There are surefire signs that your pool deck needs resurfacing: Shifted soil, sloping, mold, algae, and fading color. These signs indicate that your deck is starting to sink. The first step to taking care of a sinking pool deck is to get a quote from a reputable company.
However, some contractors still rely on old methods of raising concrete, which are messy and noisy. In this article, we’ll cover the top signs your pool deck needs resurfacing to help you decide what the best course of action is for your property.
Sloping
If your swimming pool deck is sloping, it likely needs resurfacing. The concrete underneath the pool can begin to settle, resulting in uneven water levels. This can lead to pool water collecting in areas other than the pool itself. Additionally, it can become slippery, causing accidents and a tripping hazard for children. You can get the uneven concrete level corrected by injecting a lightweight polyurethane foam underneath it.
When your pool deck needs resurfacing, you can either replace the entire surface or resurface the individual sections. You can simply cut the boards to size if the deck is made of wood. If the deck is made of concrete, you can install the new beams alongside the existing boards. Plastic beams, however, can be installed almost anywhere. Be sure to level the surface with the existing material before removing it.
While some homeowners prefer a 2% slope, choosing a material that can withstand extreme weathering conditions is important. A poorly chosen surface can look very old, attracting high repair costs.
Ultimately, you want to get your money’s worth out of your pool deck and make the most of it. Besides, you want to avoid exposing the pool to moisture, as this can damage the subfloor and the foundation.
Mold
The first step in cleaning your pool deck is to remove any food or debris. Food and debris left on the deck can cause stains. Clean these items immediately by scrubbing them with a scrub brush. If this process is too time-consuming, you can hire a power washing company to do the job for you. Make sure to rinse the water thoroughly afterward. If the mold is still present, it may be time for resurfacing.
If the mold has spread to the underside of your deck, you will need to replace the entire deck. It is very difficult to remove mold with bleach alone. In fact, some severe cases may require complete deck replacement. Pool decks also tend to settle like houses so a few small cracks can turn into a major problem. Minor cracks can be repaired, but more serious problems can lead to a costly deck resurfacing.
As a result of this moisture, mold and mildew will start to grow and spread on your concrete pool deck. The discolored concrete will look dirty and slippery. Over time, mold and mildew will spread to other areas of your concrete pool deck. This makes the problem worse and more difficult to fix. Mold and mildew cannot be removed using a simple scrubbing technique. Instead, a professional resurfacing contractor will remove the mold and make it look new again.
Algae
A thick layer of algae or green water on your pool’s surface is a sure sign it’s time to resurface. These signs can indicate a variety of issues, from structural damage to cracks and algae growth. If you notice any of these problems, it’s time to call a professional to repair the damage and restore your pool’s aesthetic beauty. Resurfacing can be an affordable way to fix leaks and improve the overall look of your pool. Whether you opt for tiles or aggregates, you’ll be able to find the right color and texture for your pool’s new look.
Algae can cause water to look cloudy or red. The surface of your pool may also look chalky or resemble sandpaper. The surface may also feel rough or even show some raw gunite underneath. While patching these stains is a temporary solution, they will eventually spread to other areas of the pool. Algae stains can be particularly difficult to remove with simple pool chemicals.
Shifted Soil
If the soil on your pool deck has started to shift, it may be a sign that it needs resurfacing. If the soil is not uniform, it may cause cracks or puddles in the pool area. Shifted soil may need to be replaced entirely. However, there are solutions for this problem that don’t require the total replacement of the concrete slab.
The problem isn’t always obvious if your concrete pool deck has cracks or sunken slabs. It may result from slope creep, an erosion process that causes heavy in-ground pools to shift. One way to spot slope creep is the water level around the pool. If the pool is in an area with high groundwater, it will start to float upward. This process of uplift can affect the soil underneath the pool. Then, it may require slab replacement or concrete leveling.
Soil stability is affected by several factors, including the weight of the concrete slab and the additional structures surrounding the pool. The more unstable the soil is, the more likely it is to crack. A pool deck bears a great deal of additional weight, including that of people, screens, and water. Shifted soil is a sign your pool deck needs resurfacing.
Large Cracks in the Surface
The first step in resurfacing your pool deck is identifying the problem areas. Small cracks can be repaired using patching materials. Larger cracks require resurfacing. However, you can still patch the cracks yourself. To do so, you can read the manufacturer’s instructions and follow them carefully. If you have a concrete slab, you should consider resurfacing your pool deck if it has large cracks.
Repairing your concrete pool deck is a simple process. Many homeowners opt for this option because it costs less than resurfacing your entire deck. While concrete repairs are an option, they often compromise the aesthetic property. You can cover ugly patches with a coating or a stain. You can also choose decorative options such as stamped overlays. Resurfacing your pool deck is an excellent option if you want to make your backyard paradise more appealing.
Old age
If you have noticed stains or cracks in your pool deck, it is probably time for resurfacing. Some stains are easy to remove with a power washer, while others may require more extensive work. Severe stains may require a full concrete slab replacement. Cracked coping is as unsightly as a cracked pool surface. Even a small crack can become a safety hazard if you don’t address it quickly.
While old age may not be a big deal, it can lead to a number of problems. You may want to expand your deck to include a hot tub or change the material covering it. Old age is another sign your pool deck needs resurfacing. You can choose different materials to give it a new look and feel. Old age can also lead to slipping, so consider resurfacing your deck today.
If you notice that the deck has cracks and is beginning to deteriorate, it’s time to resurface it. Cracks can lead to the growth of algae and mold. Cracks in concrete are even more challenging to remove. The water that pools collect in the deck will create pressure on the pool’s foundation, which can affect its structure. A properly-restored pool deck can save you thousands of dollars in repairs down the road.