Why Do Concrete Pool Decks Crack?
When you decide to invest in a pool, you must also think about the deck that will surround it. If your budget does not allow for you to splurge on your deck, you may consider looking into concrete pool decks. They are affordable, customizable, and easy to maintain. Concrete is strong and durable, but it is prone to cracking.
Why Does Concrete Crack?
Concrete typically cracks due to:
- Improperly mixed concrete
- Ground movement
- Structural settling
- Poorly placed control or expansion joints
- Fluctuations in temperature
If your concrete was mixed with too much water, it could lead to shrinking during the curing process, resulting in cracks. It could also be a sign of groud movement or structural settling. Before attempting to patch the cracks on your own, consult with a professional to find the cause. Cracks close to the pool can end up becoming much bigger problems in the future. Poorly placed control or expansion joints may result in cracks because concrete tends to crack every 10-12 feet. If they are too far apart, new cracks may appear.
Cracking in Heat
Thermal expansion occurs as concrete expands and contracts when heating and cooling. If the expansion joints are not spaced properly, cracks may form as the temperatures change. Hot weather may also cause cracking as the concrete cools down if the surface is different from the interior temperature.
Cracking in Cold Weather
Concrete pool decks may be prone to cracking in cold weather due to freezing and thawing cycles, similar to expansion and contraction in hot weather. Water molecules within the concrete can freeze and over-expand, resulting in broken or cracked concrete.
Rising Sun Pools & Spas
For over 46 years, we’ve been the pool builders of choice for home and business owners in North Carolina. No pool company has more customers, more experience or more expertise than Rising Sun Pools. There’s no pool construction, design or renovation project that we haven’t encountered (and solved)! Contact us today!