Pool decks require regular maintenance and repair services to remain in good condition for swimmers. Damage from lack of proper care can result in safety hazards, which could cause potential liability issues for homeowners and their associations (HOAs).
If a homeowner is not aware of the safety threats that can come with an unkempt pool deck, they may need to do some research before making improvements. This page offers some information on different
pool deck problems and offers tips on how property owners can get the most out of their pools. For more detailed information, contact Pool Decks of Tampa today and one of our specialists will be happy to offer you some expert advice.
Pool decks are constructed mostly from concrete, stone or brick pavers, tile, or treated woods such as cedar or redwood. These materials offer durability and varying costs, but sometimes they can still break down over time due to harsh weather conditions.
One major factor that can affect pool decks over time is weather damage. One of the most important things homeowners and HOA members can do after they construct or repair their pool decks is protect them from harsh weather conditions. This will help ensure that properties stay safe at all times, which could prevent injury or accidents from occurring inside or around the surrounding pools. Swimmers who bask in the sun on a hot summer day may need to be extra careful when they get out of the pool and walk across a sun-drenched surface.
If damage does occur due to inclement weather, it's important for property owners to take action as soon as possible. Homeowners should never try to fix any damages themselves if they don't have any experience with pool deck repair services. It's recommended to contact reputable contractors such as Pool Decks of Tampa for any pool or HOA management needs.
There are many benefits of hiring a professional such as Pool Decks of Tampa, even if property owners have no prior experience with this service.
Homeowners can avoid possible injuries from DIY expenses by remaining safe on professional pool deck repairs
Contractors have access to high-quality pool deck materials that are both reliable and durable
Companies are insured, which protects pool owners during any unexpected events
For more information on pool decks or to schedule an appointment for repairs, contact Pool Decks of Tampa today. Property owners can also fill out our online form with questions or concerns regarding their pools.
Here are some of the most common issues affecting pool decks:
Cracking is an issue commonly caused by significant temperature changes, wet/dry conditions, ground movement and settlement. Cracks can be repaired using joint filler, patch, and joint sealant and then refinishing the surface.
Typically caused by iron found in water that has dripped onto the surface from metal objects or from wells/sprinklers. Rust stains can be removed by pressure washing and using an efflorescence remover, cleaners and coloring agents.
This whitish appearance is caused when a previously applied sealant separates from the surface to allow air and moisture inside. The previous sealant needs to be chemically stripped and the pavers re-sealed.
This can be caused by sun exposure,
weathering, improper color application and erosion from pool chemicals. These can be remedied by pressure washing and using cleaning/coloring agents.
General degradation is typical in areas prone to extreme temperatures, high foot traffic and weather-related erosion. This can be remedied by patching any deeper crevices and applying a concrete overlay.
Swimming pool decks, like all outdoor wood structures, require cleaning and maintenance to ensure the longevity of the pool. Decks are made from timber materials that can rot or warp if not properly treated. Pool deck resurfacing is an effective way to keep swimming pools looking new for years to come.
Decks used in residential pools are generally constructed out of concrete and pavers of different materials. However, they can also be made from softwoods like pine because they are cheap and readily available. Some hardwood varieties may be used as well but only the most durable types such as mahogany or teak can survive contact with water year after year without suffering major problems.
A pool deck that needs resurfacing will show obvious signs of wear and tear that cannot be repaired by a simple cleaning regimen. The wood will look faded and dull without a glossy finish. It may also start to splinter or warp where water has permeated the surface.
Even if you can't see any exterior damage, it is still possible that pools built with inferior softwoods have rotted from the inside out leaving only an outer shell of good timber.
When decks lean, bow or sag they need to be replaced as soon as possible because they present a slipping hazard for swimmers and may even collapse if left unattended for too long.
Pool owners should keep an eye out for soft spots and other signs of rot in the deck and replace sections that show mild warping or discoloration.
If sections of your pool's deck are beginning to rot you should remove the old boards and replace them with new ones.
Always prepare for the pool deck resurfacing process by having replacement pool decking ready to install. The pool deck surface should be dry before you start removing wood or else you will risk damaging it further if heavy equipment is driven across the top of it. Begin by drawing a layout plan of your entire deck so you know exactly where all the support beams are located and how many pieces of lumber will be needed to complete the project. This step is especially important if you have custom built decks because things like pathways, steps, benches and other custom features must be removed carefully for safe disposal. Cuts around pipes running along side the pool deck must be carefully mapped out because it will be difficult to lift these sections of decking.
Regardless of what materials you choose for your pool deck (wood, concrete or synthetic), the support beams underneath can be cut with a reciprocating saw and then pried away from the understructure. Loose debris should be removed at this point.
Some pool decks are built without structural beams even though homeowners think they have them. If you don't know where your beams are located, draw out another plan so each piece is labeled and easy to identify when removing. Any extra pieces required to extend the length of your pool deck can be placed during the installation process.
When removing synthetic or recycled plastic decking, it should be cut into lengths to match the width of other beams that will need replacing and cut with a reciprocating saw. This method will require two people and take at least twice as long to remove but is worth the extra effort because you won't damage any existing supporting beams underneath if they are accidentally dropped onto them. If you prefer, all old pool decking materials may be removed in one solid piece for easy disposal.
Some pool decks are built with short 2×2 boards while others are composed of large tiles. Make sure you look at your overall deck plan to see what materials need to be removed next and how they can be removed without damage.
If your existing pool deck is made out of uniform material, pre-cut replacement beams will fit into place with ease.
If the beams underneath appear too wet or dirty for new wood, recycled plastic or concrete materials then they must be allowed to dry before attempting installation.
For tile decks, this isn't necessary since these types of surfaces are designed not to absorb water between individual pieces of ceramic but there may still be small gaps that remain which need filling before resurfacing.
Measure out the length of your pool deck with a tape measure to see how many replacement beams you will require before cutting each one down to size. If you are using wood, look at the size of each piece relative to the existing boards in place and use this as a guide for determining where new beams should go when cutting them (longer pieces next to shorter ones if possible).
Beams made of concrete or plastic can be installed anywhere they fit within your deck so long as they are level with the surface already in place. If your pool deck is flat but slightly uneven due to settling issues, lay all new materials across the top so they cover most of the same space that was once occupied by old decking to make sure they are installed properly.
Pool deck beams made of wood should be running across the surface with a slight slope away from the pool, about ¼" per foot going back towards the house to allow for proper drainage. If you use a carpenter's level or a piece of scrap wood longer than your pool deck to see where water will run off to, this is an ideal point for installation purposes.
This small curve can be easily built into beams made from recycled plastic because these materials have been melted and reformed from other sources so they are easily bent to follow the same curve. Reputable pool deck installation companies may also use special equipment to level beams made of concrete or plastic before installing them but this is not always necessary.
For more information on our pool deck repair services, contact Pool Decks of Tampa at (813) 553-5620!
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