When you own a pool you need to expect to make repairs every now and again. Having a pool is much like having a home. Things begin to break down over the years and require some TLC. With pools, that TLC may be needed if your pool starts to develop pool surface cracks. The thought of the word “crack” being mentioned in the same sentence as your pool is probably enough to make you cringe. But, if you take care of the problem quickly, you can avoid any further trouble.
What are Pool Surface Cracks?
Pool surface cracks are just what they sounds like…cracks in the plaster surface of the pool. An important thing to note is that surface cracks are typically not as serious as structural cracks in your pool. Very rarely does a surface crack mean the pool is leaking water as can be the case quite often with a structural crack.
Pool surface cracks are often just maintenance and repair issues. But, they should not be cast aside either. Not attending to a pool surface crack in a timely manner can lead to more serious problems down the road.
What causes pool surface cracks?
It’s not uncommon for pools to develop surface cracks over time. Small hairline cracks can develop in the plaster walls of the pool. A popular spot for these to occur are in the top step or anywhere close to the surface.
Sometimes pool surface cracks can be attributed to shrinkage (these types of cracks are called craze cracks). These craze cracks are seen in the top step but can also run throughout the walls and floor of the pool. It’s very common for concrete pools to experience shrinkage cracks when they are first placed. Anything from excessive temperatures to excess wind or water can lead to shrinkage cracks.
Factors associated with how the concrete and gunite were applied can contribute to surface cracks. These are several scenarios that may be to blame:
- The plaster was too wet
- The plaster was too hot & contained too much calcium
- Expansion of the substrate beneath the plaster
- Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) within the plaster mix
In order for any of these scenarios not to play a role in your pool’s surface cracks your pool would have to have been plastered on a cool, cloudy day and filled with water exactly six hours after the plaster was applied. We all know the chances of that happening are slim to none.
Once you notice the crack it’s too late to pinpoint the exact cause since there are many variables. The one thing that is consistent is that your pool has a surface crack and you need to fix it as soon as possible.
Common Fixes for Pool Surface Cracks
When you first notice a surface crack in your pool, your instinct may be to just run out, buy some plaster, and fix the crack yourself. But, it’s not that easy. We look for cracks and perform an inspection during our weekly pool cleaning visits.
In order to verify that it is indeed a surface crack and not a structural crack, it’s best to call a professional pool maintenance company like Lone Star Pool Services. Experts can assess the damage and advise you on what type of pool repair is best.
If it is indeed a pool surface crack, some water will likely be drained from the pool to expose the crack and to fix it properly. Rough spots around the crack will be smoothed down and any loose particles will be taken away.
The process of fixing the crack requires pool plaster mix and a liquid cement bonder. There is a proper consistency of the two materials needed in order to make this fix work. That is another reason why hiring a professional is the best route. If you treat this as a DIY project you may not fix the crack sufficiently. This will lead to more problems down the road, ones that will likely cost you more money and put your pool out of commission for a longer period of time.
How much will to cost to fix pool surface cracks?
This depends on how large and deep the crack is and how long it takes to fix. Unfortunately, there is no single standard price. Once a professional comes out to your home to assess the problem, you can get a better idea of how much it will cost to fix the surface crack in your pool.
One thing is for certain. It will cost far less than it would to replace a structural crack or a leak in your pool! The most important thing you can do to keep your costs down is to have any pool repair issue fixed as soon as possible. As with your home, repairs only get more detailed and expensive when they are ignored.
When you need problems repaired in your pool or are simply looking for a pool maintenance company, look no further than Lone Star Pool Services and Maintenance.