A pool can be a pleasant, refreshing way to beat the summer heat. However, even the smallest crack in the tile of your pool can mar its beauty, and lead to leaks that can wreak havoc on the underlay of your pool and result in a costly repair bill. There are a few things that can cause tiles to crack, but with the proper preventative measures, you can keep your pool looking as fresh and sparkling as the first day you filled it up.
The two most common causes of pool tiles cracking are the shifting of the earth after the pool has been finished, and leaving the tiles of the pool exposed to dryness and sunlight. With the proper care, both of these problems can be prevented, keeping your pool looking great.
- First, to prevent any damage by the settling of the ground beneath your pool you need to make sure you have the proper underlay. Concrete is one of the best materials but should be cured for at least 14 days; you can even add steel beams to enhance the rigidity of the underlay.
- You want to make sure that your underlay is level, any bumps or dips in the concrete will leave wiggle room for the tiles, allowing them to crack.
- Once you have the tiles installed on the bottom of your pool, do not allow them to be exposed to dryness or direct sunlight; do not leave the pool empty for extended periods of time and make sure to add water to the pool whenever you see that you are getting low.
- A tarp can be used to cover the surface in the event that you must drain your pool and are required to leave it empty.
Following these steps will insure that the bottom of your pool remains crack-free, extending the life of your investment for years, and saving you frustration, and money on costly repair bills.
