Your concrete pool deck can crack in cold weather due to freezing and thawing cycles, which have similar effects as expansion and contraction in hot weather. When water molecules within the concrete freeze, they can over-expand, causing the concrete to break or crack.
Cracks in pool decks are common and generally are not considered major. It is wise for homeowners to keep cracks sealed, which helps reduce future cracking and more expensive repairs.
"The most common cracks in pool decks are hairline cracks like you have," says Steve Bludsworth, owner of All-Pool Service and Supply in Orlando. Most cracks result from the concrete constantly moving because of hot/cold and wet/dry conditions, Bludsworth says. Movement of the ground also causes cracks.
First, drain the pool until it reaches the level below the cracked area. Next, sand the cracked area and cut around the crack with a diamond-bladed saw. Fill the crack with hydraulic cement if it is leaking water. Next, apply the bond coat, followed by the mixed polyester putty.
For minor cracks, simply cover it with fiberglass paint. For more severe cracks, generally cracks that measure between ½-inch deep and extend 1-inch in length on both sides, the crack and surrounding area may need to be sanded down, with any loose particles removed.
Shrinkage or Surface Cracks
Surface cracks can be seen in the plaster and generally don't mean that you have a leak. Surface cracks don't usually run through the shell of the pool and cause leaks. These are also pretty normal and can be repaired easily.
Poorly placed control or expansion joints can also cause your concrete pool deck to crack. Concrete has a tendency to crack every 10-12 feet, so we create intentional breaks to allow the cracks to form there. If the breaks are spaced too far apart, new cracks will appear.
Apply the muriatic acid to the area of damage with a scrub brush. Allow the solution to bubble for several minutes before scrubbing and rinsing the area thoroughly with clean water. Be sure the area is free from the acid before filling the cracks. Keep the area wet until you are ready to apply the bonder.
In architecture, coping is the protective lip or cap at the top of the wall to complete its look. It also protects it from various elements. Pool design uses it in the same manner. When building your in-ground swimming pool, it will most likely have some exposed steel on its bond or pool wall's upper surface.
The Kool-Deck will experience craze cracking, or hairline cracks. The thicker the Kool-Deck mixture, the more pronounced the cracks. It may be time to renovate if you cannot stand the sight of cracks in your deck. You are limited in products that can be used to renovate your deck.
Spray Deck (also called "Knock Down Spray Deck") installation involves spraying concrete through a hopper gun (similar to the textured ceiling application we are all accustomed to), then taking a flat trowel and knocking down the bumps.
Although rare, and affecting less than 1% of all pools, concrete pools can crack. If it happens at all, it usually happens within the first year, as a result of shrinkage, settlement and/or subsidence. Pools can also crack when they are simply not built correctly, as shown in the list above.
A common cause with pool cracks is from too-thin gunite used during the installation process. During the construction process, the gunite might not adhere properly to the steel framework. When this occurs, the gunite “rebounds,” or bounces back after application. Rebound gunite should be removed and thrown away.
Fibreglass shells rely on the water pressure in the pool to exert force against the soil around them in order to maintain their structure. If there is no water pressure in the pool, the soil around the pool can push against the fibreglass shell and cause it to crack.
Suppose the crack is large or the fiberglass seems flexible along the crack. In that case, you may need professional help with your inground pool step repair. On the other hand, you may repair smaller cracks with a fiberglass repair kit that just about any DIYer can use.
Common Causes of Cracks
Fiberglass is very flexible and easily bends under weight. Continuous pressure from weight combined with improper support can lead to cracks over time. A heavy object is the second culprit. When heavy objects are dropped in a bathtub, small divots and dents begin to form.
UV exposure can cause your deck's waterproof seal to wear out more quickly and become less effective. You may be considering waiting to reseal your deck until you resurface your swimming pool. To put it into perspective, most concrete swimming pools need resurfacing every ten to fifteen years.
One of the coolest options for pool deck surfaces are textured acrylic coatings. A coating that's made of concrete and acrylic will absorb less heat than other materials. Texture also makes the surface feel cooler to the touch because when a person walks on it, their bare feet are exposed to less surface area.
Kool Deck® concrete topping was invented by Mortex in 1962. It is a beautiful surface for swimming pool decks, walkways, patios and virtually any foot traffic area. Once applied, it generates a colored, textured cement surface that is as strong as the base concrete.
These are known to last for decades with proper maintenance and regular resealing. Cool Decking – Cool decking should last for a minimum of 10 years. Freezing weather reduces the longevity of this overlay.
To get the most out of your outdoor pool, you need a concrete deck paint that's (1) heat resistant, (2) easy to apply, (3) non-slip, and (4) free of any cracks or peels.