An inground pool is an exciting investment that, besides increasing your home’s value, adds a new dimension to family leisure time. However, you might notice that your pool deck starts lifting in certain areas over time. So why is your pool deck lifting?
A pool deck can start to lift when your pool settles fully after installation. Other reasons your pool deck might lift include soil saturation and expansion of construction materials. However, a sinking pool can also create a lifting effect on your deck.
This article will explain these common reasons why your pool deck might be lifting. I’ll also include ways you can fix each of these problems to get your deck back in top shape.
Why You Should Fix an Uneven Pool Deck
You may not think you have to fix an uneven pool deck. However, that isn’t correct, as an uneven pool deck can create a tripping hazard for yourself and anyone who uses your pool.
Not only is this dangerous due to the increased risk of twisted ankles, cuts, and scrapes, but it can also result in serious, life-threatening injuries.
That’s because pool decks are typically made of concrete, which can be incredibly dangerous if someone falls on them.
Additionally, lifting or uneven pool decks can be a sign of unstable soil. If the issue is not fixed early enough, your deck might continue to lift or sink, causing an open space underneath that can eventually cave in.
Top Reasons Your Deck is Lifting
Your Pool Is Settling
It’s normal for pool decks to lift several weeks or months after the inground pool installation work is completed.
Therefore you shouldn’t be too concerned if you spot your pool deck lifting slightly after the pool is installed. This usually occurs as the ground settles over time.
How To Fix
Luckily, you don’t have to do much if your pool deck is lifting due to the pool settling.
Once your pool has become fully grounded, it will most likely stop shifting, and your deck shouldn’t lift anymore.
If your deck is evenly lifted, there is likely no cause for alarm as it probably won’t continue lifting once the pool settles and becomes fully grounded.
However, if your pool settling has caused excessive, uneven lifting, you might want to call the installation company for an in-depth examination.
This sort of thing will typically happen within the first year of getting an inground pool installed, so the installation company will be more than happy to sort out any issues resulting from installation.
Your Soil Is Saturated
As we all know, soils have different water-absorbing properties. When a deck is constructed on soil that easily absorbs water, the soil volume is likely to increase, causing a lifting effect.
Due to this, most pool installation companies will test your soil before installing the pool to determine the level of expansion when soil is saturated. This helps ensure that soil volume increases don’t change your pool or deck structure.
However, this isn’t always the case, as the saturation level can sometimes differ from initial estimates.
How To Fix
If you suspect that your pool deck is lifting due to issues with soil saturation, then it’s best to consult with the installation company for clarification.
The company is likely to send its personnel to examine the soil and recommend ways to correct the issue.
Unfortunately, this is a job that should be done by a professional and shouldn’t be considered a DIY project.
Your Deck Is Expanding
Depending on the type of concrete used in construction, your deck might be expanding, which more often than not affects the deck structure.
When this happens, you’ll most likely notice that the seams where your concrete slabs are supposed to connect have become wider.
Deck expansion and lifting usually increase tripping hazards and should be fixed before the issue worsens further.
How To Fix
If expanding concrete is the reason for the lift in your deck, there’s no need to worry, as you can fix the issue independently.
As long as there are no other structural problems with your deck, all you have to do is clean out the spaces between your concrete slabs and refill them.
You can use an outdoor, waterproof, and flexible caulk for this project, which should be available in most hardware stores.
Parts of Your Deck Are Actually Sinking
It’s possible to think that parts of your pool deck are lifting when you’re actually dealing with a sinking problem.
Some areas of your deck can start to sink due to environmental issues or the effects of faulty installation. This usually results in an uneven deck surface, which besides being unsightly, can also increase the chances of injuries due to falls.
How To Fix
If your deck is sinking, the solution is to lift it back to its original height.
To do this, you’ll have to call a professional who will determine what caused the sinking in the first place.
You might need a concrete expander or concrete jacking, or you might have to fix a problem with your soil if it doesn’t support your pool structure.
Your Pool Is Sinking
Did you know that your pool deck might appear to be lifting while, in reality, your pool is sinking?
A sinking pool will almost certainly create a sinking effect on the deck.
This sort of sinking is different from the ‘settling’ previously mentioned. Expert intervention should be sought before it worsens and becomes a safety hazard.
How To Fix It
The best way to handle a sinking pool is to work with experts that will help determine the causes and, even more importantly, recommend appropriate solutions.
Unfortunately, if your pool is sinking, there’s no quick way to fix it.
Depending on the type of pool installed, you could require a total rebuild your pool with a better foundation. Therefore, it is extremely important to get professional advice, especially if you go the DIY route. Having your land assessed by an engineer is an absolute minimum requirement.
In Conclusion
A lifting pool deck can put a damper on your summer fun. However, the first step to fixing the issue is determining the root of the problem.
While you might be able to determine some issues yourself, such as expanding concrete or a settling pool, other causes will likely need a professional’s opinion.
It is advisable to consult a professional pool repair or installation company to help you get to the bottom of the issues.
Sources
- Houzz: New Pool Deck Lifting
- Advance Concrete Lifting and Leveling: Pool Deck Lifting and Leveling
- Lift Right Concrete: Repair your Pool Decking with Concrete Lifting
- Lift Right Concrete: Concrete Jacking Makes Your Pool Deck Safe for Summer
- Pools of Fun: 3 Common Problems With Concrete Swimming Pools
- DIY Chatroom: Filing voids under concrete pool deck
- Aquatics International: How Soil Conditions Can Affect Swimming Pools and Their Construction