When you have an in-ground plaster pool, then eventually it will need swimming pool plaster repairs. Over time, plaster wears and develops surface cracks. Depending on the severity of the crack, it can probably be repaired. Let’s take a closer look at concrete swimming pool cracks and how a professional pool company like Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance can help with swimming pool repairs for plaster swimming pools.
What are Pool Surface Cracks?
A surface crack is simply a crack in the plaster surface of a swimming pool. Surface cracks are not generally as serious as structural cracks. A surface crack doesn’t necessarily mean your pool is leaking water. However, with a structural crack, your pool is likely leaking water which can be a serious problem.
That being said, you shouldn’t brush off swimming pool plaster repair just because it seems minor. Surface cracks in pool plaster should still be tended to as quickly as possible to prevent larger problems.
What Causes Pool Plaster Cracks?
Several things can be attributed to pool surface cracks. Shrinkage is one. These are seen in the top step but can also run throughout the pool walls and floor. Shrinkage cracks are common when the pool and spa are first installed. Things such as excessive temperatures and too much wind or water may also be to blame.
If your plaster cracks are associated with pool installation, one of these scenarios is likely to blame:
- They added too much water to the plaster mix
- The plaster was too hot & contained too much calcium
- Expansion of the substrate beneath the plaster
- Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) within the plaster mix
It’s also not uncommon for swimming pools to develop cracks over time that have nothing to do with installation. Small hairline cracks can develop in the plaster walls of the pool.
Soil issues can be another major cause of cracking. If soil is not compacted properly during installation, then the soil may compact and create a gap between the pool shell and the soil, which can ultimately lead to cracking. In addition, soil movement, especially on hillsides, can cause cracking.
Cracks may also turn up in places where the concrete layer covering the rebar or piping is insufficient. When there isn’t a significant layer of concrete over rebar then you’ll often see a pattern of cracks reflecting the rebar pattern. Over time, rust may come out of these cracks. This is a cause for concern as the damage may expand and put additional pressure on the cement, ultimately leading to pool failure. This is why it’s important to always repair plaster pools as soon as you notice the problem.
Pool Plastering Repair
When you first notice a crack on the pool surface, you may think you can buy some materials and fix it yourself. It’s not that easy! To the untrained eye, it can be quite difficult to determine if you’re dealing with a surface crack or a structural crack. This is why it’s best to call the professionals at Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance. Our team will take a look to assess the problem and advice you on what type of swimming pool repair is best.
If it’s a true surface crack, then our team will drain some of the pool water to expose the crack in order to properly repair pool plaster. Then, any rough spots are smoothed down and loose particles cleaned away.
This process requires a pool plaster mix as well as a liquid cement border. Achieving the correct consistency is a challenge. This is why it’s important to call a professional to repair swimming pool plaster versus doing it yourself. Remember that this isn’t just another DIY project. If improperly repaired then you may have bigger problems down the road that end up being more costly and put your pool out of commission for a longer period of time.
The Cost to Repair a Plaster Swimming Pool
It’s difficult to quote the cost to repair plaster swimming pools without first surveying the damage. Each pool repair is different and there is no standard price. However, once a professional comes out to assess the situation, you’ll have a better understanding of the cost. We may even be able to provide you with the average cost of crack repair over the phone if you want to give us a call. However, this number could change once we see the damage first-hand.
Typically, it’s far less expensive to fix a surface crack than it is to fix a structural crack or a pool leak. This is another reason why you want to get any cracks checked out as early as possible. Repairs become more detailed and costly when ignored or delayed.
Call Us for Your Swimming Pool Plastering Needs
Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance is your go-to source when it comes to swimming pool plastering problems and solutions. Our trusted team of technicians will assess your problem and advise the best solution. You can count on us to fix any issues as efficiently and cost-effectively as possible.
We’ve proudly served the Flower Mound area for over 18 years. Our team has helped countless customers with pool repair for plaster swimming pools as well as weekly pool maintenance.
Call Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance today at (214) 974-8960 to learn more about how we can repair your pool and provide other services to keep it in tip-top shape.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can you repair pool plaster underwater?
While it’s best to drain the pool and repair the plaster without having to contend with water, it is possible to repair pool plaster underwater. This is generally only done when the crack is a reasonable size or on the bottom surface of the pool. If an underwater repair is deemed to be the best course of action, the pool technician will don eye protection such as pool goggles and protective clothing and head into the pool. They must first prepare the edges of the crack using a paint scraper. Next, they’ll use a wire brush to remove any debris, algae, or other loose material. The technician must mix the plaster for the patch out of the water before taking some into the water to create the patch. Using a putty knife or pool trowel, they will scoop up a ball of the fresh patching material and then push the new plaster into the crack before smoothing the edges.
How often should I replaster my pool?
General guidelines in place by pool plaster companies state that you should replaster your whole pool every ten years or so. Ten years happens to be the average life span of swimming pool plaster. However, unmaintained swimming pools may require pool repair services or replastering much sooner. Swimming pools in well-maintained condition can easily reach the 10-year mark.
How much does it cost to replaster my pool?
The total amount you will pay to replaster your pool depends on several factors including pool size, hot tub service, and more. Generally, it runs around $4-7 per square foot to replaster your pool’s concrete surface.
What are the steps to replaster a swimming pool?
The whole process of replastering a pool consists of five major steps. The first of which is to drain and clean the pool. This includes removing all debris and scraping with a wire brush to remove any peeling plaster. Next, comes the acid washing. After that, the team will begin sanding the pool surface. This will help the new plasters bond to the concrete shell. New plaster is then applied in small sections and allowed to dry completely. Once complete, it’s time to fill the swimming pool, balance the pH and alkalinity, and enjoy the final look and results of your freshly resurfaced pool.
How do I know if I need to replaster my pool?
If you purchased a home with a concrete pool or you aren’t sure how long it has been since your pool was replastered, you may not be sure when you should replaster again. Here are 10 signs you should consider replastering your swimming pool.
- The plaster is flaking or peeling
- Your pool has surface stains
- The smooth plaster surface has worn away leaving behind a rough surface
- You notice cracks resembling spider webs or eggshell cracks.
- There is discoloration due to bleaching
- Your pool has structural cracks or you’re refilling the pool more often
- You notice rusting
- Pebbles are loose or dislodge easily
- There are cracks in steps and benches
- Pool paint or fiberglass delamination
Clear Choice Pool Care & service locations
These are all of the Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance service locations you can contact in your area.
Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance cities serviced
We serve this list of the cities in the DFW service area for Clear Choice Pool Care & Maintenance.
Addison, Argyle, Arlington, Bartonville, Bedford, Carrollton, Colleyville, Coppell, Copper Canyon, Corinth, Corral City, Dallas, Denton, Double Oak, Euless, Farmers Branch, Flower Mound, Fort Worth, Frisco, Grapevine, Hackberry, Haltom City, Haslet, Hebron, Highland Village, Hurst, Irving, Justin, Keller, Lake Dallas, Lakewood Village, Lantana, Lewisville, Little Elm, North Richland Hills, Northlake, Oak Point, Plano, Roanoke, Shady Shores, The Colony, and Valley Ranch.
