Can you show more pictures of the post for the roof overhang in the second picture?
Was this pool engineered? If so, did the engineer know there was a structure there? That footing is missing some serious mass and reinforcing.
Cracks in gunite/shotcrete
- Thread starter SwimmingBevo
- Start date
Can you show more pictures of the post for the roof overhang in the second picture?
Was this pool engineered? If so, did the engineer know there was a structure there? That footing is missing some serious mass and reinforcing.
Here is a site that might have helpful information.
Pool Engineering, Inc., Structural Design of Swimming Pools and Residential Improvement Structures
Pool Engineering, Inc., Structural Design of Swimming Pools and Residential Improvement Structures
Just talked to PB. He said the cracks are shrinkage cracks and not structural cracks. He used a soaker hose for watering for a week plus since it is summer in Texas.
He talked to the supplier of the shotcrete and they feel conifdent epoxy is the right fix for this since it is not structural.
I am still planning on bringing in a consultant to verify all of this. Also, looking at pulling a core sample.
I do have other pics not sure what you are refering to as the footer? We did have a seven foot beam wall poured all around patio when house was being built knowing pool was coming next to it.
If you look at the top of the wall and the back, can you see the cracks going through the wall?
Is there a crack along the floor or the cove?
Is there a crack along the floor or the cove?
I haven’t had chance to go back out to site to look in back to see if I can see crack there too. The pool crack in bottom runs along middle of pool in I think a photo I posted here...hard to see as it’s thin.
An engineer was used and continuing to look for consultant who can help ASAP.
Very much appreciate all the links, knowledge and comments shared on this.
It might be worthwhile to ask the engineer to do an on-site visit.
Beyond just designing the structure, an engineer should ensure that the structure is built to the design.
As a professional, they should want to know if their project's structural integrity is being questioned.
It's their responsibility to address any issues where the structural integrity is in doubt.
Beyond just designing the structure, an engineer should ensure that the structure is built to the design.
As a professional, they should want to know if their project's structural integrity is being questioned.
It's their responsibility to address any issues where the structural integrity is in doubt.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,690
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
If I may... What's the difference between a shrinkage crack and a structural crack? Will that make a difference to the plaster surface? If it's shrinkage, is there a point in the cure when one can be assured all that have shown up are all that are going to? See what I'm getting at? Wouldn't any kind of crack transfer to the plaster?
sktn77a
Gold Supporter
Have to agree that this won't go away by itself and needs proper corrective measures!
A shrinkage crack is caused by shrinkage during the initial curing, and generally isn't expected to grow or change significantly after the initial development. A structural crack is caused by significant movement, and whether or not the movement that caused it will continue, and at what rate, are highly variable. In general though, any movement that causes structural cracking isn't likely to suddenly stop without some sort of remediation. Determining whether a crack was caused by shrinkage or movement isn't always easy or straightforward though. In general, shrinkage cracks will all appear in the first month and not change significantly in the weeks following their development, and cracks appearing or changing in character after the first month are from movement of some type. Cracks can be caused by movement and not be considered structural, such as minor cracks from insignificant amounts of settling or ground swelling. What constitutes "significant" or "structural" can be a bit of a gray area though, and is typically defined based on the purpose of the concrete structure. In the case of a pool, I would imagine that any movement great enough to crack the overlying plaster and create a leak would be considered "significant".
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,690
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Right. But the trick is not to use the plaster to determine that!
As you point out, not straightforward to do. Hopefully the OP can find the right pro that can. Doesn't seem prudent to allow the PB to do this on his own, does it? You want to trust your PB, but he's got a bottom line to consider. And who should pay for this the third-party analysis?What's the warranty period? Regardless of the type of crack, would any type likely cause problems after a typical pool warranty expires? Or would shrinkage or structural issues all show up in the first year or two? So that the PB would be on the hook for the fix. Then again, that might not be the best strategy, to rely on the warranty. What's to say the guy will be around when needed. Best to fix now, of course.
Just stating the obvious, I suppose...
Right. But the trick is not to use the plaster to determine that!
What's the warranty period? Regardless of the type of crack, would any type likely cause problems after a typical pool warranty expires? Or would shrinkage or structural issues all show up in the first year or two? So that the PB would be on the hook for the fix. Then again, that might not be the best strategy, to rely on the warranty. What's to say the guy will be around when needed. Best to fix now, of course.
Just stating the obvious, I suppose...
Agree with these points. The pool shell has a lifetime guarantee. So, that makes me feel better but as noted want to do the right thing now and not have to have someone come back later.
- Nov 12, 2017
- 12,690
- Pool Size
- 12300
- Surface
- Plaster
- Chlorine
- Salt Water Generator
- SWG Type
- Pentair Intellichlor IC-40
Unfortunately, it's not just about someone coming back later. Keep in mind... it's not your "lifetime." Or that of your pool's. In reality, it's the "lifetime" of the PB, and his willingness and/or ability to fix your pool, which could be 50 years, or could be none!
sktn77a
Gold Supporter
As Dirk says, the Lifetime Guarantee only lasts as long as the builder's company stays around. At least half the pool companies I've seen are out of business within 5 years and some declare bankruptcy (negating any and all warranties) and start up in business again the next day under a new company name.
Get it fixed, get it done right, and get it done now.
Trying to find a back-up consultant. The company I called must be busy and they are located north of Austin and I’m very south. If anyone knows any shotcrete association members or professionals, let me know.
Im trying to get this looked at this week. Saw a company in Houston I’ll try as well because at this point I’d fly someone in for a day to review it...don’t want to worry about this after build.
Im trying to get this looked at this week. Saw a company in Houston I’ll try as well because at this point I’d fly someone in for a day to review it...don’t want to worry about this after build.
I’d take you up on the flight, limo & expense account... but we are in New England seasonal madness..
ASA is not too big on pools, their interest well exceed this type of work. PM sent.
Maybe look for a geotechnical engineer that can evaluate the work.
Did the original engineer come out to inspect the work?
Did the original engineer come out to inspect the work?
OP - didn’t you start with a one builder & have Jeff from Athena come out afterwards???