your concrete pool deck. During the installation process, there’s a large-scale excavation of the soil so that the pool can be placed below ground. After the pool is installed, if the soil surrounding the pool and below the deck isn’t properly compacted, then it’s vulnerable to excessive shifting and poor drainage. Both of which can cause your concrete to crack.
Types of Cracks in Pool Decks
Hairline
A particularly thin crack that doesn’t protrude and does not form a gap. Hairline cracks typically are dormant and don’t grow at rapid or concerning rates. You’ll want to keep an eye on them, but they’re nothing to worry about.
Active
Active cracks tend to progressively get larger, protrude, and create an uneven path for walking. You’ll see noticeable gaps in the crack, and one side may be higher than the other. These cracks are a sign of poor soil support and present a tripping hazard.
Why Should You Repair Your Cracked Concrete Pool Deck?
For Safety
We all tell our kids not to run around the pool, but have you considered making your pool deck safer to walk on? Cracks, especially severe ones in concrete, present a tripping hazard for older adults and children. Having major cracks bordering your pool is extremely dangerous, as not only could people fall, but they could fall into the pool as well.
For Entertaining
If you’ve invested in a pool, you likely care about hosting your friends and family for some summer fun. Fixing the concrete around your home can make the space more inviting for any visitor. You won’t have anything extra to worry about safety hazards, and you can focus on the design and function of your outdoor space.
Pool Deck Maintenance
Concrete Repair and Lifting
Concrete lifting is a way to make your cracked or uneven concrete more level using mud or foam. Polyurethane foam is the superior substance for concrete lifting—and at Groundworks, our PolyRenewal™ Injections can restore your concrete back to health. Concrete experts will drill a penny-sized hole into your concrete, then inject lightweight, water-resistant polyurethane foam below your concrete. Then, it only takes 15 minutes to cure. You can start walking on your concrete the same day as the installation.
Control the Flow of Water Runoff
As the seasons change and weather heats up, some areas of the country, namely the eastern seaboard, south, and Midwest experience heightened rain. Addressing water drainage in your backyard can help you seize the season. Redirecting water from your roof through a well-functioning gutter system can help keep your foundation and pool safe from erosion. Not only that, but it can lessen the danger to your concrete, and lessen the debris collecting in your pool. When there’s a big rainstorm, observe the flow of water coming from your roof to best target the problem.
Manage Your Yard’s Landscaping
You take pride in the way your yard looks, but as an added incentive, controlling your landscape can improve the health of your pool and pool deck. When vegetation or plants overgrow your concrete, it can promote erosion of your concrete, along with excess debris in your pool. Having a consistent schedule for cleaning up your grass, garden, or other vegetation can help self-regulate your concrete and pool’s health.
Fixing Foundation Cracks
Concrete cracks along with cracks in your foundation both stem from the same root cause—weak, shifting soil. This means that when you notice either one of these issues, other things may be happening under your nose. When you notice cracks in your concrete, have your foundation inspected as well. Concrete and foundation problems may have the same cause, but they also have different solutions. One can be a dog whistle for the other.
Get a FREE Inspection of your Concrete Pool Deck
At Groundworks, we offer completely free inspections of your concrete, so you can be sure if you’re facing a real problem. Our certified professionals will pinpoint the issue with your pool deck, explain what’s gone wrong, and offer you a free quote for a comprehensive repair plan. We don’t pressure you into booking with us—the decision is all yours. Then, once your concrete is rejuvenated with PolyRenewal™ injections, you can enjoy your yard and not look back.
