How To Fix Cracks And Holes On A Concrete Pool Deck
Generally, people who prefer to have a swimming pool will have a pool deck around that particular area. This pool deck is the space around the swimming pool that can be built using a concrete structure. Concrete decks are durable compared to any other material, so people should make sure to choose a suitable material that withstands stress and concrete deck is one among that material.
But still, the concrete material might be damaged, and the water in the swimming pool might enter the surrounding areas. Soon after, someday, the water will make the concrete loosen, and because of that, the concrete area might crack.
Sometimes people can even witness huge holes in the concrete area, so it is necessary to protect your concrete pool deck with some essential gadgets. There are many alternative deck materials, but they might cost higher than the concrete material. Most people who prefer to have a swimming pool in their homes might build it using concrete material.
Moreover, concrete material is the most robust and durable material in the market, but people might still face some issues in 3 to 4 years. These problems can be rectified by choosing the perfect remedy for filling the cracks and holes. Poolresurfacingscottsdale.com might help you find the right solution for fixing cracks and holes in the concrete pool deck.
Time To Get Out The Big Gun
If you have a pressure washer in your garage, youre halfway to a clean pool deck already. If you dont own one, you can often rent one from your local hardware store .
Even if you cant invest in one now, a good pressure washer is something to think about in the future. They make cleaning concrete a snap, whether its your pool deck or your driveway.
Poorly Compacted Fill Soil
During the construction of an in-ground pool, dirt is first excavated to create space for it. Some of dirt is then replaced around the perimeter of the constructed pool shell. This dirt is known as fill soil or backfill. The concrete pool deck is then poured directly on this fill soil. So, if it was poorly compacted and it often is backfill will compress over time, creating a void under the deck. With nothing to support it, the concrete can often crack, break and settle into the void.
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How To Repair Cracks In Your Concrete Pool Deck
If there is a downside to springtime for pool owners, it is that they see for the first time any damage that winter weather has done to their concrete pool deck. Water expands by about 10% when it freezes, and any water that was under your pool deck last fall could have caused cracking when it expended during the winter.
You should repair and seal cracks in the deck as soon as possible. Leaving them open will only let in more water and result in more damage next winter.
How To Tell If A Pool Is Out Of Level
If an in-ground pool is out of level, then the movement of the pool may have caused the concrete decking around the pool to crack. In-ground pools have considerable weight and when these heavy pools shift or move, it is common to have damaged coping and cracking of the concrete deck.
Checking to see if the pool is level will help determine if this has contributed to the concrete deck cracking. One of the easiest ways to tell if a pool is out level is to look at the water level in relation to the horizontal grout line around the pools edge. If the water level is down one inch from the grout line at point X, it should be the same one inch all away around the pool. If its 2 ½ inches low at the opposite side or end, then the pool would be a I ½ inches out of level. The tile is generally installed level all the way around the pool when it is first built, so it makes a good way to gauge if there has been movement and how much.
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Discover The Most Effective Way To Repair Cracked Or Sinking Pool Decking
In Residential Blog Posts by John TopaMay 8, 2019
Florida homes with a concrete deck round a pool can be susceptible to pool deck sinking or concrete cracking. This pool deck sinking, or cracking could be caused by leaks in the in-ground pool, poor compaction, underground voids or soil erosion due to flooding from tropical rainstorms. In most cases, foundation failure is created by the shifting or settling of dirt thats directly underneath the deck and its base. One of the most common factors that cause voids and sinking dirt is erosion.
When the earth thats underneath the surface erodes, it can cause underground voids, which leaves no support for the concrete deck. This article is going to look at the dangers of eroded earth and its effects on concrete decking around swimming areas, and the most effective way to have them fixed.
Eroded Earth Can Cause Havoc on Concrete Pool Decks
There are a lot of homeowners and HOA organizations that dont realize the negative effects that eroded earth can have on their concrete pool decking. Not to mention, it can also wreak havoc on the structural integrity for their buildings as well. Eroded earth typically happens when an excessive amount of groundwater or rainwater comes in from multiple places. The most common place where its quickly noticed is on the topsoil around the perimeter of a deck or structure.
How to Tell if Your In-Ground Pool is Out of Level
What Happens When the Weather Changes?
Fixing Cracks And Holes On Concrete Pool Deck
Even a small crack in your swimming pool would be extremely dangerous for the swimmers and the wallet as these small cracks might become deeper, and these deep cracks might damage walls. Sharp concrete edges and even the cracks in concrete might be dangerous in bare feet and bare body, especially in a swimsuit.
Moreover, water entering into the crack might enter deeply and damage the walls. So fixing them at the right time might save a lot of money and eliminate risks. People can follow some of the basic steps to fix the holes and cracks in the pool deck.
Fixing cracks can be done by two methods: either people prefer patching or filling the area using suitable raw materials. But the filling is much easier than patchwork as the gaps can easily be filled by cement or any other filling agent by mixing it with the appropriate liquids.
Other than this, people can easily and quickly follow the below-mentioned steps for filling the concrete easily and quickly.
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Solutions For Pool Cracks
If the damage is minor, it may be possible to use a concrete surface patch or filler to repair the crack. Homeowners can repair cracks in pool decks with epoxy by:
- Clean dirt and debris from the crack
- Sand down the entire area
- Clean area with soap and water
- Mix epoxy and apply with an injection gun
- Remove excess epoxy with a scraper
- Let cure for 24 hours
- Clean up excess epoxy with a wire brush
If the damage is extensive, you might have to replace an entire section of pool decking. Review Classic Marcitespool deck resurfacing guide to determine what works best for your project.
Cover In Sealant Or Epoxy
Once the cement patch has finished, spray an adhesive coating over the fix, ensuring the patch and the pool decks connection is sealed. Be sure the epoxy fills up the holes completely. Let the epoxy dry for an hour before using the pool. Do not let anybody walk on the patch until it has completely dried.
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Pressure Wash Your Pool Deck
One obvious yet important way to help your cement last longer is to keep it clean. With debris from trees, dirt, mud and other elements, a dirty pool deck is inevitable. Additionally, the damp environment can lead to algae and mold growth, which is not only unsightly, but can create a slippery, dangerous surface.
Pressure washing is the easiest and most effective way to remove dirt and algae growth, and its a relatively easy project. If youre the DIY type, you can purchase or rent a pressure washer and concrete cleaner and finish the process in a matter of hours. Hiring a professional is another viable option, and can likely become part of your annual or bi-annual service schedule.
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Keeping The Cracks Sealed Is Important
Keeping moisture from getting through any cracks in the concrete is an important part of pool deck maintenance.
The reason is that when water seeps through the cracks in the concrete from rain or water splashing out of the pool, then it penetrates through the cracks and gets into the soil under the concrete deck. When this happens, conditions will likely worsen over time there will be more cracking and any damage to the concrete deck will accelerate.
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Filling The Concrete Pool Deck
First, it is necessary to remove the dust material and other add ons to make the place look clean. People can even prefer vacuuming the areas before the filling process. So by doing this perfectly, the process can be easy, and the filing processs success rate depends on this cleaning process. So make sure to clean the cracked area with care.
The area must not be covered by dust because the dust might disturb the concrete to fit in the place perfectly. Soon after cleaning the area, it is necessary to fill the crack and holes with concrete. Do allow the mixture to fix well in the cracks for almost 24 hours, making the area look perfect.
After 24 hours, fill the outer surface of the area with concrete or cement to make the filling stay in place for a long time. This entire process can be done after fitting the appropriate safety gadgets like gloves and overcoats so that people can avoid skin allergies and rashes.
Concrete Repairs Vs Concrete Resurfacing
There are two different types of pool deck renovation, repairing or resurfacing. Both will fix concrete pool deck cracks however, they vary significantly by the actual cost of the repair. Pool deck resurfacing is costly and highly exhausting work. Concrete pool decks repaired with lifting foam are permanent, while resurfacing provides a temporary solution to problems.
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Manage Your Yards 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 pools health.
How To Fix Concrete Pool Deck Cracks
Your pool is the epicenter for summertime fun. When the concrete pool deck is damaged, you could be dealing with a safety hazard. Heres how you can fix it once and for all.
When the first sign of warm weather hits, its 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 concoctionmaintaining 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 youre dealing with cracks in the concrete around your pool, its 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, well 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.
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Why Is My Pool Deck Cracking
Minor cracking is very normal for a concrete pool deck. Hairline cracks are only a problem if they detract from the appearance of the surface. If you are concerned that the cracks around your swimming pool are more serious, have a concrete contractor out to assess the damage.
Here are a few reasons that your concrete surface may have cracks:
- Freeze-thaw damage Concrete is porous, which may allow water to get in. When that water freezes small flakes from the surface can break off.
- Deicing salts Salts applied in the winter can release alkaline chemicals that can make the freeze-thaw damage worsen.
- Not enough control joints Without properly placed expansion joints, your concrete wont be able to expand and contract with the weather.
- Lack of reinforcement Without any steel in the structure, cracks can occur, as the rebar holds the concrete together.
- Weak concrete If there was too much water in the mix when it was poured, the concrete may be weak, and susceptible to cracks and surface problems.
Go With The Industry Leader
Crack Lock is a proven pool repair option you can choose with confidence. For over 87 Years, Olshan has been a trusted concrete repair expert, known for superior customer service and industry leading warranty protection.
To learn more about how Olshans Crack Lock pool repair technology works, or to schedule a free inspection, contact your local office today. Olshan is ready to get you back in the pool and protect your investment for years to come.
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Mending Bigger Concrete Cracks
Sometimes, applying a filler isnt enough to fix concrete cracks. Your contractor may decide to staple or stitch the crack closed if the damage is more extensive. This can also help to prevent the crack from opening up again.
We recommend hiring a professional if youre unsure about which method you will need to use to repair the cracks in your concrete. Of course, if you feel comfortable enough repairing it yourself, you can DIY the job.
Note: Unfortunately, cracks arent the only issues that appear in concrete pool decks, but they are the most common. Check out our article below on pool deck and patio materials to explore your other options:
The Best Technology Also Happens To Deliver The Best Value
Olshan uses an innovative technology for pool repair called Crack Lock that gives you the combined advantages of reliability and affordability. Crack Lock is a minimally invasive pool repair method that not only restores the cracked area to like-new condition, it also improves seismic strength of the repair. The repair process is fast, simple, and easy on your budget.
Another Crack Lock advantage is that the process is much cleaner than outdated pool repair methods. Because of the advanced carbon fiber technology that Olshan uses, you get far greater strength with much less disruption to the surface of your pool. Olshan technicians remove less concrete and use less epoxy material, resulting in a much more efficient repair.
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The Polyrenewal Installation Process: A Closer Look
We just laid out the basics of how PolyRenewal polyurethane foam injections are installed, but it might be helpful to take a closer look at this process and how it is a better option than mudjacking.
First, an inspector with FSM will come out to your home to evaluate the condition of the concrete pool deck. He will take measurements and note where cracks and settlement are and provide you with an estimate detailing the cost of repairs.
When you are ready to proceed with repairs, the project will then be scheduled with one of our installation crews. Depending on how damaged your pool deck is and how much repair it may need, the process will look something like this:
- Based on the inspectors recommendations, the crew will map out where holes will be drilled and PolyRenewal will be installed.
- Penny-sized holes are drilled into the concrete.
- Injection ports will then be placed in the holes.
- After calculating how much foam is needed, the polyurethane foam is then injected underneath the concrete slabs.
- The foam expands to fill the void between the soil and the slabs to achieve lift and stabilization, and cures in 15 minutes.
- Once the slabs have been properly stabilized and lifted, the drilled holes are filled and grouted, which minimizes appearance of work.
- Any cracks and joints can be filled and repaired with a special sealant.
PolyRenewal Installation Is Not A DIY Project
Concrete Pool Deck Repair with the Help of Area Professionals
LET OUR CONCRETE LIFTING EXPERTS HELP YOU
How To Reduce The Need For Repairs
Once youve finished your pool deck resurfacing project, youll know how much elbow grease goes into tackling this chore. And you probably wont want to do it again. Theres good news: You dont have to bother with resurfacing for a while as long as you properly maintain your pool deck.
But you already knew that was coming, didnt you? Were all about the maintenance here!
The truth is, repair and maintenance go hand in hand when it comes to concrete. If you keep up with small cracks as they appear, youll save yourself a ton of money and effort later on. The same goes for sealing your deck on an annual basis.
A dirty pool deck offers a perfect environment for weeds, algae, and fungus to grow between the concrete sections. Not only is this unsightly, it can be dangerous. Algae and fungus are slippery, especially when theyre wet.
A clean deck not only reduces potential slippery areas, but also keeps unwanted flora from taking root and breaking into your concrete. Regularly pressure washing your pool deck goes a long way to keeping your surface safe, clean, and more crack-resistant.
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