Most people who have, or are looking to build, an in-ground pool in their yard understand that there is a lot of tuckpointing work that is involved in the initial installation and maintenance. Regardless of the type of pool you have – whether it is concrete, pebble aggregate or Pebble Tec, fiberglass, or vinyl – there are always coping joints that surround the structure. Coping joints are the edges of the pool that connect the pool deck with the vertical pool walls. They are usually composed of some type of brick, tile, or stone—all of which depend on the owner’s preferences and aesthetic style. This means that 99.9% of the time, coping joints will require tuckpointing. Additionally, depending on the type of pool deck that you have, or would like to have, you will likely need some degree of tuckpointing done there.
Since having an in-ground pool is already a lot of initial work, it can be tiresome to think about the long-term maintenance. However, if you want to avoid any long-term damage, both to your pool and your surrounding structures, you need to keep an eye out for any tuckpointing problems. The most common problems or repairs that are needed are structural damage to the coping that ranges from broken tiles to deteriorated mortar joints. There may also be some cracked brick, depending on what style you have. To make sure that the problems don’t get any worse, it’s best to contact a tuckpointing professional as soon as you notice signs of structural damage.
The repairs depend on the amount of damage that is incurred, but when you catch signs of damage early it can be limited to minor touch-ups on any tile work, mortar, or bricks. A professional will come in for an inspection and find a match for the existing brick, tile, or stone that can be replaced quickly and easily. If the damage is more severe, you may want to opt for a full coping replacement. You can also get a coping replacement if you want to update the overall look of your pool or simply give it a makeover.
In regards to tuckpointing services that involve your pool deck, there are a number of options to keep things in good working condition or up-to-date aesthetically. The main reason that people will need pool deck help is to replace or update any caulking. This helps keep everything in your pool sealed and contained, thus avoiding major damage from leaks, spills, or general wear and tear. Tuckpointing jobs, on the other hand, can be done to update or add a patio, replace or repair your pool deck, or simply keep everything maintained around your pool. To keep an eye out for any damages, look for deteriorated or cracked mortar joints, tiles, or bricks on the surrounding areas. Do a walk through and be honest. Since the pool area collects more water than a typical deck, tuckpointing may be needed more often than on a brick home. This is because when water gets into the mortar joints, it can expand and contract, thus leading to faster deterioration. The best way to avoid a major expense is to keep up with your overall maintenance and get spot tuckpointing whenever you see it’s needed.
The process of pool tuckpointing is fairly similar to regular brick tuckpointing, but may require you to drain your pool or clear any excess water. This is only to ensure that the job is done right and stays strong for years to come. As with all tuckpointing jobs, it’s better to catch things early than wait until it’s too late. Waiting too long can lead to expensive repairs and re-builds that are easily avoidable with regular maintenance.
If you’re interested in adding an in-ground pool to your property, or repairing your current one, contact the professionals at Chicago Tuckpointing today. We have the experience, patience, and dedication needed to produce outstanding tuckpointing work on anything you’d like. For pools specifically, we offer a number of different materials, colors, designs, and styles for your coping joints and pool decks and will ensure that the job is done right the first time. If you already have a pool and are in need of tuckpointing maintenance, we also specialize in updates and restorations. All of our masonries have years of experience and work with the customer in mind. Give us a call today at (708) 942-1951 or visit our website for more information: chicagotuckpointinginc.com