Pool Decks: Puddling, Drainage And Slope
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A 2% slope is considered the desirable slop for a pool deck. This slope will generally carry water off the deck area and little or no puddling will occur if the concrete finishers did a reasonable screeding and finishing job. Even a 1% slope will work, but it is not as desirable as a 2% slope. Basically the aim is for the water to drain off of the deck well and to not puddle.
Common causes of puddling:
- The concrete contractor or finishers did not get the proper slope when the deck was first poured
- The finishers did not screed the concrete well, maybe a crooked screed board was used or the screed form boards shifted.
- Settling of the soil over time. Concrete is a very heavy material and if the compaction was not compacted well, then settling may have occurred. It is very common to have both a little settling and/or heaving.
Most people are OK with a little puddling, but if not:
There is always the option of installing a drain in the low areas. There are small or mini plastic channel type drains that can be added by saw cutting a small path and putting the drain in it.
If drains are wanted, to improve the deck drainage, or sections of the decking needs replacing; then the ones who do this type of work most often are pool and concrete contractors.
Additional Resources
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