Cracks showing up in your pool soon after it’s installed can feel like a huge disappointment. You’ve just invested time and money into building something that’s supposed to last. Now you’re seeing hairline splits or more obvious gaps where there shouldn’t be any. It’s frustrating, and it raises a lot of questions. Is this normal? Will it get worse? Is the pool safe to swim in? These are real concerns, especially for homeowners in Baton Rouge who expect their new backyard upgrade to hold up against the heat, humidity, and shifting ground.
Taking quick action is the best way to keep these cracks from turning into larger problems. While it’s common for newly installed pools to experience minor issues as the structure settles, certain types of cracks can be signs of deeper problems. The key is understanding what causes them and what professionals do to fix them. Spotting them early and letting a trained team handle repairs can help protect your pool’s foundation, water quality, and overall lifespan.
Understanding Common Causes Of Pool Cracks
New pools can crack for a few different reasons, especially with the conditions we experience here in Baton Rouge. Some of the most common include ground movement, shifts in moisture levels, temperature swings, and poor soil compaction. Sometimes it’s just the concrete curing unevenly against other materials. Other times, the problem goes deeper.
Here’s a look at the two main types of pool cracks:
– Structural cracks: These affect the pool’s shell or foundation. They typically run through the concrete and can cause leaks or major shifts in shape over time. These cracks often extend beyond the visible surface and can lead to costly damage if ignored.
– Surface cracks: These are rarely emergencies but should still be taken seriously. They appear in the plaster or top layer of the pool and don’t usually go below the surface. However, if they’re left untreated, they can grow larger or lead to discoloration and rough patches.
Cracks that show up quickly after installation are often caused by how the ground settles after digging. Baton Rouge’s soil isn’t the most stable, especially after heavy rain or heatwaves that cause the earth to shrink and swell. If the backfill wasn’t compacted right, the foundation may shift. Add uncontrolled water drainage or poor timing with the finishing coats, and you’ve got a recipe for early-stage cracks.
Humidity plays a role, too. Hot and wet seasons can cause the concrete to cure unevenly, which creates stresses along different points in the pool structure. That makes it more vulnerable to fractures during the first few months, especially if it wasn’t reinforced properly.
If you spot a crack, don’t assume it’s harmless. What might look like a little line in the plaster could go deeper than you think. That’s why it’s always best to let professionals take a look and figure out whether the issue is cosmetic or structural.
Professional Solutions For Structural Cracks
When it comes to structural cracks, trying to patch things up yourself isn’t worth the risk. These types of cracks can affect the entire pool shell and, if repaired incorrectly, can lead to repeated failures or even leakage that threatens surrounding features like patios or landscaping.
Repair teams usually start by draining the pool and carefully inspecting the area. They’ll check to see how deep the crack runs and look for signs of shifting or pressure that might have thrown the structure out of alignment. Once it’s assessed, the repair process may include steps like:
– Chiseling out the entire crack and cleaning the cavity
– Applying specialized pool-grade sealants or epoxy injections
– Reinforcing the area with staples, rebar, or mesh for added strength
– Re-coating with material that matches the rest of the pool shell
Each of these steps requires proper timing and experience to get lasting results. Once the work is sealed up, the pool gets refilled and monitored to make sure the repair holds.
One example we’ve handled involved a residential pool with diagonal cracks on two sides just weeks after installation. The issue turned out to be shifting soil and poorly drained runoff flowing underneath the structure. By sealing the cracks and adjusting drainage around the site, the problem was stopped from getting worse. The homeowner avoided a costly reinstallation and kept the pool open for the balance of the season.
Trying to take shortcuts might seem appealing, but this kind of job rarely turns out right without the right tools and know-how. If the foundation isn’t stable or the crack stretches into main load-bearing parts, a surface fix won’t hold up. That’s why involving pool professionals is the safest way to protect your investment long term.
Addressing Surface Cracks Professionally
Surface cracks may not be as serious as structural ones, but they still deserve attention. In hot, humid places like Baton Rouge, it’s common to see fine lines or flaking in the plaster after the concrete has adjusted to its environment. These marks can look small, but they can still affect how your pool looks and feels and in some cases, they might lead to rough textures that irritate the skin or trap dirt.
When dealing with these cracks, professionals will look closely at the type, length, and position. From there, they might use a few different repair options:
– Spot patching with plaster or pool putty
– Sanding and smoothing down rough or raised areas
– Adding a new surface coating if the cracks are spread out
– Monitoring high-trouble areas for signs of deeper problems
If the damage is limited to the top layer and hasn’t reached the shell of the pool, a simple patch job might be all that’s needed. But if you’re seeing several surface cracks pop up in a short time, that could point to a bigger issue with how the concrete cured or how the components around the basin are reacting to heat and water pressure.
A good repair doesn’t just patch the problem. It blends the fix into the existing design. That’s one of the hard things to do without proper equipment and training. The wrong finish or color mismatch can leave behind a visible patch that grabs attention for all the wrong reasons. The best result is a surface that looks smooth, clean, and consistent, just like when the pool was first installed.
Simple Preventive Measures That Make a Difference
Preventing future cracks starts with keeping the pool environment stable. While you can’t change Baton Rouge’s rainy stretches or high heat, you can control certain factors like drainage, ground pressure, and regular wear.
Here are a few regular practices professionals use to maintain pool condition:
1. Scheduled inspections: Checking for early warning signs before they turn into noticeable cracks lets you address problems while they’re still minor.
2. Drainage grading: Making sure water around the pool flows away from the basin helps reduce soil movement from underneath.
3. Soil stabilization: Compacting surrounding ground or using retaining systems limits shift and pressure that might crack the structure.
4. Routine surface checks: Spotting discoloration, small flakes, or chalky texture early makes it easier to handle before it spreads.
5. Seasonal maintenance: Adjustments after big shifts in weather like post-summer or after heavy rains can help protect the shell and plaster.
The best prevention doesn’t feel like maintenance. It blends into your normal routine. Most homeowners don’t notice small cracks until they’ve grown, but professionals are trained to spot changes before they become costly fixes. That kind of insight comes from working closely with pools under Louisiana conditions year-round.
Why Acting Early Protects Your Investment
Repairing pool cracks early keeps your backyard space safe and looking good, but that’s not the only benefit. It also protects other parts of your outdoor setup, like patios, landscaping, and deck features from water damage and shifting soil. Pools need a solid base to perform well long term, and ignoring even surface-level flaws can lead to bigger concerns if the issue goes unchecked.
Whether the damage is obvious or hidden behind the surface layer, getting help from experienced pool professionals is the best step you can take. With the right approach, your pool can go from cracked and frustrating back to the relaxing escape it was meant to be.
Every pool in Baton Rouge faces weather shifts and soil movement. Some cracks are just settling marks, while others could be deeper problems that need to be corrected right away. Knowing the difference and calling the right people at the right time is what keeps your pool strong beyond the first season.
Whether you need an assessment of existing cracks or are starting fresh, addressing concerns early can safeguard your dream oasis. Exploring your options for pool installation baton rouge can offer peace of mind and long-term reliability. Trust Duplessis Builders to guide you in creating or maintaining a pool that stands up to Baton Rouge’s unique challenges.
