Time to open up the pool for the season? As you “dive in” to this big maintenance project, remember to give your pool decking a safety inspection.
According to a pool remodeling company in Dallas, relaxing out by your pool you may look at your weathered pool decking and wonder if it will hold up for another season. Of course, nobody wants to think about deck replacement because of how much it costs. However, eventually, you must do it for the sake of the aesthetic quality of your backyard. More importantly, you must ensure the safety of those using your pool.
So, the next time you’re lounging in your backyard, take a minute and evaluate your outdoor space. Ask yourself if it’s time to invest in a new pool decking.
5 Signs You Must Repair Your Pool Decking
In this article, we show you what to look out for that point to needing to replace your pool decking. Unless you built with rot-resistant material, such as oak composite decking or concrete, you must check on the stability at the onset of every season.
This checklist will help to keep your family and friends splashing and having fun all summer long.
1 – Unsafe Railings
Railings that are loose when you grab onto them not only signify it’s time to upgrade your pool decking but that you have a risky situation and an accident waiting to happen. If you want a temporary solution, you can secure it with new fasteners, however, don’t rely on this for long and plan now to get new equipment.
2 – Rotten Foundation
Many new pool decks are constructed with concrete footings that stop moisture from getting into the base, but old decks (especially wood) weren’t made this way and can rot when water gets in. Once the foundation decays, it’s only a matter of time before it collapses.
3 – Loose Boards on the Pool Decking
Over time, the weather takes a toll on your deck boards causing them to become loose, which is unsafe for your family and guests. Most deck panels are fastened to a rim joist or ledger and will pull away from their binds as they wear out. This needs to be fixed quickly because it puts those using your pool at risk for injury.
4 – Structure Damage
The weather and age also take their toll on your deck’s frame, which can cause it to sag. Also, sagging opens up cracks which are an invitation to termites, speeding up the deterioration of your deck. If you see rotting around the edges of your deck or the surface feels spongy, plan now to replace your deck.
5 – Ledger Boards That Become Disconnected
The deck’s ledger boards are essential to the foundation of your deck as they safely attach it to the side of your home. As your deck ages, it undergoes the brunt of Mother Nature’s wrath. So these boards deteriorate. That situation compromises the entire deck by creating a situation in which it could detach from your house.
The Takeaway: Family Fun in the Sun Starts by Ensuring Safe Pool Decking
One of the best ways to avoid these deck problems is to maintain your pool decking with regular inspections and repairs every season. Fix little problems before they become big ones, and you’ll ensure your decking lasts as long as possible. And, nobody likes to think about getting a new deck because of the cost and hassle involved. However, age and weather take their toll eventually. You won’t be able to dodge the investment forever.
Remember, a deteriorating deck isn’t just unsightly, it’s unsafe and can injure people using your pool.