How to Repair a Crack in a Concrete Swimming Pool

How to repair a crack in a concrete swimming pool? This is the question we are asked by pool owners that are often at their wits end, trying to find a solution to stop the continuous leaking into their pool. Pool repairs can be quite often difficult due to the fact that leaks and cracks can happen on a variety of different levels wherever there is a joint or gap between sections of your swimming pool’s shell.

Concrete Cracks Can Be Filled With Silicone

Pool owners sometimes attempt to inject silicone in concrete pool cracks. Because they know that they cannot fix the problem properly, they often turn to me for help. It won’t work. Although silicone might be an option to stop water from getting through cracks, it is not the best material for the job. It’s too lightweight, doesn’t bond well to concrete, can’t withstand hydrostatic pressure and is not strong enough to bond when there are moisture levels, a complete failure for this application. Although injecting cracks into concrete pools is not a good idea, it can be a temporary solution. However, if you want to fix the problem, you will need something that has a greater staying power than silicone. Even silicone type 2 suitable for damp applications is not strong enough to be used in this situation.

Concrete Urethane

Concrete urethane is used to fill cracks. It’s like silicone on steroids. It sucks to work with, does not clean up with water, sticks to absolutely everything, basically it is perfect for injecting into cracks in concrete pools. While a new structure is better than repairing a damaged one, it is still expensive and not something most people can afford to do. Concrete urethane is a good choice to repair a crack in a concrete swimming pool. You have a few options for this application.

Sealing Cracks in Concrete Pools

While urethane will not fix a concrete pool crack for good, it is a better long-term solution than silicone. Let’s look at this more and see what you can do to reduce or stop water from entering the crack. The process that I use is to cut a channel directly into the crack. This channel should have a minimum of one inch of concrete depth. This is done by cutting a very precise angle to create an U-shaped notch that will help in the next steps which include adding hydraulic concrete to the channel we are cutting.

You will need to cut channels on each side of the crack and run the grinder along it, creating a groove that you need to fill with urethane. Wash the channel and crack that you made with a garden hose or pressure washer before doing this. Concrete dust can prevent your urethane and hydraulic cement from properly bonding. It is possible to spray the area with water to remove the dust. However, concrete urethane should be applied to the dry area before it can be used. The crack can become dampened if it is left untreated. Therefore, compressed air is the best option to blow out any remaining dust and dry the crack. A tiger torch would also be useful to heat and dry the area before applying the urethane.

Injecting the Urethane Into the Cracks

Before injecting the urethane in the cracks, make sure you have done the necessary preparation work. This is not the best approach so make sure that the crack is completely dry before you proceed. Make sure that the urethane tube has reached a temperature of at least 165 degrees Fahrenheit before you start pressing it into the crack. Concrete urethane can be messy so make sure you have plenty of rags. Although warm urethane should be able to flow into cracks easily, it will not penetrate as deeply as you might hope. To ensure that the crack is sealed, leave a small amount of urethane on the surface. Follow the instructions on your product for the proper cure time. It may take up to a day for the urethane cure completely.

Apply Hydraulic Cement to the U-Channel

The urethane that is placed along the crack should be sufficient to prevent water from leaving the pool. It also helps to absorb any movement in concrete. However, if you are looking for a way to make sure you take every step possible, now is the time. We cut the U channel into concrete for a specific purpose. Concrete products almost always shrink after they cure. Hydraulic water-stop concrete doesn’t shrink, but actually expands slightly upon curing. Hydraulic cement can be stopped from water by using a large amount of polymers and bonding agents. The U channel shape should trap concrete from your patch. This will prevent concrete from expanding side to side. This results in a patch of hydraulic cement that is wedged in place. This creates a more water-resistant contact point than you would see with cold joints in concrete (new concrete attaching old concrete).

Although it might not be ideal, if you need to repair cracks in concrete pools, then you can expose the crack and cut a U channel. After drying, clean and dry the channel, inject warm urethane and fill the channel with hydraulic water-stopping cement. This approach has a better chance of fixing your situation than injecting silicone. Once you have a solid patch in place, allow your concrete repairs to cure for 28 days. Then, cover any cracks with a new interior layer, such as plaster, paint or paint.

Additional Repairs

Concrete Pool Crack Repair

Identifying the Cracks: The first step in concrete pool crack repair is identifying the cracks and assessing their severity. Cracks can be caused by various factors such as settling, ground movement, or age-related deterioration. Understanding the type and extent of the cracks is crucial for determining the appropriate repair method.
Crack Injection: One common method for repairing concrete pool cracks is crack injection. This technique involves injecting specialized epoxy or polyurethane resins into the cracks to fill and seal them. These resins provide structural reinforcement and prevent water leakage. Professional pool repair experts are skilled in using specialized materials and techniques to ensure a durable and long-lasting repair.
Structural Repairs: In cases where the cracks indicate more significant structural issues, additional repair measures may be required. This could involve reinforcing the pool walls or floor using steel reinforcements, carbon fiber straps, or shotcrete applications. Structural repairs address the underlying causes of the cracks and restore the integrity of the pool.

How to repair a crack in a concrete swimming pool

Swimming Pool Crack Repair

Surface Patching: For minor surface cracks in swimming pools, surface patching is a viable solution. This involves applying a pool-grade epoxy or a cement-based patching compound to the cracked areas. Surface patching restores the aesthetics of the pool and prevents further deterioration of the cracks.
Waterproofing Coatings: In situations where the cracks are larger or extend deeper into the pool’s structure, applying a waterproofing coating is recommended. These coatings create a protective barrier, preventing water infiltration and further damage. Waterproofing coatings are available in various types, such as acrylic-based or rubberized coatings, depending on the specific requirements of the pool.

Pool Filter Crack Repair

Assessing the Damage: Pool filter cracks can occur due to various reasons, including stress, freezing temperatures, or physical impact. It is essential to assess the severity of the crack and determine if repair or replacement is necessary.
Patching and Sealants: Small cracks in pool filters can often be repaired using patching compounds or specialized sealants. These products are designed to withstand the harsh pool environment, seal the cracks, and restore the filter’s functionality.
Filter Replacement: In cases where the cracks are extensive or compromising the efficiency of the filter, replacement may be the best option. Consult with a pool professional to assess the damage and determine if a new filter is necessary.

Hire a Professional

If you’re in need of professional pool crack repair services, look no further than Beach to Bay Divers and Pools! Our team of experienced professionals has the knowledge and expertise to accurately assess the damage and provide you with the best possible solution to get your pool back in top shape. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and get your pool back to its best condition.