Your concrete pool deck can withstand years of use, constant exposure, and chemical spillage before it would require resurfacing. So, how can you tell when you need a simple repair or a more invasive repair like resurfacing? There are many signs that need to be compared and some issues that should be evaluated by a professional. Many cracks are due to temperature changes and do not require resurfacing but others, if left unattended, could damage the foundation of your pool deck. Regardless, it is important to know for certain what issues are simply cosmetic and which ones require attention immediately.
The freeze-thaw cycle is an inevitable experience that all concrete must experience if it is outdoors. When the ground underneath your pool deck freezes your concrete will shrink and when it warms up the concrete will expand. This will happen naturally to your pool decks surface and most of these cracks are surface level, easily fixed with some fillers and repairs. If their cracks continue and/or expand, resurfacing may need to happen to avoid any structural damages. Filling in cracks is only a temporary issue in some cases and will continue to worsen over time.
Age, age, age. Concrete pool decks can last for ten or more years and their age is a factor in whether it is a simple repair or a much-needed resurfacing job. To successfully determine whether or not your pool deck needs a clear-cut resurfacing job, you need to give a professional a call. Pool decks are constantly exposed to the sun and pool water chemicals that eventually cause the deck to need repair or replacement. Trying to patch or clean off stains is admirable but not highly advised for older concrete. Sometimes, resurfacing an old concrete pool deck can revitalize and replace the deck’s integrity. A repair can give you more time but resurface is sometimes inevitable.
The natural air, sun, and elements can, unfortunately, speed up the need for a resurfacing job. Trees, roots, algae, bacteria, mold, and mildew can shorten your pool decks lifespan in different ways. Loose tree branches crashing down on your pool deck surface can cause minor abrasions that, if left unnoticed, can become much larger issues. Roots grow under concrete surfaces and there isn’t much most people can do about that. If your concrete is broken or foundational made unstable because of root growth, resurfacing is the only option. Bacteria, mold, and mildew pose heavy and dangerous health risks to all of the people who use your pool. It is important to catch these things before they spread and if they are left to run wild, they will destroy your pool decks surface forcing a resurfacing job.
Pool deck resurfacing is quick, easy, and affordable, giving a professional a call to inspect the condition of your pool deck can save your budget thousands of dollars. Ignoring a problem won’t make it go away, so give a professional a call and have those minor issues checked on.