A concrete pool deck can crack because concrete shrinks as it cures, the ground beneath it moves or washes out, water reaches the soil around the pool, or freezing and thawing add stress through the winter. Missing or poorly placed joints and the area where the deck meets the pool can also be trouble spots.
Some cracks are mostly cosmetic, while others point to movement that should be looked at. The actual cause depends on the deck and the site.
Common Contributing Factors
Like all concrete, pool decks shrink as they dry and move with temperature. Joints are placed to give that movement a planned place to go. Without them, cracks are more likely to form at random.
Pool decks are often placed over soil that was disturbed and backfilled when the pool was built. That soil can settle over time, which may leave parts of the deck without even support.
Water is another factor. Splash-out, leaks, poor drainage and runoff can soften or wash out soil under the deck.
Tree roots, heavy pool equipment and furniture placed on edges or joints may also be part of the picture on some decks, though each site is different.
Michigan Winters and Pool Decks
In Kalamazoo, pool decks sit through months of snow and freeze-thaw cycles. Water that gets into cracks and joints can freeze and widen them over time.
The joint between the deck and the pool coping is a common place for water to get in. Keeping that joint in good condition can help protect both the deck and the area beneath it.
What Cracks Can and Cannot Tell You
A crack’s appearance alone does not prove its cause. An evaluation looks at location, pattern, any height difference, whether the crack is changing and the conditions around it, including drainage and the pool itself.
Cracks that create trip edges, let water reach the soil or keep growing deserve attention sooner, especially in an area where people walk barefoot.
Keeping notes on when cracks first appeared, such as after a hard winter or a pool repair, can help an evaluation.
Possible Next Steps
Depending on what is found, options may include sealing cracks and joints, repairing damaged areas, concrete resurfacing for a stable deck with surface wear, or replacing sections that have moved or broken.
If a leak in the pool or plumbing is suspected, that should be checked by a pool professional. Repairs to the deck may not hold up if water keeps reaching the soil.
Taking photos of cracks at the start and end of each season can help show whether they are changing.
If your pool deck is cracking, a professional evaluation can help determine what may be causing it and what options fit. Learn more about our concrete pool deck services in Kalamazoo, or call (269) 404-2457.
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