Pool decks really take a beating from the sun, water, and all that foot traffic. Cracks, chips, and other damage just happen over time—there’s no way around it.
Pool deck repairs can often restore safety and appearance at a fraction of the cost of full replacement, with resurfacing options ranging from $3 to $12 per square foot. Knowing when to repair or replace helps you make smarter decisions about your pool area investment.
Different deck materials and types of damage need different repair approaches. Concrete decks might just need a crack filled, or maybe a full resurfacing, while paver decks could need a few stones swapped out or realigned.
The right fix really depends on how bad the damage is, what your deck’s made of, and what you want out of the space down the road.
We see pool deck problems pop up with some pretty clear warning signs. Water, chemicals, and wild weather usually do the most damage and call for professional help.
Visible cracks are usually the first thing you notice. If they’re just tiny hairlines, you might get away with a simple repair. But if you see wide cracks deeper than a quarter-inch, that’s often a sign of something more serious going on underneath.
Surface problems like scaling, spalling, or peeling just look bad and can be dangerous. Uneven or rough spots? Those are tripping hazards waiting to happen.
Water damage usually shows up as stains, weird discoloration, or soft spots. If water’s pooling up in low spots, don’t wait—it can freeze and make things worse when it gets cold.
Safety hazards are a big deal. Loose tiles, shaky railings, or slippery areas need fixing ASAP. Anything that moves when it shouldn’t, or is slick near the water, is just asking for trouble.
Age-related wear starts to show after 10 or 15 years. Faded colors, tired-looking surfaces, or old materials might need a refresh, even if they’re not falling apart yet.
Pool deck repair makes sense for small problems—think less than 30% of the deck. Little cracks, stains, or loose bits? Targeted fixes usually do the trick and don’t break the bank.
Pool deck resurfacing means putting a new layer over the old deck. It works if the structure’s still solid but the surface looks rough or dated. It’s pricier than a basic repair but cheaper than a full replacement.
Full replacement is for when the deck’s structure or safety is shot. Big cracks, settling, or lots of damage mean it’s time to start over. On the bright side, you can upgrade materials and design however you want.
Cost factors are pretty straightforward:
Timelines depend on what you’re doing. Repairs might take a day or two. Resurfacing could take three to five days. Full replacement? You could be looking at a week or two, depending on the size and complexity.
Water exposure is the enemy. Moisture sneaks into tiny cracks and expands when it gets cold. Chlorine can wear down some materials over time.
Weather is relentless. Hot sun makes materials expand, cold shrinks them—this cycle just wears things out and causes cracks.
Chemicals from pool maintenance and cleaning products can stain or weaken the surface. Saltwater pools do different damage than chlorine ones.
Ground movement can make the whole deck shift if the soil settles or shifts. Poor drainage just makes it worse. Tree roots sneaking under the deck? They can lift and crack things too.
Heavy use and skipping maintenance only speed up the wear and tear. Dragging furniture around scratches the surface, and if you don’t clean regularly, stains and damage pile up.
We usually see three main categories of deck materials. Each one has its own perks for safety, looks, and budget.
Concrete is by far the most popular choice for pool decks. It’s affordable and works in just about any climate.
Basic concrete gives you a smooth, tough surface. You can add texture so it’s not slippery when wet.
Stamped concrete mimics stone, brick, or tile. We press patterns into the concrete as it sets. It’s a bit more expensive than basic concrete but still cheaper than real stone.
Decorative concrete uses stains, dyes, or special finishes for custom colors and textures. Lighter colors help keep the surface cool in the summer.
You’ll want to seal concrete decks every two or three years. Cracks show up eventually, but repairs are usually quick and easy.
Pavers make for gorgeous decks with tons of design options. They come in all sorts of materials and sizes.
Natural stone pavers like travertine, limestone, or sandstone stay cooler than concrete under the sun. Textured stone helps prevent slips.
Brick pavers give you that timeless look and last forever. They handle freezing and thawing better than concrete, and if one gets damaged, you just swap it out.
Concrete pavers cost less than natural stone but offer similar benefits. They’re available in all sorts of colors and shapes, and the gaps between them help water drain fast.
Repairs are simple with pavers. If one cracks, just replace that one. It’s way less hassle than fixing a big slab.
There are a few other materials that work well, depending on your needs.
Composite decking shrugs off water damage and usually stays cooler than wood. It’s low-maintenance but costs more at the start. Some composites can get slippery, though.
Natural wood—think cedar or teak—looks great and feels warm. But you’ll need to stain and seal it regularly to keep it from rotting or warping.
Tile surfaces work if you’re in a warm climate. Porcelain and ceramic tiles resist water and stains, but they can crack if it freezes.
Rubber surfaces are super slip-resistant and feel great under bare feet. Tons of color options, but you’ll want a pro to install it for best results.
We handle all sorts of pool deck repairs, from simple crack filling to more complicated leveling jobs. These fixes tackle common issues like surface cracks, uneven slabs, and busted expansion joints—no need to rip out the whole deck.
Small cracks in concrete pool decks need quick action to keep water out. Crack injection works best for hairline cracks up to about 1/8 inch wide.
You can use concrete crack filler or hydraulic cement for minor stuff. Just make sure the surface is clean and dry before you start.
Bigger cracks? That’s when we bring in concrete resurfacing. We put down a new layer of concrete or a special coating to cover the damage.
Epoxy injection is our go-to for structural cracks. The epoxy seeps deep and bonds the concrete back together.
We often use polymer-modified concrete for repairs. It flexes as temperatures change and stands up to cracking better than plain old concrete.
Uneven decks are both ugly and dangerous. Mudjacking lets us lift sunken concrete by pumping a cement mix underneath.
We drill small holes, pump in the mix, and the slab rises back to where it should be.
Polyurethane foam injection is a newer method—lighter, cures faster, and offers better long-term stability.
Leveling is way cheaper than a full replacement. Most jobs take just a day or two, and you can usually walk on the deck within 24 hours.
We use laser levels to get everything just right, then patch up the injection holes with concrete.
Expansion joints let concrete move with the seasons. Failed joints cause cracks and let water sneak into the foundation.
Old joint material dries out and pulls away from the edges. You should replace these every 10 to 15 years, depending on your climate.
First, we remove the old stuff and clean the joint. Then we lay down a primer and apply new sealant.
Polyurethane sealants are best—they stay flexible in any weather and some even have UV protection.
Getting the joints right keeps water out and helps prevent freeze-thaw damage.
Pool deck resurfacing is a great way to fix damage and give your deck a facelift. We apply new coatings or overlays to existing concrete, which is way more affordable than ripping everything out.
Resurfacing saves you a ton compared to full replacement. Most projects wrap up in a few days, not weeks.
Why bother resurfacing?
The overlay strengthens the old concrete and helps prevent future cracks.
Resurfacing only works if the deck is still structurally sound. If the concrete’s falling apart, replacement is probably the better move.
Concrete overlay is the most common resurfacing trick in our book. We lay a thin new layer of special concrete over the old surface.
We always start with a deep clean, fix minor cracks, and make sure the overlay will stick.
Popular overlay types:
Overlays are usually 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker ones last longer but take more time to dry.
We always make sure the overlay bonds right so it doesn’t peel up later. It needs to cure fully before you dump in pool chemicals or start walking on it.
Color can totally change the vibe of your pool area. Modern resurfacing products come in just about any color you want.
Texture options aren’t just for looks:
We use pigments mixed right into the overlay for colors that last. Surface stains also work great for more natural, multi-tone effects.
If you live somewhere hot, lighter colors will keep the deck cooler underfoot.
You can get creative and match your house or go in a totally new direction. It’s a good way to boost your property’s value, too.
When repairs just won’t cut it, a full replacement opens up all sorts of new materials and designs. The replacement process starts with tearing out the old surface and installing a new decking system.
We always start pool deck replacement by removing the old surface completely. Our crew breaks up and hauls away concrete, pavers, or whatever material you’ve got around your inground pool.
Next, we prep the base. We check drainage and grading—gotta make sure water moves away from your pool, not toward it.
Key replacement steps include:
The timeline depends on your deck’s size and what material you pick. Concrete decks usually take 5-7 days, including time for the concrete to cure.
If you want pavers, we’ll prep a sand base first. Paver installations take a little longer, but repairs down the road are much easier.
Weather can throw a wrench in our schedule. Rain slows down concrete work more than it does paver jobs.
Material choice really affects how your deck looks and how much work you’ll put into it later. Each option comes with its own pros, cons, and price tag.
Popular replacement materials:
| Material | Durability | Maintenance | Cost Range |
|---|---|---|---|
| Concrete | High | Low | $3-8/sq ft |
| Pavers | Very High | Medium | $8-15/sq ft |
| Natural Stone | Very High | Medium | $12-25/sq ft |
| Composite | High | Very Low | $10-20/sq ft |
Concrete gives you tons of design freedom—stamps, stains, textures, you name it. It’s especially good for those curved pool shapes.
Pavers let us swap out individual pieces if something gets damaged. They don’t crack like solid concrete does, which is a relief.
If you want built-in seating, planters, or even a fire pit, we can add those during replacement. It’s way cheaper to do it now than after the deck’s finished.
Regular cleaning and sealing really help your deck last longer. Just a little upkeep keeps it safe and looking sharp for years.
Clean your pool deck at least once a month. Dirt, leaves, and chemical gunk build up fast—use a mild detergent and a soft brush to keep it fresh.
Pressure washing is great for concrete and stone decks, but keep the pressure low. Wood and composite decks need a gentler touch.
Sealing Schedule by Material:
Apply sealers when it’s dry and temps are between 50-85°F. Clean the deck first and let it dry all the way.
Color-enhancing sealers can bring faded concrete back to life. They protect, too, which is a nice bonus.
If you spot stains from pool chemicals, food, or rust, clean them fast to avoid permanent damage.
Walk your deck every few weeks and keep an eye out for issues. Cracks, loose boards, or spots where water pools are all red flags.
Fill small cracks in concrete with crack filler before they get worse. It’s way easier than a big repair job later.
Key Prevention Steps:
Put pads under your furniture to prevent scratches. Don’t drag heavy stuff—just pick it up and move it.
If your deck gets slippery, we can apply non-slip treatments near the pool edge. That definitely helps prevent falls.
When it snows, use a plastic shovel to clear the deck. Skip the salt—use sand for traction instead, since salt can wreck some materials.
We get a lot of questions about pool deck repairs. Here’s what we hear most often at Dolphin Pool Services.
First, we clean the crack really well—no debris or loose bits left behind. A wire brush or pressure washer works best.
Then we fill the crack with a concrete filler or patching compound. We make sure it gets all the way in for a solid bond.
Once the filler cures, we sand it smooth to match the deck. We finish with a sealant or coating to protect the repair.
We start by power washing the deck to clear away dirt and loose material. Any big cracks or holes get fixed before we move on.
Next, we brush on a bonding agent so the new surface sticks. The resurfacing material goes down in thin layers.
Most resurfacing jobs take 3-4 days, depending on the weather. After that, the new surface needs a little time to cure before you can walk on it.
Most kits come with concrete crack filler. There are different types for tiny cracks and bigger gaps.
Bonding agents help new material stick to the old concrete. Some kits even have textured additives to match your deck’s finish.
Sealers protect the repair from water and sun. You might find color additives too, so the patch blends in with the rest of the deck.
Check out online reviews on Google or the Better Business Bureau. Look for companies with good feedback that’s consistent over time.
Local pool supply stores can recommend pros they trust. They see contractors’ work up close, so their advice is worth listening to.
Always get quotes from at least three companies. Make sure they’re licensed and insured—it’s just safer that way.
You can handle small cracks yourself with a wire brush, shop vac, trowel, and the right crack filler. It’s not too hard if you’re handy.
Bigger repairs or resurfacing get tricky. You’ll need a power washer, concrete mixer, and special tools—plus some experience.
Honestly, for anything major, it’s smart to call in pros like us at Dolphin Pool Services. Bad repairs can make things worse or even turn your pool area into a slip hazard. Why risk it?
We always look at how bad the damage is before making a call. If you see several big cracks or notice the deck settling, replacing it usually makes more sense financially.
The age of your deck matters, too. Older concrete—especially if it’s over 15 or 20 years—can hide deeper problems, so replacement often ends up as the smarter move for those.
Of course, budget is a big deal. Repairs cost less upfront, but if the deck has structural issues, you might find yourself fixing it again soon after. At Dolphin Pool Services, we weigh these factors with you, so you don’t end up throwing good money after bad.
