How to Fix an Expansion Joint in the Concrete Around an In-Ground Pool

Expansion joints have a variety of other names, including relief joints and control joints. They consist of long cut lines in concrete surfaces, such as swimming pool decks. They often have a wooden strip installed along their length. Their purpose is to allow the concrete to expand and contract with fluctuating temperatures, preventing cracks from developing in the pool deck surface. If the expansion joints deteriorate, homeowners can repair them using a patch product that reseals the joints.

Eye protection
Work gloves
Slotted screw driver
Hammer
Broom
Expansion joint patch material
Trowel
2-by-4 inch board

Instructions

- 1
  Wear work gloves and eye protection before beginning the repair because you must remove damaged particles that could fly up and cause injury.
- 2
  Kneel down on the pool deck and clean out the damaged expansion joint by scraping it out using a slotted screwdriver. To remove material that does not detach easily, tap the head of the screwdriver with a hammer and employ a chiseling action.
- 3
  Sweep the expansion joint with a broom to remove all particles from it that could interfere with the patch. Sweep the debris away from the pool so it doesn't get in the water.
- 4
  Open a tub of concrete expansion joint repair and scoop up a trowel full. Place the material into the expansion joint. Continue filling the expansion joint with patching material until filling the entire gap and it mounds up by half an inch.
- 5
  Turn a 2-by-4 inch board on its side and place it on top of the patch material in the location of the expansion joint. Hit the top of the board firmly with a hammer to pack the material tightly into the joint.

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