Cracked concrete around pools is more common than most people in Mesa expect. It might start as a faint hairline crack near the edge of the deck, but over time these small imperfections can get wider, deeper, and even become safety hazards. Uneven concrete can cause trips and falls, ruin the look of your pool area, and lead to water getting into places it shouldn’t.
During the fall, as temperatures begin to cool off and pool usage slows, it’s one of the best times to tackle these problems. That way, everything is ready to go before spring rolls around again. Taking care of cracks early can also help you prevent bigger problems with your pool or patio in the long run. It’s not just about looks. It’s about safety and long-term value.
Understanding the Causes of Concrete Cracks
Before jumping to solutions, it’s helpful to understand why concrete cracks happen in the first place. That way, you can spot the warning signs and know what to look for in the future.
Several things can cause concrete to crack around a pool:
- Soil shifting or settling underneath the concrete, which creates uneven pressure.
- Extreme temperature changes, especially during hot Mesa summers, which cause the concrete to expand and contract.
- Poor drainage around the pool, letting water pool underneath the surface.
- Tree roots pushing up from beneath the concrete.
- Improper installation or low-quality materials used in the original pour.
Mesa’s dry climate and monsoon season don’t always mix well with pool design. Long dry periods can weaken the soil’s stability, and sudden heavy rains can wash soil away. If you notice your concrete cracking shortly after the rainy season or after a string of very hot days, those weather shifts might be the cause.
Sometimes, it’s a mix of several small things adding up over time. For example, if you had a pool built ten years ago and the yard has settled naturally since then, cracks showing up now could be a delayed effect. Understanding the cause makes it easier to choose the right repair method and prevent future damage.
Immediate Solutions For Minor Cracks
If the cracks are small, there are a few short-term solutions that can hold things over. Quick fixes can be useful for keeping the problem from spreading while you plan a more permanent solution.
Some of the basic options for small cracks include:
– Concrete filler or sealant: These products help seal thin cracks and stop water from getting inside. They come in tubes or bottles and are applied directly into the crack.
– Epoxy injections: A little more advanced than filler, but great for stabilizing narrow cracks that go a bit deeper.
– Decorative concrete overlays: A surface-level option that can mask small imperfections and help blend areas together while giving your pool deck an updated look.
These methods work best when the crack is shallow and the surrounding concrete is still stable. They’re helpful for giving a cleaner look and keeping water out, but don’t really solve deeper structural problems.
The key is not to ignore even tiny cracks. They may look harmless now, but with time and exposure to sun, rain, and shifting soil, they can stretch and widen. Spotting them early and managing them quickly is the difference between a minor repair and a full-blown renovation later.
Long-Term Solutions For Extensive Damage
When the cracks in your pool deck go beyond surface-level, quick fixes won’t hold up. This level of damage typically signals structural problems or deeper shifting underneath the concrete slab. That’s when it’s time to take a more lasting approach.
Options for more serious repair include:
– Concrete resurfacing: This process involves applying a new layer of material directly over the old, cracked concrete. It smooths out the surface, closes gaps, and improves both look and strength.
– Concrete replacement: If the damage is severe or widespread, removing and pouring new sections might be the better route. This gives you the chance to handle any issues beneath the surface such as poor soil conditions or drainage layout.
– Expansion joint repair: Cracks that seem to run in straight lines could point to failed expansion joints. Repairing or re-installing them can stop the slab from breaking apart as it shifts with temperature swings.
– Reinforcement upgrades: In some cases, reinforcing the remaining concrete with steel bars or mesh before resurfacing helps prevent future cracking.
Major repair work is best done by professionals who understand how soil, sun, and water all behave in a place like Mesa. A bad patch job won’t hold up through the stress of seasonal changes or heavy foot traffic. But solid fixes, built the right way, can keep your pool area safe and good-looking for years.
Preventive Measures To Avoid Future Cracks
Once your concrete has been repaired, protecting the work should be the next priority. Taking care of your pool deck helps delay the return of cracks and other wear. Small steps taken regularly will stretch the life of the concrete.
Here are a few habits that help keep your pool area in good shape:
– Watch your drainage: Make sure your yard drains water away from the pool deck, not toward it. Pooled water under concrete causes erosion and shifting.
– Seal the surface: Applying a high-quality sealant every few years can prevent water, dirt, and chemicals from breaking down the concrete.
– Check it often: Walk the area every few months and look for small cracks or chips. The earlier you spot them, the easier they are to fix.
– Cut back tree roots: Trees planted too close to the pool can eventually push up the deck. Trim roots or remove trees that get too close.
– Avoid heavy equipment: Don’t park vehicles or place large items on the concrete edge. The weight can cause cracking, especially if there’s soft soil underneath.
Keeping up with these tasks doesn’t take a lot of time. But being consistent matters. It’s part of what separates a pool area that stays smooth year after year from one that starts to fall apart after a couple seasons.
Why Staying on Top of Maintenance Matters
Preventing cracks and handling them as soon as they turn up is a smart move in Mesa. Temperatures here go from cool fall mornings to blazing heat by summer. That swing puts a lot of pressure on any hard surface, especially ones that surround pools and handle plenty of foot traffic.
A clean pool deck with no raised edges isn’t just nicer to look at. It’s safer to walk on, simpler to clean, and cuts down on the chance of injuries. It also helps protect the structure of your pool by keeping water from seeping behind the shell or under the coping.
Maintaining your concrete is like keeping your roof or AC system in good shape. It doesn’t seem urgent at first. Then the damage adds up, and you’re stuck with a bigger problem. Catching the signs early makes the fixes quicker, easier, and more affordable when you’ve got the right help to guide the way.
For a smooth, crack-free pool experience, trust Infinity Landscaping to restore and maintain your pool deck with precision and care. Our team brings a comprehensive approach to outdoor improvements, showing why we continue to be a trusted choice among landscaping companies in Mesa. Whether you’re fixing damaged concrete or reimagining your backyard, we’re here to bring your vision to life.