Water Weeping Through Shell Preventing Plaster

[treyrich]

Hi, we've been trying to get our new pool plastered (Pebble Fina) for the last couple weeks, but excess water weeping through the shell has prevented us from doing so, I'm wondering if this is normal and if there's anything we can do to speed up the process here?

For additional context, a couple of weeks ago the plaster crew came out (~10 guys) and got all setup on the job, started cleaning and prepping for the plaster, however they were unable to get a few places in the shell to stop weeping (using a torch and hot-pack cement) enough to feel confident enough to apply the plaster, so they pulled off the job and said we have to wait for things to dry out more. The pool builder was here every day for the last little bit applying some sealant to the areas, checking progress, etc. This morning the plaster crew showed up again, they again started prepping the shell and working on the weeping areas (torch, hot-pack, etc) before finally pulling off the job again after 1.5 hours. They told me that they just did a job that looked just like this a couple weeks ago, and on Monday they're going to chip it all out and redo it because they didn't wait, so they don't want that to happen to me.

After they pulled off I started speaking with the pool builder who said (very honestly) that he's never had this happen before and that he's been calling other people in the industry that he knows to try and get some pointers due to the historic amount of moisture that we received this winter. He said that one person recommended drilling some 1/4" holes through the shell in a few strategic locations to allow the water to dry out more quickly rather than waiting for it to weep through slowly as it's doing now.

My questions are:

1. For as much moisture as we've received, it's nothing compared to many areas of the country where they still build pools successfully, how do they build pools in those areas without this being a problem? I have read many places are worried that their shell will float out of the ground if they drain the water from the pool, so when those pools were built they must have had far more water weeping through their shell than I do.
2. Is there any feedback on this plan the pool builder has to drill a few holes in the shell to let the water have a clearer path out? In my mind it makes sense, but I'm also not an expert at all so maybe it's a bad idea for some reason?
3. Are there any additional pointers or thoughts on this situation? Perhaps I just need to exercise a greater degree of patience, but it hurts being so close to the finish line and continually delayed. We broke ground on this project in August, and have been perpetually delayed by the weather ever since.

I'll attach a photo of an area that is weeping for reference:

 

[ajw22]

Yup, it is a problem with unusually wet weather some areas have had.

People have had to wait weeks for their pool area to drain and dry.

If a Builder knows there is an underground water problem then well points can be placed around the pool area to drain water away with pumps.

@AQUA~HOLICS is building in your area. Let's hear how he is handling the water situation.

 

[Bperry]

Patching the inside of the gunite will never stop water in the surrounding ground. If the water is likely to ever come back, they should consider well points or some other means of drainage. Water under the pool deck can be the source of “tons” of problems.

 

[treyrich]

Patching the inside of the gunite will never stop water in the surrounding ground. If the water is likely to ever come back, they should consider well points or some other means on drainage. Water under the pool deck can be the source of “tons” of problems.

I have a hard time believing that it will be a problem long-term, but maybe I'm wrong? Historically we get about 14" of rain per year here, and I'm up on the top of a tall hill so I'm about 600' above the ocean. ~90% of the yard is concrete decking with all new drainage. If I were to guess, I'd say that once the soil around the pool dries out, it'll basically stay dry forever. Again, not an expert and if I'm thinking incorrectly here I can definitely talk to the PB about wells, but I just don't see ground water being a long-term concern.

 

[ajw22]

I'd say that once the soil around the pool dries out, it'll basically stay dry forever. Again, not an expert and if I'm thinking incorrectly here I can definitely talk to the PB about wells, but I just don't see ground water being a long-term concern.

You can wait until things dry or you can dig some well points to help with the draining.

 

[Newdude]

I'm up on the top of a tall hill so I'm about 600' above the ocean.

There are lakes, narural springs creating rivers and shallow ground water atop mountains around the world. Elevation does not necessarily correlate to no ground water, although statistically speaking, it probably helps.

 

[AQUA~HOLICS]

Time is on your side, your builder has the projects best interest in mind. If you want a second opinion from a plaster company in your area PM me and I can give you the info of one. Looking at the picture and seeing how the upper plumbing intrusions have stopped bleeding is a good sign. Unfortunately no way to know how long it will take for it to stop. This is a common situation that builders are dealing with due to the amount of rain received this winter.

 

[treyrich]

Sounds like I just need to be more patient and wait for it to dry out, just frustrating to be so close is all. Thanks for all the replies, tons of collective knowledge here!

 

[bobby1017]

This same thing happened to us back in 2011, they drilled some 1" dia holes to increase the drainage. Finally at the end of may they were able to plaster.

 

[treyrich]

This same thing happened to us back in 2011, they drilled some 1" dia holes to increase the drainage. Finally at the end of may they were able to plaster.

Yeah, after they drilled the holes it was about a week for the water to drain out. Was super frustrating, but we're past it now. Now it's just a matter of waiting for the plaster to startup so that we can finally use the dang thing haha