A common cause with pool cracks is from too-thin gunite used during the installation process. During the construction process, the gunite might not adhere properly to the steel framework. When this occurs, the gunite “rebounds,” or bounces back after application. Rebound gunite should be removed and thrown away.
Small superficial cracks are called check cracks or crazing. This is normal due to the cement shrinking or flexing of the supporting structure, and should not be considered a deficiency. The most common cause for crazing is if the pool is finished on a hot, dry or windy day, or if it took too long to fill the pool.
When faced with a leaking gunite pool crack, you and your customer are faced with several options for repair: simple topical repairs that can be made while the pool is filled, more permanent crack injections, or extensive concrete removal and structural re- engineering.
On average, gunite swimming pools last 7 to 10 years before they need to be resurfaced. When that time comes, it's important to know what options are available so that you can pick the best choice for your backyard space.
In addition, during hot weather, a gunite or shotcrete pool should be half filled with water, and make use of sprinklers, foggers, misters or a spray nozzle to keep surfaces wet. Burlap or plastic can also be used to keep the concrete shell from drying out too rapidly during curing.
A common cause with pool cracks is from too-thin gunite used during the installation process. During the construction process, the gunite might not adhere properly to the steel framework. When this occurs, the gunite “rebounds,” or bounces back after application. Rebound gunite should be removed and thrown away.
Hairline Cracks on Concrete Pool Decks
These are usually the result of an underlying structural problem. Dormant cracks are usually thin cracks that don't really worsen over time unless constant moisture or impact is involved. Hairline cracks are usually dormant and don't really do much damage.
If you're looking for a simple answer, the answer is yes. Saltwater chlorinators are perfectly safe for gunite pools. The biggest issues reported when using saltwater chlorinators with gunite pools have to do with the tendency of the plaster to stain over time when coming into contact with salt.
Gunite pools are incredibly durable and do not require a liner. This allows the pool to look better and retain its shape over time. One of the main disadvantages of a gunite pool is the time it takes to install the pool from start to finish.
You will need a track system to secure the liner to the pool. This system is installed with stainless screws just beneath the edge of the coping, around the entire perimeter of your pool. During the pool conversion, you will attach a pad between the liner and the gunite walls.
“When we see a structurally cracked pool, it's usually pretty obvious. It's a crack running either down the side of a pool from the tile or through the bottom coping down the walls, across the floor, in corners, and very often, it's opened up enough that it can leak and bring water in.
While gunite pools vary widely in cost, you can expect to pay significantly more for a gunite pool than you would for a vinyl liner pool.
Minor cracks and tears in a vinyl liner pool can easily be repaired with a vinyl patch kit. Since most kits can be repaired underwater, you won't need to drain your pool.
Shrinkage or Surface Cracks
Surface cracks can be seen in the plaster and generally don't mean that you have a leak. Surface cracks don't usually run through the shell of the pool and cause leaks. These are also pretty normal and can be repaired easily.
Pool plaster crazing is a pretty common problem, and the consequences are usually minor. When the crazing is too bad, however, it can cause staining, algae issues, and calcium nodules. A bad case of crazing will require you to replaster your swimming pool.
Coping and Tiling
Therefore it is normal that the Gunite pools have tile installed along the top six inches of the pool. This is to transition from water to air and keep the finish wet. Coping is either a stone or brick border that goes around the entire perimeter of the swimming pool.
It is necessary for you to water cure your Gunite to slow the drying time down. In the summer, wet the pool down at least 5 times a day, more if you can get to it. In cooler months (temperatures below 80 degrees F), 2 to 3 times a day is fine.
Highly excessive salinity levels (over 6,000 ppm) will cause corrosion damage to metallic equipment, such as ladders and handrails. This is true because salt doesn't wear out, break down or evaporate; Turn the pump on and run until you reach the desired water level.
Tile Finishes
Though tile is the most expensive pool finish and takes longer to install than plaster and aggregate, it's the longest lasting pool surface. With proper application and minimal maintenance, tiles should never need to be replaced. Tile pool finishes come in ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone.
The most popular solution for older pool decks with cracks is installing 1-inch-thick interlocking pavers on top of the deck. Because the pavers are not cemented to the deck, they are unaffected by the movement of the concrete deck. Installing pavers can make a cracked deck look new.
Vinyl pools tend to contract when emptied, which can result in damage when they are refilled. Gunite or fiberglass pools can crack, and fiberglass pools may suffer bulging or splitting if drained. It may also void your warranty to drain your fiberglass pool.