Rebar Stain

[KCD]

I'm having a pool built in my back yard and I noticed what looks like a rebar stain on the side (see pics, below) Do you think this might cause a problem? The pool still needs decking and plaster. The builder started on this pool back in November of last year and is still at it on and off. The builder took on too many jobs for their subcontractors to handle. I'm hoping that they can finish before the swimming season is over. Any ideas with regard to solving these problems?

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[ajw22]

Point it out to the PB. He can bury the rebar in some hydraulic cement before plastering.

 

[KCD]

The PB said the stain is just some organic matter growing on calcium stain, so it is not a problem. Since then, my Vitamin C rub test indicated that it is rust. I informed the PB of the test result, but no response from them yet. Is it reasonable to assume that the rust stain will show up on the plaster, if the PB decides to plaster over it without a fix? If the PB decides not to not fix the problem, what should I do?

 

[travelfeedsthesoul]

My pool had a few spots like these and PB was not concerned. Before plaster , they washed it thoroughly but I wasn't out there to confirm if the stains were removed or whatever. I'm hoping it doesn't come thru the plaster, but they do have to warranty it for a while, so let's see.

Our PB is a large local area builder and been in business for a long time. They better be around to warranty our pool.

 

[KCD]

That's one of the things I need to check into, whether warranty covers rebar stains. Are you sure the warranty covers it?

 

[ajw22]

That's one of the things I need to check into, whether warranty covers rebar stains. Are you sure the warranty covers it?

A rebar stain is a construction defect. It should be covered under warranty.

 

[KCD]

The pb fixed the rebar stain finally after I got the government inspectors to request a fix. They removed the rusted parts and filled it in with hydraulic cement (See pic of the black hydraulic cement stain left on the pool wall). The pb is still not finished with the pool, one year after starting. They failed three government inspections.

 

[KCD]

Look. PB didn't do the repair right. The rebar stain is back.

 

[ajw22]

Seven months later and your pool still does not have plaster?

If your builder had plastered the pool you never would have seen this and it would not be a problem.

Gunite is not waterproof. Water will get into the shell and rebar will rust. Thats what itd oes but with a plastered pool no water should come through the plaster. Also the pressure of the water in the pool keeps outside water from flowing into the pool. Right now you have water in the ground on the outside and no pressure inside so the water flows into the pool.

The builder should clean it up and get your pool plastered.

Given that this shows you have water pressure on the outside of the pool I would request the builder put a waterproof membrane on the shell before plastering. Basecrete or Hydro Ban.

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[KCD]

The rebar is likely too close to the surface. There are pictures over the internet that show rebar stains through plaster. The rebar stain was under water and not visible until a couple of days ago. (I have been pumping out the pool the last several days.) It looks like the water inside the pool -- not outside pool -- caused the rust stain from the rebar. That stain is localized to a single small area inside the pool and is considered a serious construction defect. A fix is to chisel into the area, remove the rusted rebar from that area, and fill it back up with hydraulic cement. I suspect that the PB did not remove the rusted rebar when the attempt was made to repair this problem.

 

[ajw22]

I suspect that the PB did not remove the rusted rebar when the attempt was made to repair this problem.

In November you said the PB removed the rusted parts.

You don't know all the areas that have rebar that is not buried deep enough. I woudl insist on Basecrete being applied which will provide a barrier against future rusting getting through to the plaster.

 

[KCD]

Now it looks like some rust is still in there. There is a long guarantee on the gunite, so If the stain appears in the future, PB would be liable. I can't see paying for additional sealant in this case.

 

[ajw22]

Now it looks like some rust is still in there. There is a long guarantee on the gunite, so If the stain appears in the future, PB would be liable. I can't see paying for additional sealant in this case.

PB may be liable for the fix but you would need to drain the pool, chip through the plaster and gunite to get to the rusting rebar, then patch the gunite and patch the plaster which will likely not match. Then refill the pool and add chemicals. At a minimum the PB is not likely to cover the water and chemicals.

That all assumes the PB stands by the warranty and is still in business when you have the problem.

 

[KCD]

You have good points. I may check into it with the PB.

I found more rebar stains. See the smaller one, down and to the left of the first one. The one where the supply pipe penetrate the gunite could be caused by water from outside the pool.

 

[KCD]

Here’s the other one.

 

[ajw22]

That all says the staining is from external water.

Basecrete before plastering is the way to prevent future problems.

 

[KCD]

And there are many along the steps.