How to Deal With Pool Surface Cracks

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Owning your personal backyard swimming pool brings with it a whole host of benefits, providing you with a place to entertain friends, make memories with your family, or simply relax in the beautiful, tranquil waters after a hard day’s work.

However, to make sure you’re able to fully enjoy and make the most of your pool, any issues must be swiftly addressed. Whether this is a problem that ongoing pool maintenance can handle or one that requires immediate attention, Claffey Pools offers a leading service that will help you enjoy your pool for years to come.

One of the most common problems with any backyard pool is pool surface cracks. Ignoring swimming pool cracks can have detrimental effects on both the structure of your pool as well as nearby buildings, like your home, which could become damaged. 

Cracks that are untreated can cause your swimming pool to leak, and in this article, we’ll explain how to fix pool cracks.   

Common causes of pool cracking

There are many reasons why a pool might crack, but some of the most common causes are as follows:

• Soil problems

Certain types of soil can be prone to cracking and pools should not be built upon them. For instance, soil that is not properly compacted may collapse as it cannot bear the weight of the pool, resulting in cracks.

• Changes in groundwater levels

Sudden changes in the groundwater level can result in hydrostatic pressure which may see the pool move or even tilt. This movement can cause cracks.

• Poor workmanship

If a pool is not properly designed or constructed, cracks could occur. One example of this is if the rebar is not tied in place during the building process. This is why it’s so important to choose the right pool builder before work begins.

Worried about pool surface cracks? At Claffey Pools, we offer a comprehensive pool service that can help.

Inquire About Crack Repair

How to fix pool cracks 

Now we’ve considered some of the ways a swimming pool might crack, it’s time to look at how to fix them.

The method of repairing swimming pool cracks, and whether or not you can do it yourself, will greatly depend on the size and severity of the damage. 

We’ll go through the different options below. 

Minor crack repairs 

Very small or minor cracks that need to be repaired mainly for aesthetic reasons can be something you choose to fix yourself without the need to drain the pool. 

Clear away any loose bits of debris around the crack and slightly widen it with a screwdriver. 

Then, simply grab some pool putty and spread it into the crack, smoothing it with your fingers as you do so.

Moderate crack repairs 

To fix a moderate crack you can largely follow the steps for minor crack repairs with a few additions. 

First, you should drain the water from your pool. 

Then, follow the same procedure as with minor crack repairs, widening the gap with a screwdriver if necessary and applying pool putty. 

You should also add pool plaster to the crack for additional support. 

Then, refill your swimming pool.

Severe crack repairs 

If your pool has suffered major damage or has a crack of significant size and severity, you are going to need specialist equipment and expertise that can only come from a professional pool company.

You should contact your pool builder immediately to repair the problem. 

At Claffey Pools, we provide a leading maintenance and pool service offering to customers across Southlake Texas, Colleyville & Coppell ensuring they can make the most of their dream pool and make memories for years to come. For more information on our range of pool services, get in touch with our expert team today.