Swimming Pool Structural Repair
Pool Problems, just ask...
This is a brief guide to what types of problems may be encountered and need a structural repair. By structural, we mean repair of cracked pools, subsidence, or other structural defects.It is highly recommended to have a professional look at a structural problem before starting a repair. The products used to repair these types of things are highly specialised and there are subtle differences depending on the nature of the problem.
Cracks, if structural they may need to be stapled, reinforced and injected with epoxy based 2 pack mortar, but if the reason that the pool cracked, for example if the ground has washed out from under the pool or it is on unstable footings, the crack will re open, no matter how well the repair was made.
The root cause of the problem needs to be adressed otherwise any proposed repair will still have stresses imposed on it.
Cracks not related to ground movement may be either injected or repaired with 2 pack epoxy resin. Subsidence problems in a swimming pool can be tackled in 2 ways. If the pool is fairly new and has say dropped in one corner, but the structure is sound, Its recommended to leave it full of water for a season and let it settle completely. Normally the pool will move and then stop as the ground under it adapts to the new weight bearing on it. Once it has stopped, the normal course of action is to remove the surround, build up the top, replace surround and retile the pool. The subsidence on the pool is probably due to ground settlement, because the substrate was not prepared properly, or the floating foundation was not properly compacted.Subsidence that has caused the pool to crack is more serious.The swimming pool needs to be underpinned before the crack can be fixed. In extreme cases a new pool can be cast inside the old one. Much depends on the extent of the problem and what is likely to happen in the future - will the swimming pool continue to move or is it stabilised?
In some cases if hairline cracks have appeared a swimming pool liner may be a more permanent solution.
Free resource for swimming pool owners and operators, pool leaks, heating, maintenance guides, pool construction.
If you are new to swimming pool ownership, you are in good hands, we give you the information to help you choose the right products for your swimming pool.