So we have a 1970's in-ground gunite Kidney (18k gallons) located in NW Dallas, TX. I got it replastered in 2011 and it has been ok but sometimes a pain in the neck. For a number of years it started to develop cosmetic cracking from the shallow end to the deep end. Within the first year, visible cracks developed but the plaster contractor said they were structural, not related to plaster failure (not covered under any warranty). Over time those have expanded and started leaking over the years. The pool guy I used at the time suggested filling the cracks with epoxy putty (Pool Putty). It stopped the leaks but did not stop the shell movement, so for the past 4 years, it has been an annual ritual to fill the cracks with Pool Putty before the end of swim season. While this stops the leaking for about a year, the cracks are getting bigger and we are at a point where we need to spend money for repairs (I have been saving up for this day).
Today. I have about a 50 foot crack from my shallow end to deep end that is filled with Pool Putty as well as 2 smaller cracks that connect my wall to the main crack down the center. The wall cracks are not currently leaking from what I can tell (I do a monthly dye test if my bucket test shows potential leaking during swimming season). I keep the pool maintainted all 12 months but only swim in summer.
Before I get bids for repair, I am researching the different methods the contractors use. I am confused and need input as to what is good, bad and ugly. I want this fixed and done once. If we repair and it is unsuccessful, I will be very angry. If it boils down to it, I will fill this thing in if this repair fails or if the repair is cost prohibitive compared to a demolition. I dont want false hope or bad repairs that dont fix this. If this thing is beyond repair, I would rather spend my money filling it in than to have this thing be a money hole.
Repair Methods - I notice a pattern here - no guarantees.
-Chris
Today. I have about a 50 foot crack from my shallow end to deep end that is filled with Pool Putty as well as 2 smaller cracks that connect my wall to the main crack down the center. The wall cracks are not currently leaking from what I can tell (I do a monthly dye test if my bucket test shows potential leaking during swimming season). I keep the pool maintainted all 12 months but only swim in summer.
Before I get bids for repair, I am researching the different methods the contractors use. I am confused and need input as to what is good, bad and ugly. I want this fixed and done once. If we repair and it is unsuccessful, I will be very angry. If it boils down to it, I will fill this thing in if this repair fails or if the repair is cost prohibitive compared to a demolition. I dont want false hope or bad repairs that dont fix this. If this thing is beyond repair, I would rather spend my money filling it in than to have this thing be a money hole.
Repair Methods - I notice a pattern here - no guarantees.
- Torque Lock - Strongest looking but most expensive product.
- Steel Staples - Seem good but seem like they might move
- Carbon Fiber Staples - Seem flimsy to me
- Epoxy Injection - Similar to what I am doing now but looks like it could reopen if the soil has any movement
- Aquabond AquaFLEX - Flexible Sealant that gets injected in the crack.
-Chris