Thoughts Granite coping stone cracked over skimmer first month

[DASpool]

Still in progress of renovation remediation and pool water will have to come out for next phase. Yesterday we noticed that the NEW granite coping stone over the deep end skimmer has a crack in it. We will have a new stone cut and would like thoughts on how to reinstall the 12 x 24 x 1.5" granite stone. Any ideas on why this may have happened and how to prevent it from happening again? The stone was set in Platinum 254 and Permacolor Grout between stones. You can see the grout has hairline crack which may speak to movement and / or expansion - contraction. Should we use a soft joint material like Latasil instead of the grout next time to allow for movement? What are your thoughts on having a bridge across the skimmer opening when the stone is removed to replace it? Thank you for your thoughts Pictures below.

 

[ajw22]

I cannot see the crack in the picture you posted.

Where is your expansion joint?

A skimmer in a gunite pool is part of the pool structure and needs to be able to move with the pool. The expansion joint isolating the pool structure from the deck must include the skimmer. Skimmers are connected with rebar to the gunite structure.

Expansion Joints and Coping - Further Reading

www.troublefreepool.com

 

[JamesW]

You need a metal (Stainless steel) bridge over the skimmer for the stone to sit on.

 

[ajw22]

The expansion joint should have been placed around the skimmer gunite box...

 

[DASpool]

I hope this shows the crack between the orange lines. There is a Vulkem expansion joint in the picture and a saw cut in the concrete patio just laid. As to the Stainless steel bridge under the granite stone how would someone keep water from getting between the stone and the stainless steel. Is there a special way to make the stainless steel bond to the granite stone? Thank you

 

[JamesW]

Is there a special way to make the stainless steel bond to the granite stone?

Mortar or adhesive.

 

[DASpool]

Anything special to bond stone to metal?