Your pool deck is where your family gathers on warm summer days, where children run barefoot between the water and their towels, and where friends congregate during backyard barbecues. It is also one of the most safety-critical concrete surfaces on your property. When pool deck concrete settles, shifts, or becomes uneven, it creates hazards that can lead to serious injuries, especially in a wet environment where slipping and tripping risks are already elevated. For Colorado Springs homeowners, understanding why pool deck leveling matters and when to act can make the difference between a carefree summer and a trip to the emergency room.
The Hidden Dangers of an Uneven Pool Deck
Living in the Pikes Peak region means dealing with some of the most aggressive soil conditions in the country. From what we see in the field, the problem usually isn’t the concrete itself but what lies beneath it. Our local geology is rich in bentonite and montmorillonite clays, which are notorious for their reaction to moisture.
These “expansive soils” act like a sponge, capable of expanding by up to 20% in volume when they get wet. This swelling exerts tremendous pressure—up to 30,000 pounds per square foot—against your pool deck. When the soil dries out, it shrinks back down, creating voids that leave your heavy concrete slabs unsupported.
The dangers of an uneven pool deck include:
- Trip hazards from raised slab edges: Even a quarter-inch height difference is enough to stub a toe. We often see these hazards right at the expansion joints where slabs meet, creating a rigid “lip” that catches bare feet instantly.
- Slip risks from water pooling: Settled areas essentially become shallow bowls that collect standing water. Algae thrives in these puddles, creating a slick, invisible film that turns your deck into a skating rink.
- Drainage toward the pool: Pool decks are engineered with a specific slope to carry dirty runoff away from the water. When slabs settle, this pitch can reverse, dumping dirt, fertilizer, and rainwater directly into your clean pool.
- Structural stress on the pool shell: Uneven deck slabs can bind against the pool coping. This pressure can eventually crack the pool beam or shell, turning a minor concrete repair into a major structural renovation.
Liability Concerns for Pool Owners
Most homeowners focus on the physical safety of their kids, but there is a financial reality here that we always try to highlight. Under the Colorado Premises Liability Act, property owners have a legal duty to maintain their land in a reasonably safe condition. This means you could be held liable if a guest trips over a known hazard on your deck.
Insurance coverage typically splits into two relevant buckets: Medical Payments (Coverage F) for minor injuries regardless of fault, and Personal Liability (Coverage E) if you are sued for negligence. An uneven pool deck that you have ignored for seasons could be argued as negligence, potentially complicating your insurance claim.
The Cost of Waiting vs. Acting
Many people put off repairs because they fear the price tag. However, the data shows that proactive repair is significantly cheaper than the alternative.
| Factor | Concrete Leveling | Concrete Replacement |
|---|---|---|
| Average Cost | 50% to 70% less than replacement | $8 to $15+ per sq. ft. (plus removal fees) |
| Time to Complete | 2 to 4 hours | 3 to 5 days (plus curing time) |
| Landscape Impact | Minimal (no heavy machinery) | High (sod/landscape often damaged) |
| Use of Pool | Same day | Out of commission for weeks |
The cost of a pool deck leveling repair, typically between $800 and $2,500 depending on the size of the deck, is negligible compared to the potential cost of a personal injury deductible or increased premiums. This makes leveling not just a safety investment but a smart financial decision.
How Pool Deck Leveling Works
Pool deck leveling follows the same fundamental process as other concrete leveling but with additional considerations for the pool environment. Our modern polyurethane foam method is specifically designed to be less invasive than old-school “mudjacking.”
Here is what the process typically involves:
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Assessment: A technician evaluates the deck to identify settled areas, measure height differences, and determine the extent of void formation beneath the slabs.
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Preparation: The area around the work zone is protected. Pool equipment and furniture are moved as needed, but the pool itself generally stays full and uncovered.
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Drilling: We drill tiny, penny-sized holes (about 5/8 of an inch) through the concrete. These are much smaller than the soda-can-sized holes required for mudjacking, preserving the look of your deck.
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Injection: High-density polyurethane foam is injected beneath the slab. This material expands rapidly to fill the voids and gently lifts the concrete back to its original position.
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Finishing: Drill holes are patched with a color-matching grout, and the deck is cleaned. Because the foam cures in about 15 minutes, you can walk on it almost immediately.
The entire process for a typical pool deck takes 2 to 4 hours, and you can be back in the pool the same day. Compare this to a full deck replacement, which would require weeks of construction and keep you away from your pool for the better part of a summer season.
Colorado-Specific Pool Season Considerations
Timing is everything in our climate. Colorado Springs experiences an average of 124 freeze-thaw cycles per year, one of the highest rates in the nation. This constant freezing (expanding) and thawing (contracting) is brutal on concrete and accelerates any existing settling issues.
Best time to level your pool deck:
- Early Spring (March through April): This is the “Goldilocks” window. We can lift the deck before you open the pool, correcting any heave or settling that happened over the winter.
- Early Fall (September through October): Fixing the deck right after you close the pool prevents water from pooling in low spots and freezing during winter, which stops cracks from getting worse.
Avoid scheduling during:
- Peak Summer: You want to be using your pool, not watching us work on it (even if we are fast).
- Deep Winter: While we can work in cold weather, snow cover and frozen ground can make it harder to achieve the precise lift needed for pool coping alignment.
Our high-altitude climate also means more intense UV exposure. A level deck with proper drainage sheds water effectively and dries faster, reducing the standing moisture that can degrade concrete surfaces over time. Pairing leveling with professional concrete sealing provides maximum protection against Colorado’s harsh UV and freeze-thaw conditions.
Beyond Safety: The Aesthetic and Value Benefits
While safety is the primary concern, there are additional reasons to invest in pool deck leveling:
Improved aesthetics: An uneven pool deck with visible settling, cracking, and water staining detracts from the overall appearance of your outdoor living space. Leveling restores a clean, uniform look that enhances the visual appeal of your pool area.
Increased property value: A well-maintained pool area is a significant selling point for Colorado Springs homes. Potential buyers will notice uneven concrete and factor repair costs into their offer. A level, well-maintained pool deck signals that the property has been properly cared for.
Better furniture placement: Uneven surfaces make it difficult to set up patio furniture, umbrellas, and loungers without wobbling. A level deck means your outdoor furniture sits stable and your guests are comfortable.
Reduced pool maintenance costs: When your deck drains properly away from the pool, less debris, dirt, and runoff enters the water. This means lower chemical costs, less filter cleaning, and clearer water throughout the season.
Signs Your Pool Deck Needs Leveling
You don’t need a professional to spot the early warning signs. We recommend walking your pool deck once a month to check for these indicators:
- Visible height differences at slab joints, even small ones.
- Water pooling on the deck surface after rain or splashing.
- Cracks that are widening or accompanied by slab movement.
- Gaps opening up between the deck and the pool coping (the cap around the pool edge).
- Hollow sounds when you tap on the concrete, indicating voids below.
- Drainage reversals where water flows toward the pool instead of away.
If you notice any of these signs, do not wait until someone gets hurt. Early intervention is almost always less expensive than delayed repair, and the safety benefits are immediate.
Protect Your Family This Pool Season
Your pool deck should be a place of relaxation and fun, not a source of worry about tripping hazards and liability exposure. At Colorado Springs Leveling, we specialize in pool deck leveling that restores safety, proper drainage, and visual appeal to your outdoor living space. Our team understands the unique challenges that Colorado Springs soil and climate conditions present, and we use proven techniques to deliver lasting results.
Contact us today for a free pool deck assessment and estimate. We will identify any settling issues, explain your repair options, and help you get your deck in top shape before pool season arrives. Your family’s safety is too important to leave to chance.
