Concrete Pool Repair Near Me

Oct 3, 2023 | Pool Care, Pool Repair

Many people like concrete pools because of the way they look. They can give your pool a polished and refined look. But, just like other types of pools, there may come a time when you need to do some repair work. When you need to have a concrete pool repaired, it’s usually pretty noticeable. The bigger issue is how to go about fixing it.

Let’s take a look at what causes damages to concrete pools, how they are fixed, and why you shouldn’t take on the repairs as a DIY project.

What causes damages that require concrete pool repair?

Different types of damage would require concrete pool repair. The most common has to do with cracks. There are different types of pool cracks, some more severe than others.

Pool Surface Cracks & Structural Cracks

A pool surface crack is the least serious of the different types of issues that could lead to repair. But, if it’s not taken care of quickly, it could lead to more serious issues.

Pool surface cracks can be caused by shrinkage. These types of cracks are most common when the pool is first put in. Excessive temperatures or too much wind or water can be to blame.

Soil issues can also lead to pool surface cracks. Soil movement, especially in hilly areas, can lead to cracking. The issues may also go back to when your pool was installed. If uncompacted soil was left when the hole was dug for your pool and your pool was built on top of it, it could lead to cracking. Cracks can also occur when there isn’t enough concrete covering the rebar or piping.

Structural cracks are a more serious issue. When you have a structural crack, there is a crack in the pool shell itself. Incorrect design or construction is to blame. Structural cracks can lead to leaks and need to be taken care of right away.

Many pool owners may not know if they have a pool surface crack or a structural crack on their hands. This is one of the many reasons why you should call a professional, like Lone Star Pool Services, to take care of all your pool repair needs. Our professionals know what to look for when it comes to pool cracks and they know what’s needed when it comes to concrete pool repair.

Fixing pool cracks

Before your pool crack can be fixed, you need to know whether you’re dealing with a surface crack or a structural crack.

If you have a surface crack, some water will be drained to get a better look at the crack and to fix it. Any rough spots would be smoothed down and any loose particles would be taken away.

If you have a structural crack, you’re likely losing water in your pool. Your pool water will likely need to be drained so that a technician can get a closer look at it. They will determine what types of sealants and equipment are needed to fix the problem. Since this is a complicated job, you’ll want to definitely call the experts at Lone Star Pool Services to get the job done for you.

Excessive Rough Spots

You may also need concrete pool repair if you begin to notice excess rough spots in your pool. Concrete pool surfaces are known to be rough. But, it can get excessively rough due to environmental conditions as well as a rising pH. If this is the case, your pool may need to be sanded, shaved down, or get an acid washing. If none of these techniques work, you may have to have it resurfaced.

Scaling

Scaling is another issue that is common with concrete pools. Improper pH, alkalinity, or calcium levels can lead to a buildup of calcium or other minerals in your pool. You can prevent this from happening by brushing your pool walls regularly. This is also something that can be taken care of when you get your pool cleaned regularly by Lone Star Pool Services. This is one of the many tasks included in our weekly pool cleaning service.

Spalling

Spalling happens when the surface is over-troweled, improperly troweled, or if too much water is added while troweling. A spall is a thin layer of the surface that fakes or peels. When this happens, the area needs to be sanded or resurfaced.

Leaks

Leaks in your concrete pool can be serious and costly. When you notice a leak in your pool, you should call a professional right away. Plumbing leaks usually require the area under where the water leaks to be torn out. Leaks can happen if the plumbing wasn’t installed securely or if the pool or patio moves.

Popping up/floating

Your pool could pop up or float due to water pressure. To avoid this from happening, you would need to have a hydrostatic valve installed. This valve helps to relieve water pressure in the pool.

Tile Problems

Tile problems can also come up in concrete pools. If the concrete cracks, the tiles will crack as well. They can detach from the pool’s walls, causing hazards to swimmers. Cracked tiles aren’t aesthetically pleasing to look at either. If you have cracked tiles in or around your swimming pool, this is something you’ll want to get taken care of rather quickly.

Call us for your concrete pool repair needs

As you can tell, concrete pool repair can become complicated. That’s why you want a team of professionals who you can trust to fix any issues as they come up. Lone Star Pool Services is your go-to source to deal with any concrete pool repairs. You can trust our technicians to assess your problem and let you know the best way we can fix it.

Lone Star Pool Services is a professional and cost-effective pool cleaning and maintenance service operating in Houston, Katy, Copperfield, Cypress, Tomball and surrounding areas. If you are located in the area, get in touch with them for a free estimate by calling (832) 928-3017.

What is a concrete swimming pool?

Concrete swimming pools, also known as gunite pools, are swimming pools made using a mix of water, cement, sand, and a coarse aggregate such as gravel or stone.

How are concrete pools made?

The first phase is excavation and the placement of steel reinforcement. The shell of a concrete pool is created by either spraying shotcrete or gunite. When using gunite, the dry product is mixed with water in the sprayer while shotcrete uses an already mixed concrete product. Despite the mixing differences, there’s no significant quality difference between the two methods as long as they are done well. Once the shell is sprayed then it must cure. This is when the concrete hardens and strengthens. In general, this takes about a month.

After curing it’s time for waterproofing concrete followed by tile and coping. This includes spraying or rolling on a waterproofing material or concrete sealer and placing tiles along the top six inches of the pool. The coping helps transition from the pool to the pool deck. Some pool owners request decorative concrete or stamped concrete. This is also when the plaster surface is applied inside the pool.

What are the pros and cons of concrete swimming pools?

Concrete has many advantages, especially in terms of appearance. This is largely because concrete pools are highly customizable. They can be made in any shape or size, and you can add different features depending on what you want. In addition, you can customize the color of the plaster and even incorporate a secondary color if desired. Concrete pools are also very durable. However, it should be noted that the plaster finish inside the pool is not as durable as the concrete and will need regular maintenance.

Disadvantages include the long set-up period. Building a concrete pool can take between three and six months. They often have a rougher surface. While this can be a benefit for those worried about the delicacy of vinyl liners, the rough surface may cause scrapes. Concrete pools also require regular maintenance to keep them protected against algae.

What does concrete pool maintenance entail?

Concrete is porous and can easily make a great home for algae if left unmaintained. Once algae makes a home in the concrete, it is very difficult to remove. This means that part of your regular maintenance routine should include brushing the entire surface of the pool regularly.

In addition, concrete is alkaline based. This means it will continuously increase the pH of your pool water. Water should be tested regularly, and the proper chemicals should be added to maintain a healthy environment.

Concrete is also incompatible with salt. This means that salt within the pool will slowly erode the finish. It’s not uncommon to need to replaster your concrete pool every ten to fifteen years depending on how much you use it.

What are the different types of cracks in concrete pools?

Not all cracks mean that your pool is no longer watertight or that it will leak. Surface cracks, for example, are shallow and often caused by the concrete curing process. This doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t keep an eye on them. A surface crack could become problematic over time.

Structural cracks are the cracks you need to worry about. When you have a structural crack then there’s a good chance you also have a leak, or you will have a leak shortly. A structural crack is a pool crack that needs repair. Rack repair should be done by a professional sooner than later to prevent leaking and any ground problems.

What causes concrete pools to crack?

There are a few different things that can lead to a need for pool crack repair over the years. For example, ground movements can create tension and pressure on the pool shell, sometimes resulting in a crack. In addition, not compacting the soil enough during the pool building process can lead to ground movements along with freeze-thaw cycles.

How do you repair concrete pool cracks?

The best thing you can do when it comes to swimming pool concrete repair is to hire a professional. They’ll be able to evaluate your situation and provide the best possible solution. If you go the DIY route for concrete repairs or with a patch, then you may miss a vital step or not understand the complexity of the problem and have a bigger issue down the road.

You may see some suggestions online for DIY concrete repair using silicone, polyurethane, or epoxy injection or adhesives. Just because this may have worked for someone else doesn’t mean that it’s a good idea for your swimming pool. This is why it’s best to hire a contractor who is familiar with the problems and solutions when it comes to repairing concrete pools.

What is concrete pool resurfacing?

Owning a concrete swimming pool means more than just the occasional concrete repair. It also means concrete resurfacing. Swimming pool resurfacing means preparing your pool for a new surface after years of wear and tear.

The pool is drained and inspected, then the refinishing crew sandblasts the damaged or worn surface. The pool owner will select tile, coping, grouts, and any other decorative features which are then installed by the team. The pool shell is then cleaned, and the new surface material is installed. In the end, if needed, the team will also do an acid wash to protect the finish.

Is it really necessary to close my pool for the winter?

If you don’t close your pool for winter, then harsh conditions can have damaging consequences. You may experience damage to your pipes if they freeze and burst. It could easily become overrun with algae and bacteria. You may experience pool filter problems as well. It’s always a good idea to speak with your local pool care and maintenance companies to see what you should do to prepare for a change in seasons.

What are the benefits of hiring a pool cleaning company?

Swimming pools require maintenance. If you skip out on maintenance, then you could be looking at expensive fixes in the future. However, proper pool maintenance is time consuming and not everyone wants to be out scrubbing their swimming pool once a week. This is why Lone Star Pool Services makes it easy for swimming pool owners to enjoy the pool of their dreams without the tedious work. We provide quality pool maintenance at an affordable price so you can focus on enjoying your pool rather than toiling over it.