Sunny afternoon, you have a cold beer in your hand while waiting for the sizzling green chile to be ready. Behind you, you hear everyone laughing and having fun in the pool. So relaxing. And then, you look around, and something catches your eye. Curious, you went and inspected that odd thing that called your attention. And lo and behold, you see some cracking and chipping marring the smooth concrete surface of your pool deck. Now, will that hairline crack in your concrete pool deck turn into a Grand Canyon-sized headache?
But aren’t concrete pool decks supposed to last for up to 50 years or more?
The national average lifespan for a concrete pool deck is 20 to 40 years, but that's a broad brushstroke. But in Albuquerque, you have to consider the unique soil and climate conditions.
Our 310 days allow us to have outdoor fun, but they also come with 93°F-plus unbearable heat in summer. Add the temperature dips below freezing in winter, and you've got a recipe for disaster. With caliche thrown into the equation, which can affect drainage, your flooring might be in serious trouble.
Sunbathing and pool parties are most welcome when it’s hot outside! But when sunshine turns your pool deck into a damaged, uninviting mess, you might have second thoughts about inviting friends over.
- Extreme Heat: Blistering summer days that break 93°F on a regular basis dry out the concrete too much…and fast. Because of this dehydration, the concrete contracts beyond its maximum tensile strength and cracks.
- Sun Damage: Just like too much sun damages the skin, it also does a score on concrete. The concrete surface breaks down and weakens as it gets more exposed to ultraviolet rays. This leads to discoloration and fading.
Below-freezing temperatures are not that common in Albuquerque. But when it does happen, it causes freeze-thaw cycles - a condition that threatens the structural integrity of concrete.
- Rapid Temperature Changes: Albuquerque experiences significant temperature changes all year round. In day time when it is hot, the concrete expands slightly, then contracts at night when it is cooler. The constant expansions and contractions take their toll over time, weakening the concrete. Fractures appear and parts of the surface break off when concrete finally gives in to fatigue.
- Moisture and Freeze-Thaw: When rainwater or melted snow gets into cracks and freezes, it expands. This expansion adds pressure on the concrete, causing cracks to widen. To address this problem, professional local concrete contractors in Albuquerque NM use air-entrained concrete. Like a pressure relief valve, the tiny air bubbles allow the concrete to breathe, preventing unwanted damage.
Though occasional, monsoon storms pose problems when they do come. How so?
- Rapid Water Accumulation: These bursts of rain may overwhelm the drainage system (with caliche factored in) and cause water pooling on concrete decking. Since mold and mildew are attracted to moist areas, expect them to breed in pooling water. These living organisms, besides being health hazards, release an acidic byproduct that slowly eats away at the concrete surface. Spalling is one problem when there’s mold and mildew. Another is staining. Worse, they leave the surface slippery - bad news for decks.
High winds and dust storms in the desert may devastate the pool deck.
- Abrasive Sandblasting: Strong winds cause dust storms, carrying small rocks and sand. They are like sandpaper that grinds away at the finish of your pool deck. Over time, these dust storms dull the finish, create fine scratches, and wear down the sealant, leaving your deck looking worn and tired.
This calcium carbonate layer, common in Albuquerque soil, presents unique challenges for pool decks.
Drainage and Warping: Caliche is dense and less permeable than regular soil. With it present, the water cannot drain properly. Around your concrete deck, this may lead to standing water that can weaken the concrete. It also contributes to the growth of mold and mildew and increases the risk of freeze-thaw damage in winter. What’s more, it expands and contracts with changes in moisture. This added stress may lead to warping and cracking. When this happens, you not only have to deal with uneven surfaces; you now have potential tripping hazards.
Three key elements must be met to have long-lasting structure in Albuquerque’s climate and soil conditions. You should use quality materials, excellent construction techniques, and timely maintenance.
- High-Quality vs Low-Budget Materials: Budget-friendly concrete mixes might seem appealing because they are budget-friendly. However, they are not formulated to withstand Albuquerque's specific climate.
When you choose high-quality concrete, it comes with features that address Albuquerque’s challenges. It has air entrainment and proper crack control features. Just expect it to cost a bit more than ordinary mixes. However, with it, you’ll likely have to do fewer repairs and replacements.
- Local Expertise vs. Out-of-Town Contractors: Local contractors understand the unique challenges of building and maintaining pool decks in the area. They know how caliche works - a huge point in Albuquerque. They also use the right concrete mix and employ construction techniques suited to our climate and soil conditions. Hiring a local company with this expertise will save you money. With their help, you will avoid costly mistakes that might happen with an out-of-town contractor who is not familiar with high desert requirements.
- Preventative Maintenance vs. Repairs: Regular cleaning doesn’t mean spending hours brushing away dirt. But, hosing concrete with a little bit of mild soap can help keep the surface in tip-top shape for many years to come. As for sealing, you should get it done every 3 - 5 years and provide optimum protection to your flooring. Lastly, addressing minor issues the moment you notice them is a lot more cost-effective than paying for major repairs or a complete deck replacement later.
Here are a few extra ways to keep your Albuquerque pool deck looking its best for years to come:
- Manage pool chemicals carefully: Using stronger chemicals for cleaning may be tempting, but do not give in. These chemicals can do more damage than help the concrete surface. Explore using gentler alternatives to chlorine or bromine whenever possible.
- Limit furniture movement: Heavy furniture constantly scraping across the deck can cause scratches and wear. Consider using furniture pads or designated areas for placing pool chairs and loungers.
- Address spills: Don't let suntan lotion spill, food or drinks sit on the deck. If you leave them on for an extended period, there’s a big chance for them to cause staining. Clean them up as soon as you notice.
- Beware of extreme heat: Avoid placing super-hot pots or grills directly on the concrete surface. The same way the sun’s heat can cause cracking, when you put overly hot materials directly on concrete, it could crack.
Just like catching a rogue tumbleweed before it rolls into your living room, it's important to stay vigilant for signs of trouble with your pool deck. Watch out for:
- Visible cracks
- Spalling or chipping
- Discoloration or fading
- Uneven surface
- Standing water
If you spot any of these warning signs, calling in experts for help is the best course of action. Depending on the severity of the damage, some repair options might include:
- Crack injection: For small cracks, we can use a specialized material to fill and stabilize them.
- Concrete resurfacing: For more extensive damage, deck resurfacing with a new layer of high-quality concrete may be needed.
- Complete deck replacement: Although rare, there are instances when a complete deck replacement might be necessary in addressing the problem.
