My new poured concrete pool has become a nightmare, has never held water! Unfortunately, it was built, but sitting empty, when the earthquake hit us in Virginia last August. We fixed the obvious crack, then filled the pool; next morning it was down 5". Thought it was the light housing, fixed that. Then filled again and same thing happened. Had a pressure test done and lines are OK, but found a big leak at the joint where the floor meets the wall, water leaking back in. Fixed that with hydraulic cement. It had to sit empty until spring, but now have hairline cracks running from shallow end to deep end. I also suspect that we could very well have more joint leaks.
So, I'm researching like crazy. I'm convinced that I need to do a resurface job with something that is strong, bonds INTO the concrete, and has some flexibility. (We not only have clay soil that can move, but also still have aftershocks.) We're currently sandblasting the floor of the pool and 2-3" up the walls and steps, to expose all joints where vertical meets horizontal. I just can't afford to go all the way up the walls, and don't believe we have any leaks there.
Here are the product lines that I've found to consider. I'm wide open to any other suggestions, but would like input on these product lines from anyone with experience/knowledge. I still have unanswered questions regarding some of these product lines, can't get calls back so far.
1. Sani-Tred - www.sanitred.com
Rubber-based, penetrates into concrete, flexible. Do 1 coat, then special caulk in all joints, then another coat. Then, 2 coats of good epoxy paint.
2. AquaFin - www.aquafin.net (already addressed on another thread)
acrylic-modified cementitious coating with flexibility, crack bridging. Use 1 coat of 1K, the joint tape, then 2KM. Can be left as is, or can be painted.
3. EcoSmartEpoxy Systems - www.ecosmartepoxysystems.com
ArmorGuard cleaner etches the concrete, then ArmorGuard topcoat etches 1/4" into the concrete, rolls on at 15 mil, comes in colors. Does not need painting.
4. Super Epoxy Coating - www.superepoxyswimmingpoolcoating.com
2-part polymer epoxy, 200 PSI, penetrating bond with concrete, flexibility, 1 coat goes on 20 mil. Does not need painting.
Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated. I want to fix this with something that will last more than 1-2 years (as suggested by one pool company)! Thanks.
So, I'm researching like crazy. I'm convinced that I need to do a resurface job with something that is strong, bonds INTO the concrete, and has some flexibility. (We not only have clay soil that can move, but also still have aftershocks.) We're currently sandblasting the floor of the pool and 2-3" up the walls and steps, to expose all joints where vertical meets horizontal. I just can't afford to go all the way up the walls, and don't believe we have any leaks there.
Here are the product lines that I've found to consider. I'm wide open to any other suggestions, but would like input on these product lines from anyone with experience/knowledge. I still have unanswered questions regarding some of these product lines, can't get calls back so far.
1. Sani-Tred - www.sanitred.com
Rubber-based, penetrates into concrete, flexible. Do 1 coat, then special caulk in all joints, then another coat. Then, 2 coats of good epoxy paint.
2. AquaFin - www.aquafin.net (already addressed on another thread)
acrylic-modified cementitious coating with flexibility, crack bridging. Use 1 coat of 1K, the joint tape, then 2KM. Can be left as is, or can be painted.
3. EcoSmartEpoxy Systems - www.ecosmartepoxysystems.com
ArmorGuard cleaner etches the concrete, then ArmorGuard topcoat etches 1/4" into the concrete, rolls on at 15 mil, comes in colors. Does not need painting.
4. Super Epoxy Coating - www.superepoxyswimmingpoolcoating.com
2-part polymer epoxy, 200 PSI, penetrating bond with concrete, flexibility, 1 coat goes on 20 mil. Does not need painting.
Any input/advice would be greatly appreciated. I want to fix this with something that will last more than 1-2 years (as suggested by one pool company)! Thanks.