A sinking pool deck can be a headache. Uneven slabs. Cracks. Tripping spots. You want a fix—but without ripping it all out. That’s a fair ask. And here’s the good news: you probably can. Pool deck repair has come a long way. New tools and better tech mean you might not need to start from scratch.
Let’s break down how it works, what signs to look for, and what options make sense.
Why Pool Decks Sink in the First Place
First off—what’s pulling your pool deck down?
It usually starts below the surface. Soil shifts. Water erodes. Gaps form. Concrete slabs lose their base and start to dip. Sometimes, tree roots push from underneath. Other times, it's a washout from bad drainage.
Here are a few signs you’re dealing with more than just wear and tear:
- One corner of the deck looks lower than the rest.
- Cracks stretch out in a straight line or grow wide.
- Water pools in spots it never used to.
- You feel like you’re walking downhill on a flat deck.
What Happens If You Ignore It?
You might think it’s no big deal. Just a sunken slab or two, right?
The problem is it keeps getting worse. Cracks get wider. Gaps become hazards. Water flows toward the pool, not away. If someone trips, that’s a big liability too.
Worse—if the sinking pulls the deck away from the pool, it can stress the structure. That means even bigger repairs down the line. Fixing it early makes more sense.
Do You Have to Tear It All Out?
No. In most cases, you don’t.
Tearing out a pool deck is time-consuming. It’s noisy. It costs a lot. And it means your pool is off-limits for weeks. That’s why most folks now look for repair options first.
Concrete lifting methods, especially polyurethane foam injection, are saving people time and money.
Here’s How Foam Lifting Works
A crew drills small holes through the sunken slab. Then, they inject a high-density foam underneath. The foam expands and fills the voids. As it expands, it lifts the slab back into place. Once set, the foam holds the slab stable.
No heavy demo. No new concrete to pour. And you can often walk on the deck the same day.
It’s cleaner. It’s faster. It works well on both pool decks and concrete driveway repair.
What to Ask Before You Hire Someone
Not all companies use the same tools or follow the same steps. Here’s what you should ask:
- What material do you use to lift concrete?
- How long will the repair last?
- Can I use the pool area the same day?
- Will the holes be sealed after the work is done?
- Do you level pool decks often or just driveways?
Good companies will give straight answers. And they’ll walk you through the fix step-by-step.
What If Only Part of the Deck Has Sunk?
That’s actually common. Soil doesn’t shift evenly. One slab may sink while the next stays fine. Foam lifting is great here. It lets pros target only the area that’s dropped.
They won’t rip up good concrete. They’ll just lift what needs it.
What About Cracks?
Cracks often show up with sinking slabs. Some are small and just cosmetic. Others point to bigger movement.
A pro will check which ones can stay and which need filling. The foam won’t fix a deep crack—but it will stop it from getting worse. After lifting, the surface can be sealed or resurfaced if needed.
Can It Work on Older Decks?
Age isn’t the problem. Stability is. If the concrete is still solid—even with some surface cracks—it can be lifted. Foam works just as well under older slabs as it does under newer ones.
The only limit is crumbling concrete. If the slab is falling apart, lifting won’t help. Then it’s time to replace.
What Should You Do Next?
Look around your pool deck. Are the slabs even? Is water draining away from the pool? Any tripping spots or gaps along the edge?
If it looks uneven, don’t wait. Fixing it early is quicker and cheaper.
And no—you don’t have to tear it all out to fix it.
Conclusion: A Smarter Way to Handle Pool Deck Repair
Sinking decks can be fixed without the mess of a full rip-out. With the right tools and a skilled team, you can lift sunken concrete back into place in a day. Foam injection works fast and holds strong. Plus, it works on decks, steps, and even areas with tricky curves or angles.
For those around Kansas City, KC Polylift has become the go-to for foam-based lifting. They work on pool decks, driveways, steps, patios—you name it.
What sets them apart is how simple they make the process. They don’t just pump foam and leave. They check the base, spot water trouble, and explain what’s going on underneath. That means no surprises after the job is done.
Their crew is known for showing up on time, working clean, and getting the deck back in shape fast. Homeowners appreciate the smooth finish, the tiny patch holes, and how stable the deck feels right away.
If your pool deck is sinking, give KC Polylift a call. They’ll take a close look and let you know if lifting is possible—without tearing it all out.
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