Pool decks are an important part of any outdoor living space. They provide a great way to enjoy the pool, provide added safety, and make the space look great. Unfortunately, pool decks can settle over time, leading to cracking and other structural damage. In this blog post, we’ll discuss what causes pool decks to settle, the effects of settling, and how to prevent and repair pool deck settling.
Pool decks are structures built around the perimeter of a pool, typically made from wood, concrete, stone, or brick. They provide a way to walk around the pool and also provide safety features such as railings, fences, and ladders. Pool decks can also be covered in a variety of materials such as tile, pavers, or stamped concrete.
Why Pool Decks Settle
Pool decks can settle over time due to a variety of reasons including poorly compacted soil, poorly prepared foundation, improperly installed pool decks, and poorly maintained pool decks. All of these factors can contribute to settling and lead to structural damage.
Reasons Why Pool Decks Settle
1. Poorly Compacted Soil – The soil beneath a pool deck must be properly compacted to ensure the deck is stable. Poorly compacted soil can cause the soil to settle, leading to cracking and buckling of the pool deck.
2. Poorly Prepared Foundation – If the foundation of the pool deck is not properly prepared, it can settle over time. This can lead to cracking and sinking of the pool deck.
3. Improperly Installed Pool Decks – If a pool deck is not installed correctly, it can cause settling and other structural damage. This is why it is important to hire a professional to install a pool deck.
4. Poorly Maintained Pool Decks – Pool decks need to be regularly maintained to ensure they remain stable. Regular cleaning, sealing, and repairs can help prevent settling.
Effects of Pool Deck Settling
When a pool deck settles, it can lead to a variety of problems including cracking in the pool deck, leaning or sloping of the pool deck, and sinking or shifting of the pool deck. These issues can make the pool deck unsafe and unsightly.
Prevention and Repair of Pool Deck Settling
Concrete is durable and can last long but the best way to prevent pool deck settling is to ensure the soil is properly compacted prior to installation, the foundation is properly prepared, and the pool deck is installed correctly. Regular maintenance and repairs can also help prevent pool deck settling. If a pool deck does settle, professional repairs may be needed to fix the problem.
Conclusion
Pool decks are a great way to enjoy the pool and add safety features to your outdoor living space. However, pool decks can settle over time due to a variety of reasons. This can lead to cracking, leaning, and sinking of the pool deck, making it unsafe and unsightly. Proper soil compaction, foundation preparation, regular maintenance, and professional repairs can help prevent and repair pool deck settling.