Should You Be Concerned About Cracks In Your Pool?

Along with owning a swimming pool comes maintenance. While most in-ground pools are solid and built to last for years, they will occasionally need repairs if you don’t properly care for them. If you see cracks beginning to form in your pool, you may wonder how significant the damages are. Let’s take a closer look at the types of fractures and what causes them to determine if you should be concerned about cracks in your pool.

Types of Pool Cracks

There are two common types of swimming pool cracks: surface and structural. They are usually easy to distinguish, but knowing the difference is crucial to preventing further damage or leaking.

Surface Cracks

Surface cracks are minor fractures that do not affect the strength or foundation of your pool. These cracks are thin, hairline fractures expanding horizontally or vertically along the pool walls. You can also spot them by slight, shallow chipping of the concrete or cracks that do not extend beyond the pool plaster. Other than an unappealing appearance, surface cracks are relatively harmless and not a cause for concern. However, it is essential to monitor them to ensure they do not expand.

Structural Cracks

Structural cracks are fractures that penetrate the concrete foundation of your pool. They are more prominent and damaging than surface cracks and should be concerning for pool owners. You can identify them by large vertical or horizontal cracks along the sides or bottom of the pool. They may also have water or rust and debris coming out of them. These cracks run through the concrete and any plaster coating or tile and can cause leaking if they are not repaired.

What Causes a Pool to Crack?

The causes of pool fractures vary based on the type of crack. For surface cracks, there is a wide variety of sources. They occur due to the natural expansion and shrinking of the concrete foundation due to weather, the concrete hardening process during installation, and other wear and tear.

Two common reasons structural cracks form are poor design, craftsmanship, and improper engineering. Builders ignoring construction plans or taking shortcuts when constructing a pool will often lead to premature cracking. Soil movement from poorly compacted, oversaturated, and shifting soil can also cause structural cracks. It is crucial to work with a trusted company when building your pool to avoid these problems.

How to Resolve Cracks in Swimming Pools

Regardless of the type of cracks in your pool, you should consider sealing, resurfacing, and repairing options. If you have a few surface cracks, you can often fix them at home with a pool repair kit. Structural fractures, however, require professional attention to mend. You will likely need to remodel your swimming pool if the cracks are causing leaks.

Renovate Your Tucson Pool Today

If you notice structural cracks in your pool, we can help you remodel it. Pools By Design is the only member of the Master Pools Guild in Tucson, and our team of experts is well-versed in pool building and renovating. Our designers, project coordinators, and crafters will work together to revitalize and repair your pool.