We are currently representing residents of Central Texas who had pools installed between 2017 and 2021 and are now experiencing significant cracking in the pool cement. We have learned that concrete used to build pools in Central Texas during this time period was faulty, resulting in cracking due to a process known as Alkali Silica Reaction. If you had a pool installed between 2017 and 2021, and your pool cement is cracking, give us a call today for a free consultation to see how we can help you. Call today at 512-487-8223 or email us at
[email protected] to schedule an appointment. We represent all clients on a contingency fee basis and only get paid if you recover.
WHY IS MY POOL CRACKING?
For pool owners in Central Texas, the most likely cause of your pool cracking is Alkali Silica Reaction, commonly referred to as ASR or Concrete Cancer. In short, ASR is a chemical reaction that occurs when the wrong materials are used to make concrete. The process of making cement requires the use of aggregate materials, such as sand and crushed stone, to make the cement stronger. If the aggregate material contains silica, it can result in a chemical reaction between the alkali in cement, the silica, and water. This is what causes the pool cement to crack.
Cement companies are very aware that aggregate materials that contain silica will cause this reaction if the cement is in contact with water. Typically, a cement company supplying cement for pools will avoid the use of aggregates containing silica if possible. If not possible, there are additives, such as fly ash, that can be added to stop the ASR reaction from occurring. During 2017 to 2021, fly ash was hard to acquire and expensive, so it appears some cement companies simply left it out of the cement mix used for pools.
HOW DO I KNOW IF MY POOL CEMENT IS CRACKING DUE TO ASR?
The only way to be sure that your pool cracking is due to ASR requires a sample of the concrete to be sent to a lab for testing. However, ASR does have unique cracking patterns that can help you identify if ASR is the likely cause of the pool cracking. First, the cracking occurs in the portion of the pool cement in constant contact with water. Second, the cracking appears in a distinct eggshell type pattern as shown in the pictures above. Third, the cracking is typically accompanied by an oozing gel in the cracks. If your pool cracking is consistent with these three criteria, you should suspect ASR.
CAN THE POOL BE REPAIRED?
Technically, ASR can affect only a portion of a concrete structure, and when that’s the case, you can remove the portion of the concrete infected with ASR. In most cases, however, the entire pool will need to be removed and redone because the bad cement mixture that leads to ASR is in the entire pool.
IF I SUSPECT ASR WHAT SHOULD I DO NEXT?
Litigation against various pool builders and concrete companies has already begun. Do not stay on the sideline. Now is the time to assert a claim to make sure your rights are protected. Call us today for a free consultation at 512-487-8223. We represent all pool cracking clients on a contingency fee basis, so you owe us nothing unless you recover.
