While swimming pools in the past were reserved for commercial properties and high-end homes, the low cost of maintenance and construction have made it possible for almost everyone to afford a pool. Incorporating a swimming pool into your landscape does not, however, mean you only need to relax with minimal concern of its state. Several elements will affect your pool time and again. It is thus prudent to have a long-term contract with a reputable pool maintenance and repair agency.
A leading element the contract with a pool repair expert based in Keller, TX, will help you discern and handle promptly is cracks in your pool’s floor and walls. Pool cracks are often a result of uneven water pressure distribution, poor construction, and earth movement. Left unfixed, these cracks will quickly extend and become expensive and impossible to fix. The following are some techniques the professionals will use to fix the cracks in your pool.
Application of Putty
If your pool has a surface crack, then a screwdriver and putty might be all that is needed to fix it. The crack’s full length will first be scraped to remove debris while widening the crack. Putty is then gently squeezed into the crack to cover it entirely. After this, the putty will be blended into your pool so that it forms a seamless surface with the surrounding surface.
Plastering
In cases where your pool’s crack is a minor structural one or a major surface crack, plastering is the leading technique that will be used to fix it. The pool is first drained, and the hydrostatic relief plugs in your pool floor are removed. A grinder will widen the crack and make a dovetail or reverse “V” shape. A bonding additive is then placed into the crack before a pool plaster is used to finish the repair. If your pool’s crack is more than an inch deep, hydraulic cement is used to fill up most of it before plastering.
Stapling
This method is used for cracks that run across your pool floor and down your walls. Horizontal cuts will be made perpendicular to the crack and holes drilled on either side of the crack. After this, carbon fiber or steel staples are fixed to form a Frankenstein-like stitch that repairs the crack. The repaired section is then plastered or painted to match it to the surrounding area.
Epoxy Injection
This technique is used to repair cracks that run to your pool shell. An epoxy sealant will be injected into the cracks under pressure and fill all voids from the front to the back. In some cases, epoxy injection is used in combination with stapling to boost its bond. The process takes time since injection ports will first be installed along your crack then sealed in place and enough time allowed for the complete filling of your cracks with the sealant.
Several articles online have instructions on how to handle the above repairs. While they make it seem like a straightforward process of protective gear, tools, and the right supplies, it is far from it. DIY repair barely seals cracks that continue widening and cause pump malfunctions, pool chemistry imbalance and weaken your skimmer assembly.
