IN THIS ARTICLE
This is how we repaired a Client’s Uneven Pool Deck in Hillsborough, NJ
Our client in Hillsborough, NJ had a concrete pool deck that was slightly uneven. The drop wasn’t too obvious from far, but when you walked on it, you could feel the slope. Some areas dipped, while others stayed up. These changes in height didn’t just look odd, they also created small trip hazards, especially for kids running around the pool.
Uneven pool decks can cause water to collect in the wrong places. This leads to standing water, which weakens the concrete over time.
In some cases, it also pushes the soil out from under the slab, making the problem worse. A sunken pool deck is not only unsafe, it can lead to more damage if left alone.
In this case, the client noticed the problem during pool season.
They went online and searched for a local repair service. That’s how they found us, Concrete Chiropractor. We provide concrete leveling services in New Jersey and offer a free online inspection for homeowners.
When the client reached out, we reviewed the issue, asked for a few details, and scheduled a visit to check the site in person.
This kind of repair is common, especially in areas like Hillsborough, where the weather and soil movement affect outdoor concrete.
Our goal was to make the deck safe, even, and ready to use again.
Our Pool Deck Inspection and What We Discovered
The pool deck showed clear signs of minor settling. The dip wasn’t too deep, but enough to make part of the deck feel off-balance. Water movement under the deck is one of the main causes of sinking. Once the soil gets loose or washes away, the slab above starts to shift.
Empty pockets under the slab are often caused by water washing out the base. It’s common in pool decks since they’re exposed to water more than other parts of a yard.
We explained all this to the client in simple terms.
The good news was that the slab was still in good shape. No deep cracks or structural failure. It was just unbalanced.
We told the client that mudjacking would be the best fix here. It would lift the low spots and fill the space underneath.
It’s eco-friendly, safe for the pool area, and lasts for years.
We explained this method to the client. They asked a few good questions about safety, especially since it was a pool area. We told them that mudjacking is a clean process. There are no heavy machines near the pool, and the material we use is eco-friendly.
The client also asked how long it would last. We let them know that once the voids are filled and the deck is supported again, it holds up well through rain, cold, and summer heat.
We’ve used the same method on hundreds of jobs across New Jersey, and it’s worked every time.
Other repair methods, like slab replacement, cost more and take days.
Mudjacking can be done in just a few hours. That was a big plus for the client. They wanted to use their pool deck again soon.
Once we had the green light, we got our tools ready and planned the work.
Step-by-Step Process how we repaired our client’s sunken pool deck in Hillsborough, NJ
The first step was to mark the areas that needed lifting.
We chose drill points where the slab dipped the most. The holes were small, about the size of a coin. We drilled them carefully, keeping a safe distance from the pool edge.
Next, we mixed the slurry used for mudjacking.
This mix is thick and stable, made from water, sand, clay, and a bit of cement. It’s designed to stay in place once it sets.
We connected the pump hose to the drill holes and began filling the voids beneath the slab.
As the mixture filled the empty space, we watched the slab lift slowly. This step is all about control.
If you go too fast, the concrete can crack. We took our time and made sure each section rose evenly.
Once the slab was level, we sealed the holes with patch material. We cleaned the work area and hosed down any leftover dust. The final look was neat.
One major benefit of mudjacking is that the area can be used the same day. There’s no waiting for concrete to dry or cure.
That meant the client could go back to enjoying the pool almost right away. The deck was now safe, even, and ready for use again.
Small Challenges
One challenge was working close to the pool. We had to be careful with our tools and equipment to avoid getting anything into the water. The deck also had tight corners, so setting up the pump hose and drill gear took a bit of planning.
We also had to check nearby slabs to make sure the lifting didn’t shift them. Concrete slabs around a pool are often poured in sections, and they connect at the edges. If you lift one side too much, it might affect the others. We kept a close eye on this during the process.
Each challenge had a simple solution.
With care and patience, we worked around the problems and finished the job without delay. The deck looked better, and more importantly, it was safe to walk on again.
The Final Result
After the job was complete, we stood back and looked at the finished deck. The slabs were flat and even. You couldn’t feel the dips anymore when walking across the surface. There was no slope or tilt, and water no longer pooled in the low areas.
We walked the client through the result. They tested the surface and said it felt completely different. The deck was firm, solid, and looked right again. The patched drill spots were small and blended well. Everything was cleaned up, and the area looked just like it should.
We also gave the client some tips to help prevent future issues. Simple things like proper drainage and checking for early signs of sinking can go a long way.
instead of full replacement. It solves the problem without causing more stress.
The client was happy. The pool area was safe again. That’s always the goal when we take on a project like this.
Why Hillsborough Homeowners Choose Us for Pool Deck Repair
We’ve been doing concrete leveling work in Hillsborough for over 25 years. We’re not new to this.
From driveways to pool decks, we’ve seen all kinds of concrete problems. We fix them using methods that work and last.
Hillsborough is one of the many NJ towns we serve. The soil here moves with the seasons. Rain, snow, and temperature changes all affect how slabs settle. That’s why leveling jobs in this area need careful planning and experienced hands.
We don’t oversell. We don’t make a mess. We just come in, do the job, and leave things better than we found them. Mudjacking is what we use for most sunken slabs, especially near pools. It’s cost-effective, quick, and safe.
We also make it easy to get started.
If your concrete looks off, just reach out. Our free online concrete floor inspection is a simple way to know what’s going on. If we can help, we’ll tell you how. If not, we’ll let you know that too.
If you live in Hillsborough or nearby towns and have a sinking pool deck or walkway, we’re ready to take a look. We’ll level it out and make sure it stays that way.
FAQs
What causes pool deck slabs to sink?
Over time, water runoff, poor drainage, or loose soil under the deck can lead to gaps forming beneath the concrete. This causes the slab to settle or tilt.
Is mudjacking safe to use near pools?
Yes, mudjacking is safe for pool decks. We take extra care to protect your pool from debris, and the method itself is non-invasive.
How long before I can walk on my pool deck again?
Most of the time, you can use the pool deck the same day we finish. There’s no waiting for concrete to cure like with a full replacement.
Will this fix last through winter and freezing temps?
Yes, the materials we use are built to hold up through New Jersey’s freeze-thaw cycles. It’s one of the reasons we recommend mudjacking in this area.
Is concrete leveling cheaper than replacing the slab?
Absolutely. Leveling usually costs a fraction of what you’d pay to rip out and pour new concrete—and it’s way less disruptive.
