A lot of pool owners neglect to have the expansion joint around the pool caulked (and then re-caulked) when needed. The expansion joint is the gap (joint) between the pool and the deck. While the pool and the deck comprise the overall pool setting, they are – and must remain – independent of each other. The expansion joint around the pool creates this independence. This expansion joint, though, must remain caulked. This is good preventative maintenance against backside/topside structural pool wall problems, coping problems, and deck problems…or any combination of each. The correct caulk must be used.
During freeze/thaw and again in the summer during hottest temperatures, the pool and deck can move (expand). The caulked joint – assuming the correct caulk is used – will move with the expansion to protect the joint. And more importantly, this will protect the pool, coping, and deck.
Reasons to caulk the expansion joint around the entire pool:
- it keeps water out of this joint (which can freeze and expand over the winter months).
- it keeps dirt and debris out of this joint (which can block movement).
If water freezes inside this expansion joint, then it will expand as it freezes. This expansion is more than normal. Even minimal repeated over-expansion can cause damage to the pool and/or the coping (and its coping pocket) and/or the deck…or any combination of each. It can even break the beam between the pool and deck.
As dirt and debris compact inside this expansion joint, it will block normal expansion that occurs. This may cause the pool and the deck to meet each other, causing structural damage to the pool and/or the coping (and its coping pocket) and/or the deck…or any combination of each.
Caulking (and re-caulking) the expansion joint will keep water, dirt and debris out of it.
Re-caulking the expansion joint around the entire pool
Once caulked, it would be wise to have the caulk inspected every 2-3 years. This is something that is often overlooked by many pool owners.
We hope this helps.
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We can caulk or re-caulk the expansion joint between your pool and deck.
Here are some ballpark costs:
Cost if there is currently no caulk in the expansion joint:
We can caulk this joint. The price will likely range from $4.95 – $6.95 per lineal foot. We will provide a free onsite quote. The cost will depend on the width and depth of the joint and also the lineal footage around the pool. Where needed, we will install backer rod into deep joints to fill the void. This may slightly increase the cost.
Cost if the expansion joint is caulked and only needs touch-up caulking where needed:
If the expansion joint is caulked but some of the caulk is compromised, we can re-caulk that joint where needed. The price will likely range from $4.95 – $6.95 per lineal foot. We will provide a free onsite quote. The cost will depend on the current condition of the caulk, the amount that can be repaired versus the amount that needs to be removed and replaced, the width and depth of the joint, and also the lineal footage around the pool. If needed, we will install backer rod into deep joints to fill the void. This may slightly increase the cost.
Cost if the expansion joint is caulked but needs all of the caulk removed and replaced:
If the expansion joint is caulked but all of the caulk needs to be removed and replaced, we can re-caulk that entire expansion joint. The price will likely range from $6.95 – $9.95 per lineal foot. We will provide a free onsite quote. The cost will depend on the current bond of the existing caulk (and therefore the difficulty of its removal), the width and depth of the joint, and also the lineal footage around the pool. Where needed, we will install backer rod into deep joints to fill the void. This may slightly increase the cost.
Caulk Cost Disclaimer
Please note that these costs are ballpark estimates. We will provide a free onsite visit so we can offer a true cost.
Let us know if you need the expansion joint caulked or re-caulked.
Call us at 402-341-8132 or send us an email to [email protected] or submit a short form to discuss your pool and schedule free onsite consultation.
Or for the quickest response, you can call or text 402-250-8100 (Mike Loftus, owner).