Hello. I'm a new pool owner: 19,500 gallons/ Diving pool with spa attached/ Pebble Tech. We just recently moved into a home that was built in the 1980's. While we don't know for sure, it is possible that the tile and pebble tech may be the original.
I'd greatly appreciate input regarding a few items:
We noticed tiles (about 7 feet worth) are 'jetting' out on one side of the pool. One side of the pool sits a small bit higher than the other. We also have loose coping. Some is so loose that we are able to completely remove the stone and see the beam underneath. In one of these cases, we can see that the beam is cracked. Most all of the coping just visually looks like it would be a good idea to reseal them, as we have been told that it isn't good for water to sneak down between any crevices.
One pool professional came out to give a bid and simply said that he could fix and replace the 'jetted out' tiles w ones that would match the others. And that he'd go around and reseal / adhere all of our coping. He never really addressed any other issues and didn't explain the reason behind the jetted out tiles.
Another professional came out and spent about an hour exploring our pool and talking w me. He explained that he'd be happy to simply secure the loose stones and replace the tiles, but that he thinks that there is a very high possibility that at some point, the tiles on the other side will start to fall off. I asked why?? and he showed me that as he walked around the pool and hit on the coping with a tool, there were several hollow noises, which indicated to him that there is likely beam work that needs to be done all around. (I should also mention that both contractors stated that they'd redo the mastic around the pool also). And, we already saw the cracked beam underneath the 'completely removable' piece of coping around the spa.
So...the second quote was much higher- included new coping (he said it's the same price for him to remove and put down new coping as it is to correctly clean and re-adhere old coping due to labor costs), fixing any beam problems, new tile, acid washing our pebble tech, and installing 3 new Main Drain covers to code. So---basically a pool that will look brand new... Yay but Yikes on the $$! I asked if it made sense to perhaps wait a while (to give us an opportunity to observe our pool) to see if the pool seems to move any more, as we didn't want to invest thousands and thousands of dollars to essentially do a pool renovation and then have the ground move. He told me that watching the pool wouldn't be a bad idea at all if it made us more comfortable. He also stated mud jacking as a way to solve any major issues that come up w regards to pool movement but he didn't think that would be the case. He went onto state that most major pool movement happens within a year or so after the pool is built (while it is settling). After, movement tends to be slight...although in some cases, Texas soil can dictate otherwise.
Another note on acid washing: He mentioned that by visually looking at our pebble tech, he thinks that he can make it look almost brand new by acid washing and cleaning up. He did state, however, that if once they drained the pool and closely inspected the pebble tech, if it's not in a state to 'handle acid washing,' he wouldn't do it and wouldn't charge us for it.
We'd appreciate any thoughts on the above, as we want to be efficient and effective w our money. And, we are newbies w no experience in pools so making such a big decision is a bit stressful unless professional input is provided by a trust worthy source. We've heard wonders about your site and are so happy to be here!
Thank you SO much.
Sincerely,
Liz
I'd greatly appreciate input regarding a few items:
We noticed tiles (about 7 feet worth) are 'jetting' out on one side of the pool. One side of the pool sits a small bit higher than the other. We also have loose coping. Some is so loose that we are able to completely remove the stone and see the beam underneath. In one of these cases, we can see that the beam is cracked. Most all of the coping just visually looks like it would be a good idea to reseal them, as we have been told that it isn't good for water to sneak down between any crevices.
One pool professional came out to give a bid and simply said that he could fix and replace the 'jetted out' tiles w ones that would match the others. And that he'd go around and reseal / adhere all of our coping. He never really addressed any other issues and didn't explain the reason behind the jetted out tiles.
Another professional came out and spent about an hour exploring our pool and talking w me. He explained that he'd be happy to simply secure the loose stones and replace the tiles, but that he thinks that there is a very high possibility that at some point, the tiles on the other side will start to fall off. I asked why?? and he showed me that as he walked around the pool and hit on the coping with a tool, there were several hollow noises, which indicated to him that there is likely beam work that needs to be done all around. (I should also mention that both contractors stated that they'd redo the mastic around the pool also). And, we already saw the cracked beam underneath the 'completely removable' piece of coping around the spa.
So...the second quote was much higher- included new coping (he said it's the same price for him to remove and put down new coping as it is to correctly clean and re-adhere old coping due to labor costs), fixing any beam problems, new tile, acid washing our pebble tech, and installing 3 new Main Drain covers to code. So---basically a pool that will look brand new... Yay but Yikes on the $$! I asked if it made sense to perhaps wait a while (to give us an opportunity to observe our pool) to see if the pool seems to move any more, as we didn't want to invest thousands and thousands of dollars to essentially do a pool renovation and then have the ground move. He told me that watching the pool wouldn't be a bad idea at all if it made us more comfortable. He also stated mud jacking as a way to solve any major issues that come up w regards to pool movement but he didn't think that would be the case. He went onto state that most major pool movement happens within a year or so after the pool is built (while it is settling). After, movement tends to be slight...although in some cases, Texas soil can dictate otherwise.
Another note on acid washing: He mentioned that by visually looking at our pebble tech, he thinks that he can make it look almost brand new by acid washing and cleaning up. He did state, however, that if once they drained the pool and closely inspected the pebble tech, if it's not in a state to 'handle acid washing,' he wouldn't do it and wouldn't charge us for it.
We'd appreciate any thoughts on the above, as we want to be efficient and effective w our money. And, we are newbies w no experience in pools so making such a big decision is a bit stressful unless professional input is provided by a trust worthy source. We've heard wonders about your site and are so happy to be here!
Thank you SO much.
Sincerely,
Liz
