We just finished filling our new pool with water and noticed the mortar between the water line tile and the deck separating. Is this normal? Any idea why it’s happening?
New pool looks old
- Thread starter Domine
- Start date
Well hello there, sorry to be meeting over this 
How old is the pool? Have you talked to the PB about it?
How old is the pool? Have you talked to the PB about it?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 54,593
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Do you have a cantilevered deck? If so that space is normal and is your expansion joint.
I would be more annoyed with the chipped tile tops. It looks like they chipped the tiles when they removed the poured concrete forms.
www.troublefreepool.com
I would be more annoyed with the chipped tile tops. It looks like they chipped the tiles when they removed the poured concrete forms.
Expansion Joints and Coping - Further Reading
www.troublefreepool.com
Shapshftr
Active member
It looks like the pool settled (sunk) from the weight of the water, and pulled away from the deck. The pool should have been filled to make it settle before the deck was built.
jetranger
Well-known member
- Jul 19, 2015
- 110
- Pool Size
- 18000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- CircuPool Universal40
You're suggesting shotcrete, tile, plaster, fill pool with water, then decking last? First I've heard of that order.
This is a rebar, concrete, plaster pool. They do not "Settle" like a fiberglass or above ground pool can. Look up at what @ajw22 posted. That is spot on and will help the OP understand what needs/needed to be done.
Shapshftr
Active member
Not looking to argue with anyone, but pool experts say it happens.
Concrete Pool Problems
www.swimmingpoolsteve.com
- Jul 21, 2013
- 54,593
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
First thing to understand is what the construction buildup was of the deck. Looks to me like cantilevered…
jjspence1
New member
Any trees nearby? I had 2 sections of my cantilevered deck tilt up away from the edge of the pool because palm tree roots got under it. Had to demolish and repair when the tilt accelerated every year. If this is the case when digging it up you can install a mesh down between the yard and the deck to prevent roots from propagating under it.
So I know for my own reference the above article on cantilever decks mentions the gap on top should be filled with “flexible sealant that is not silicone based”. What would be the suggested product to use?
- Jul 21, 2013
- 54,593
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
I think it is a new deck with a new pool. No time for tree roots to raise it up.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 54,593
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
Best to just keep the gap open. Otherwise you will be chasing gaps or cracks as the joint moves.
Otherwise you want a joint sealer like this from Deck-O-Seal or Skiaflex.
Ok, I’ll just leave it. It’s pretty minimal and I don’t want to obsess about it. Appreciate the information. My pool is very near complete so I’ll be around soon seeking guidance to ensure I’m headed in the right direction. Thanks again
jjspence1
New member
you are correct, I missed that, unlikely trees would cause that problem quickly.
Do you have a cantilevered deck? If so that space is normal and is your expansion joint.
I would be more annoyed with the chipped tile tops. It looks like they chipped the tiles when they removed the poured concrete forms.
Expansion Joints and Coping - Further Reading
Thank you everyone for the responses it has been very educational for me!
I believe we have a cantilevered deck, I do not believe they put any kind of expansion joint in there.
It’s a brand new pool, in Arizona so hard dirt, rebar, concrete, and pebble tec.
The response I’ve received from the builder is just offensive.
- Jul 21, 2013
- 54,593
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
To be clear, the gap is your expansion joint so they did install it properly.
Leave the gap open. That is the design of your pool.
They framed it and then poured concrete, I do not feel like any bond beam, mastic joint, or anything else was done. They framed and poured concrete, nothing else that I saw. I don’t believe rebar is required, I’m not sure if it should have been done as all one piece. Is there any way to tell if this was done correctly??
Attachments
- Jul 21, 2013
- 54,593
- Pool Size
- 35000
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-60
The fact there is a gap says they likely did it correctly.
You have a bond beam. I see it in your pics.
A “decoupling” expansion joint should extend across the entire width of the top of the bond beam to allow the deck to move independent of the pool shell. This joint can be created with a 4mm plastic sheet or 2 layers of roofing felt underlayment.
I think potentially the way they framed it just makes it look like a gap and isn’t actually a gap. I believe I’m unfortunately a victim of the same building practice. I saw on my cameras that they didn’t use anything as an expansion joint on mine and just poured on to the bond beam. I noticed from the photos the same concrete company did our decking. I mentioned it to the person over seeing the project and they basically acted like they had no clue what I was speaking.
The fact there is a gap says they likely did it correctly.
You have a bond beam. I see it in your pics.
A “decoupling” expansion joint should extend across the entire width of the top of the bond beam to allow the deck to move independent of the pool shell. This joint can be created with a 4mm plastic sheet or 2 layers of roofing felt underlayment.
Is the bond beam just the top of the pool then??
I don’t know why they would put grouting in there just to have it beak off and fall in the pool and leave such a big gap in there.
I guess I am just worried about Pool water and chemicals getting in there and causing issues.
