Swimming season is just around the corner! If you have a swimming pool, you will probably soon be preparing to cool down in crystal clear water as soon as the first heat wave hits. However, when you inspect your concrete pool, you may notice that cracks have appeared over the winter.
If this happens, you will need to be cautious and take appropriate measures to ensure that the cracks will not jeopardize your swimming season. Naturally, this begins with a better knowledge of concrete pool cracks.
The different types of concrete pool cracks
Rest assured, not all pool cracks necessarily mean that the pool will leak. The severity of the problem depends on the type of crack you are dealing with.
Surface cracks
Shallow surface cracks can form as part of the hardening process of a freshly poured concrete pool. They very rarely cause leaks. However, it is worth watching their development, since they can grow to become problematic, not to mention detrimental to the aesthetics of the pool. Fortunately, these cracks are quite easy to resolve.
Structural cracks
If you are faced with a structural crack, the situation deserves your full attention, since there is a good chance that the pool will end up leaking. These cracks form in the pool shell and can appear at various critical locations. They can be vertical or horizontal, on the sides or at the bottom of the pool.
Possible causes of concrete pool cracks
Concrete pool cracks can have various causes. For example, ground movements can create pressure and tension on the concrete shell. To relieve these stresses, concrete can crack. Insufficient soil compaction during pool installation can often lead to soil movement, as do repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Wear and tear on materials can also cause cracks in your concrete pool, especially if their quality is poor.
Repairing concrete cracks
There are several ways to repair concrete pool cracks. However, the technique of high-pressure or low-pressure injection has proven its worth and is probably the most effective way to permanently seal gaps in the concrete. This method can involve injecting polyurethane or epoxy into the crack, two substances with slightly different properties. This is why a professional pre-inspection is essential to determine the right injection formula.
When it comes to cracks, prevention is better than cure!
Even if they rarely pose a danger to your concrete pool, cracks still need to be repaired quickly to prevent them from becoming a serious problem.
For answers to your questions, or to repair cracks in your concrete pool, contact the specialists at Foundation Crack Expert Group, they will be happy to guide you through the entire repair process.
