If you have an inground gunite swimming pool, then the pool may develop cracks over time. These cracks can occur for a variety of reasons and they can and should be repaired as quickly as possible. If you want to understand why the cracks develop and also how a repair can be made, keep reading.
Why Do Gunite Cracks Form?
Cracks can form in gunite for a few reasons. The most common involves the movement of the ground around the pool and the shifting of the gunite in an uneven manner. In this scenario, the cracks are stress fractures that appear due to the pressure on the hard gunite material. Soil that is unstable and ground that is soggy will both create the problem.
Also, cracks can often develop if water penetrates the outer pool's coating. Since gunite is a porous material, it is covered in a layer of plaster. The plaster acts as a waterproof barrier, but water can work its way underneath the plaster over time. This can create a bubble or protrusion under the plaster and cracks can develop as well.
Sometimes the surface is not disturbed, but the plaster is shrinking. This shrinkage is considered normal and is part of the plaster curing process. However, in some cases, shrinkage and other types of cracks may be linked to poor craftsmanship. Engineering problems can lead to complete pool failure in some situations, so it is wise to have a professional investigate the situation to see if there is an underlying issue that needs to be addressed.
How Do You Fix The Damage?
If a substantial engineering or structural problem is not located, then you can fix the repairs on your own. However, any soil issues should be addressed first through the addition of a drainage system or ground stabilizing techniques.
To complete the repair, you will need cement. Hydraulic cement is often used for gunite pool repairs because it cures quickly. This means you do not have to wait for the cement to dry for very long before filling it with water.
Remove loose plaster from the repair area and then mix your cement. If you want a long-lasting repair, then you can also add a bit of silica or an acrylic bonding agent to the mix. Use a putty knife to spread the cement into the opening and level it out. Wait for the cement to dry and add a protective coating over it. You can add plaster or a pool paint to seal the repair.
Contact a company like Crystal Blue Pools for more information swimming pool repair.