It’s almost time to swim! If you have a swimming pool, you will probably soon be making the first preparations so that you can cool off in clear, crystal clear water as soon as the first heat wave hits. However, when inspecting your concrete pool, you may notice that cracks have appeared over the winter.
In this eventuality, you will need to be vigilant and take appropriate measures to ensure that these cracks do not threaten your swimming season. Obviously, this starts with a better knowledge of concrete pool cracks.
The Different Types of Concrete Pool Cracks
Rest assured, not every pool crack necessarily means that the pool is leaking. The severity of the problem depends on the type of crack you’re dealing with.
Surface cracks
Shallow surface cracks can be part of the curing process of a freshly concreted pool. They very rarely cause leaks. However, it is important to follow their evolution, as they can grow to the point of becoming problematic, not to mention that they affect the aesthetics of the pool. Fortunately, these cracks are rather easy to remove.
Structural cracks
If you are facing a structural crack, the situation deserves your full attention, as there is a good chance that the pool will leak or end up leaking. These cracks form in the shell of the pool and can appear in various strategic places. They can be vertical or horizontal, on the sides or at the bottom of the pool.
Possible Origins of Concrete Pool Cracks
Concrete pool cracks can have a variety of origins. For example, ground movement can create pressures and strains on the concrete shell. To free itself from these stresses, concrete can crack. Often, insufficient soil compaction at the time of pool installation can promote soil movement, as do repeated freeze-thaw cycles.
Wear and tear on materials can also be the cause of cracks in your concrete pool, especially if their quality leaves something to be desired.
Repairing cracks in concrete
Repairing concrete pool cracks can be done in a variety of ways. However, the technique of high-pressure or low-pressure injection has proven itself and is arguably the most effective for sealing gaps in concrete permanently. This method may involve injecting polyurethane or epoxy into the crack, two substances with slightly different properties. That’s why a professional inspection is essential to be able to choose the right formula to inject.
When it comes to cracks, prevention is better than cure!
Even if they rarely pose a danger to your concrete pool, cracks still deserve to be repaired quickly to prevent them from becoming a real problem.
To get answers to your questions, or to repair cracks in your concrete pool, contact the specialists of the Fissure Expert group, they will be happy to guide you throughout the repair process.
Need a Crack Repair Expert?
If you notice cracks on your foundation, it is important to act quickly. Fissure Expert offers professional foundation crack injection services throughout Quebec. Call a certified foundation crack contractor for a free estimate. We serve Trois-Rivières, Chicoutimi, Laval and many other cities.