Summer’s arrived, and you can’t wait to dive into your pool – but something’s amiss. Those cracks at the edges, the lopsided watermarks, and the unexplained gaps in the coping are more than just aesthetics. They’re indications of a settling pool that has to be repaired now!
A settling pool is more than an eyesore – it’s a structural issue that will affect not only your safety but the value of your property, too. When your pool foundation settles, you’ll be asking yourself:
- Will the pool continue to hold water?
- Could it sink further into the ground?
- Is there a risk of it sliding down the hillside?
- How can you prevent further damage?
These worries are valid. Foundation damage in pools often manifests through:
Visible cracks inside the pool and around its perimeter
Uneven water levels that seem off-kilter
Noticeable gaps in the coping or decorative edges
Lateral movement, especially near hillsides
If not addressed, such problems can snowball into full-scale structural problems that affect not only your pool but possibly your whole property. The good news? With the proper inspection and early foundation repair, you can level your pool out and prevent future settling.
Understanding Pool Foundation Damage
Your pool foundation can develop serious issues in the long term. The ground beneath your pool keeps on shifting with changes in water which forms unstable grounds that form foundation problems. These shifting grounds put enormous pressure on your pool structure, which can crack and form serious damage if not taken care of.
Key Warning Signs of Pool Foundation Issues:
- Interior Pool Cracks: Look for visible cracks along the pool’s inner surfaces
- Perimeter Damage: Cracks appearing around the pool’s outer edges
- Water Level Irregularities: Uneven water lines against pool tiles
- Coping Problems: Gaps or separation in the coping stones
- Lateral Movement: Signs of the pool shifting, especially near hillsides
These symptoms often start subtly but can quickly escalate into serious structural concerns. A settling pool creates safety hazards and can lead to:
- Water leakage compromising soil stability
- Structural weakness in surrounding areas
- Potential collapse in severe cases
- Costly repairs if problems persist
If not treated, these problems can turn into severe structural issues for your pool and even your overall property. The silver lining? With proper inspection and prompt foundation repair, you can level your pool and ensure no more settling happens in the future.
Pool Foundation Basics
The stress from your pool load and sloping ground conditions exert constant pressure on the foundation. Every season comes with new problems – from torrential rains soaking the ground to droughts shrinking the soil. These weather stresses speed up foundation damage, and the sooner, the better; identification is necessary to support the structural integrity of your pool. The ground under and around your pool never ceases to shift from moisture fluctuations, resulting in unstable foundations that create structural issues. Such underground shifts impart ginormous stress on the structure of the pool, which, unless cushioned, can cause havoc.
The Pool Inspection Process for Foundation Issues
A professional pool foundation inspection typically takes 30-60 minutes to complete. Here’s what our inspection team looks for to determine if your pool is settling or sinking:
1. Crack Assessment
- Detailed examination of cracks inside the pool structure
- A thorough check of the pool’s perimeter for visible damage
- Documentation of crack patterns and severity
2. Water Level Evaluation
- Use of specialized laser levels for precise measurements
- Assessment of tile alignment against water level
- Verification of apparent unevenness vs. actual structural issues
3. Coping Analysis
- Measurement of coping width around the entire pool
- Identification of gaps in coping joints
- Special attention to hillside-facing sections for signs of lateral movement
4. Structural Elements Review
Having your original pool plans speeds up the inspection process and helps create targeted repair designs. Without these plans, our team conducts manual inspections to:
- Locate existing grade beams
- Identify structural support points
- Map out potential repair zones
Our inspection service is designed to suit the specific needs of each pool so that we can identify every potential problem that will affect the stability and safety of your pool. The detailed inspection then forms the basis for developing an effective repair program suited to the requirements of your pool.
Common Foundation Repair Solutions for Settling Pools
When your pool shows signs of settling, steel piers stand as the most reliable solution to prevent future movement. We specifically recommend helical piers for their superior stabilization capabilities. This specialized foundation supports work by anchoring deep into stable soil layers, creating a solid foundation that resists further settling.
For pools situated near hillsides, we often implement vehicle tie-backs alongside the pier system. This double-pronged system gives additional lateral support such that the pool cannot shift or slide to one side toward the slope. The amalgamation offers a strong structural supporting system considering the vertical and horizontal movement factors.
Installation of the grade beam is also an important aspect of the repair process because it spreads the structure load evenly on the pool foundation. The process provides a solid surface for the installation of piers where the pool load can be spread out evenly. Grade beams also support the existing structure of the pool and avoid concentration stress points so that both the pool and foundation become healthy in the future.
These stabilization repair solutions, and not re-leveling, are what these foundation repairs are about. The pool itself, in addition to pressure from the soil around it, makes full re-leveling not possible. Our method of repair is aimed at instead preventing further movement and providing a stable base upon which your pool can rest for years to come.
Role of Pool Contractors After Foundation Stabilization
Once your structure is in place, professional pool builders come in to perform the necessary finishing tasks. These professionals engage themselves in restoring both the cosmetic and functional elements of your pool to their original condition.
The restoration process typically includes:
Plaster Recoding: A fresh layer of plaster or pebble tech coating creates a waterproof seal and gives your pool a pristine appearance
Coping Repairs: New coping installation ensures proper fit around the pool’s perimeter
Surface Refinishing: Professional refinishing creates a smooth, uniform look across all pool surfaces
Your pool contractor’s expertise transforms the stabilized structure into a beautiful, swim-ready oasis. While foundation repairs focus on preventing future movement, these finishing touches make your pool look brand new.
A skilled pool contractor can:
- Create the visual illusion of a perfectly level pool
- Apply glossy, protective coatings
- Ensure seamless integration of new materials with existing pool features
The end result? A pool that looks like it was never damaged – complete with fresh surfaces, secure coping, and an inviting appearance that maintains the highest safety standards. These cosmetic restorations not only present your pool with a more appealing appearance but also safeguard your investment via good waterproofing and structural integrity.
Repairing Foundation Instability Issues in Kansas City
Kansas City homeowners experience exclusive foundation issues based on the region’s exclusive type of earth and moisture. Climatic conditions propagate downward to affect not just pool foundations but whole property foundations.
Aging and Settling Foundation Issues:
Kansas City homes usually suffer from foundation issues owing to the unique conditions in the area. Changes in soil content usually lead to structural stress, which compromises pool and home foundations. Soil expansion and shrinkage resulting from the natural moisture fluctuation in the area can lead to progressive weakening of the foundation.
In addition, the majority of structures in the region consist of old foundations that remain increasingly susceptible to erosion by each second. This is compounded by basement waterproofing failures as water penetration continues to degrade already compromised structures and accelerate decay.
The effects of unstable foundations reach far beyond apparent surface damage. A settling pool usually indicates greater structural issues that may impact your entire building. When left unaddressed, these issues can compromise:
- Basement structural integrity
- Wall stability
- Floor levelness
- Property market value
- Building safety standards
Your home’s foundation system is an interconnected system. An issue in one location, like a settling pool, can have a ripple effect on the entire building. Kansas City’s expansive soils add further stress to foundations in wet months, and shrinkage and settlement of the soil occur during dry months.
Signs of Foundation Issues:
- Cracks in walls or floors
- Uneven surfaces
- Water seepage
- Stuck doors and windows
- Visible gaps in structural elements
Regular professional inspections assist in detecting potential issues prior to them becoming major structural issues. It is an intervention in advance that enables us to conduct specialized repairs, saving your property value and avoiding extensive reconstruction.
Preventative Measures to Avoid Future Pool Foundation Damage
Preemptive measures to secure your pool base will save you from costly repairs. Here’s what you can do to maintain your pool’s structural integrity:
Regular Inspection Schedule
- Check for new cracks after the winter months
- Monitor water levels during pool season
- Inspect coping alignment quarterly
- Document any changes in pool appearance
Drainage Management
- Install proper drainage systems around the pool perimeter
- Keep gutters and downspouts directed away from the pool area
- Grade landscaping to channel water away from the pool foundation
- Address standing water issues immediately
Early Warning Signs to Watch
- Uneven water levels
- Gaps in pool coping
- Cracks in pool surface or surrounding concrete
- Soil erosion near pool edges
Professional Maintenance Tips
- Schedule annual professional inspections
- Use laser-level measurements to track alignment changes
- Keep original pool plans for reference
- Document all maintenance and repairs
Remember to pay special attention to your pool after heavy rainfall or significant temperature changes. These weather events can impact soil stability and potentially affect your pool’s foundation. If you notice any concerning changes, contact a foundation specialist immediately – addressing small issues early prevents major structural problems later.
Choose Level Up Foundation Repair
Pool foundation damage requires immediate attention – your safety and property value depend on it. Signs like cracks, uneven water levels, and shifting coping shouldn’t be ignored. A professional inspection can identify issues early, preventing costly repairs in the future.
We understand Kansas City’s unique foundation challenges. Our team at Level Up Foundation Repair and Excavation specializes in comprehensive pool foundation repairs, delivering durable solutions that protect your investment.
Ready to secure your pool’s foundation? Call us at (816) 230-0101 for expert evaluation and lasting repairs. Let’s get your pool summer-ready and give you peace of mind for countless swimming seasons ahead.
Don’t settle for an unsafe pool – contact Level Up Foundation Repair and Excavation today.
