Cracks in swimming pools are unsightly and can indicate significant issues. When cracks appear, it is necessary to determine if they are superficial surface cracks or likely to become leaks. Contact Aquaguard 5000, the industry leader in resurfacing and pool crack repair kits for commercial and residential pool systems, to schedule an evaluation today at (772) 758-2370.
The pool is placed securely into the ground during swimming pool installation to minimize future shifting or movement. Shifting or movement of the pool or surrounding ground area can cause cracks in the foundation. Unfortunately, it is impossible to prevent all moving or shifting.
There are seven common reasons why concrete cracks develop in swimming pools.
#1 Changes in Soil Moisture
A change in soil moisture refers to the oversaturation or drying out of the soil around the pool.
Oversaturation occurs from extensive rain or flooding. When oversaturated, the soil expands, placing upward pressure on the concrete. This pressure causes shifting and the potential for cracking.
Drying out occurs from poor irrigation or dry spells in the region. When soil dry’s out, it shrinks, causing the swimming pool to shift downward, settling further into the ground, which can lead to concrete cracking.
#2 Changes in Groundwater Levels
A change in groundwater levels refers to the difference in the water levels surrounding your pool. This groundwater level places inward pressure on the walls of the pool. The water in the swimming pool creates opposing hydrostatic pressure, meaning the water pushes pressure outward. Ideally, these pressures need to balance to keep the pool secure.
When the forces from outside the pool are more significant than those within the pool, shifting or tilting occurs, increasing the potential for cracking. This is when pool crack repair kits become invaluable.
#3 Hillside Installation
As discussed above, the balance in the soil and groundwater surrounding your pool is critical. you’re your pool is built on a hillside, there is an increased likelihood for soil and water to shift downward with time, which can cause potential cracking.
#4 Not Enough Cure Time
Most people assume all concrete is the same and see it as hard, dense, and nearly unbreakable without extremely hefty tools. This assumption is misleading, as density and strength depend on proper mixing and installation.
A part of the installation process includes the amount of time needed for the concrete to cure, or harden, once poured. If not allowed to cure correctly before being filled with water, the concrete walls of the pool will not have set hard enough and can be susceptible to cracking.
#5 Incorrect Expansion Joints
Concrete swells and shrinks with extreme changes in weather. Expansion joints are built into the pool to compensate for this change. Insufficient or poorly placed expansion joints will result in cracking where the most swelling and shrinking occurs.
#6 Improper Plumbing Installation
A pool requires some plumbing for water flow and return; however, minimizing the amount of plumbing is essential. Plumbing in the concrete structure creates a weak spot, making those areas susceptible to cracking and damage.
#7 Weak Pool Shape
Because of the pool pressures discussed above, it is necessary to consider a smooth flowing pool shape that doesn’t have sharp corners or extreme angles. Angles such as 90 degree turns in the pool design create weak areas where pressure buildup in those corners is likely to cause cracking.
Proper Installation is the Best Form of Prevention
If you are installing a new pool, it is vital to consider the entire process, from where you place your pool to the shape of the pool and the amount of time for proper installation. While it’s impossible to prevent all movement, poorly installed or designed pools are more susceptible to cracking and leaking when these changes occur.
Cracks in Swimming Pools Repair
If you are moving into a location with a pre-existing pool, you have no way of knowing about the quality of the installation or changes in the soil. In this case, it is crucial to take stock of existing cracks, determine if they are likely to cause leaks, and determine whether sealing or resurfacing is necessary.
Your pool is a substantial investment. Consider sealing or resurfacing with epoxy pool paint or an epoxy crack injection before a swimming pool crack becomes a problem. Contact the professionals at Aquaguard 5000 today at (772) 758-2370 to talk about our pool crack repair kits.
