Concrete decks against a pool should have proper expansion joints so they don't expand and damage the pool shell or coping, and cracks in the deck areas near the pool should be properly sealed; preferably with an elastomeric type of sealer.
Concrete pool cracks can have various causes. ... 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.
A well-maintained concrete pool should last around 50 years or more. And a well constructed in-ground concrete swimming pool should last a lifetime. But, a pool's liner or finish won't last long. And thus, an in-ground concrete pool will need to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years.
Special Care for Concrete Pools
Besides maintaining a constant balance of chemicals in your water, you will need to keep the concrete itself clean. The best way to do that is by simply brushing the walls. You can use a hard bristled brush attached to a telescopic pole to brush the walls and floor of your pool.
Concrete pools are worth it if you are looking for an inground pool that is highly customizable and will basically last your entire lifetime as long as it's properly taken care of.
We recommend sealing a concrete pool deck every 3-5 years. The sealant will wear away over time due to weather exposure, foot traffic, and cleaning efforts. Once this happens, the sealer can no longer protect your concrete from stains, fading and discoloration.
The two most popular sealers for concrete are acrylic and sealers that are water repellent. Acrylic sealers will leave behind a visible surface film on concrete. When water splashes up onto the coating, it just sits on the surface because of the film.
Cracks in concrete pool decks are common, however they may be a warning sign of deck problems or leaks. It's estimated that 1 in 20 pools or spas leak.
In-ground concrete swimming pools are usually durable installations that last for decades. However, gunite, shotcrete, or concrete walls may develop cracks over time. Small shrinkage cracks aren't a problem, but if the cracks grow large enough to insert a dime, the shell might be compromised.
Q: How long does it last? A: Flex Shot will last up to 30 years and will not fade, dry, crack, yellow or deteriorate.
There are two main types of concrete sealers: film-forming sealers and penetrating sealers. Film-forming sealers include acrylics, epoxies, and urethanes that form a coating on the surface of the concrete. Film-forming sealers, especially acrylics, are more susceptible to wear and will need to be reapplied frequently.
Flex Seal can be used on almost every surface: wood, metal, tile, concrete, masonry, fabric, glass, plastic, aluminum, porcelain, drywall, rubber, cement, and vinyl. Plus, it won't sag or drip in the summer heat, and it won't crack or peel in the winter cold.
Does exposed aggregate need to be sealed? Yes. These sealers—typically film-forming acrylic resins—can help protect against spalling, dusting, efflorescence, freeze-thaw damage, stains, deicing salts, and abrasion. A sealer will also enhance the color of the aggregate, accentuating its depth and richness.
As a decorative surface of faux stonework, stamped concrete does not have the usual roughness of concrete. This means — though more affordable than the real stone — stamped concrete has the potential to be somewhat slippery in weather-prone, exterior settings like a pool.
Keeping moisture out of the stone with a sealer is the best way to prevent mold and mildew growth. If your pool coping is made of a natural material, calcium deposits may develop over time and lead to surface deterioration if not removed.
Additionally, a lack of water means there's a lack of moisture on the pool walls. If left exposed to long periods under the hot sun, pool finishes will dry out, creating cracks and flaking.
Except the ultimate answer to whether a replacement vinyl liner can be installed in a concrete pool is anything but straightforward. Starting on the simple side of the equation, the answer is “yes” a vinyl pool liner can be installed in a concrete pool.
4. Maintenance. Without question, concrete pools require the most maintenance of any type of inground pool. For example, with vinyl and fiberglass pools you don't have to worry so much about your calcium levels in the water.
However, when chlorine is present in a water-based solution, it can permeate through concrete and reach the steel bars giving the concrete structural support. The chlorides corrode the metal framework, endangering the skeleton of your concrete floor.
A no-drain acid wash is arguably the best method to restore your swimming pool to its former glory without damaging its surface in any way. It is also much more cost and time-effective than many other stain removal methods. As the name implies, it refers to acid washing the pool without draining it.