From pool cleaning to pool renovation, our expert staff of pool professionals can do it all. Plan the exact location of all your joints so the slab looks even and uniform. When the expansion joint is not proper, but is partially filled with debris, rain and snow melt will stand in the gap, and freeze. "name": "Rob Cox", Submerseal is supplied in 6.56 LF (2m) shrink-wrapped lengths (sticks). Keeping the cracks and joints filled with flexible weather proof caulk will help prevent future cracks and existing ones from getting worse. "@type": "BlogPosting", The foam provides a resilient backing to the silicone coating, making the system capable of resisting head pressure. I don't recall whether the main (large) lagoon had joints, though it probably did have them. Everyday Weather versus Freezing Ice Storms. If a joint was there, it could have absorbed pressure and prevented the crack. Search results must be an exact match for the keywords. Farmington Hills, MI
The reinforcement is needed since the concrete is thinner where panels meet up due to the shape of the panel seams. Thats why fiber and cork work so well. The silicone coating is compliant to NSF/ANSI Standard 61; NSF Standard 51; FDA Regulation CFR 177.2600; MIL-A-46146. I have a feeling you already know that and are asking something else. Date:11/1/1981, Search all Articles on expansion joints », Publication:Special Publication
A concrete saw can be used to make a groove in the concrete to allow more expansion. Please enter search criteria and search again, Informational Resources on expansion joints, FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS ON EXPANSION JOINTS. After concrete is poured and moulded into shape it will harden and set which naturally causes a reduction in volume. It is filled with a special pool caulk thats a flexible sealant. Date:5/1/2018, Publication:Materials Journal
}, The stairs in the picture to the right are set flush with wall panels and it's a heavy caulk joint for this pool. If the slab contains wire mesh, I recommend you stop the mesh at the joint. It is best to pick the coping first. Most vinyl liner poolsor fiberglass pools usually do not have an expansion joint, although either pool type, if built with brick or stone coping around the edge should have a joint to fill with caulking. Expansion joints or more appropriately called isolation joints are an essential part of constructing a structurally sound pool and deck. A concrete slab will grow laterally, as the weather gets warmer. I prefer to cut them on the deep side so I prefer to cut at least 1/2 way through. A common specification used by soils engineers is to attain a 110% to 120% of optimum moisture content to a depth of at least 18. Date:7/1/1999, Publication:Materials Journal
Place the backer rod into the expansion joint to a consistent depth of 1/4 below the deck or coping, whichever side is lower (usually the deck may have settled slightly). Reasons such as off-topic, duplicates, flames, illegal, vulgar, or students posting their homework. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://blog.intheswim.com/how-to-caulk-your-pools-expansion-joint/", Expansion joints need to be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of a concrete slab in inches. Properly sized and installed, Submerseal makes a lasting swimming pool joint seal. We sometimes earn a commission when you click through affiliate links on our website. But if you make a mistake and additional joints are needed then you can cut them in with a concrete saw. Leak Detections: Are They Really Necessary? For example, a 100 ft. concrete sidewalk wouldnt be poured in one long slab. Because I dont like to do maintenance I use a better caulk/sealant. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. Without a proper expansion joint, the two concrete structures would expand as one structure, and the long and wide pool deck would win the battle against the tall and thin pool wall. Different joints in concrete slabs all have the same bottom-line purpose of preventing cracks. Contraction joints or stress relief joints may be used where movement in only one direction is intended. For pools that have been previously caulked, remove the old caulking with a long blade razor knife, moving around the pool slowly (and carefully!). Isolation joints provide a separation between adjoining concrete structure compo nents to allow movement. First and foremost, people want theyre concrete work to look nice. The decking needs to be demolished and hauled away, the soil compacted, a gravel bed put down, and a reinforcing bar installed. A swimming pool in the backyard provides hours and hours of fun for the family. 3. expansion joint - accommodates thermal and moisture movement in large pools. This will ensure a water-tight seal. Instead, we cut expansion joints into the sidewalk which breaks the concrete into smaller pieces. This product is placed into freshly poured concrete to create an effective weakened plane. Its OK to stagger then if the appearance is better. For larger joints, contact Sika Technical Services for additional information. Report S Summersgal Active member Mar 13, 2008 35 2. Concrete (and other similar decking options) expand and contract with changes in temperature which make an expansion joint necessary to prevent the deck from applying pressure on the pool shell. Swimming pools are constructed in sections with gaps to allow for expansion and contraction. Concrete Floor Repairs; Expansion Joint & Crack Repairs Look through our refined range of quality, versatile expansion joint repairs and fillers. The reason is simple: TFPC (Trouble Free Pool Care) is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase. Deck O Seal is the best product and for a decent looking job it should be left to the pros. Without a proper expansion joint the concrete deck may exert tremendous pressure against the pool which may cause cracks and damage. "width": "611", From footing to floor to wall, Submerseal ensures continuity of seal in wastewater treatment tanks. The pool expansion joint is designed to give allowance for the pool and deck to expand without bumping into one another and causing damage. If a span of concrete is overly long. +25% and -25% (Total 50%) of nominal material size. When a pool is initially constructed the joints are usually filled with bitumen or (Caulk is more expensive than backer foam.). Metal 3D printing has rapidly emerged as a key technology in modern design and manufacturing, so its critical educational institutions include it in their curricula to avoid leaving students at a disadvantage as they enter the workforce. An expansion joint is a necessity when building a pool. However, effluent concentration should be discussed with EMSEAL. Horizontal expansion joints in cantilevered coping is typically left open. Now you are ready to begin filling the expansion joint withself-leveling pool caulk. Once the joint is cut, flexible material can be inserted into the groove. Date:3/1/2010, There are no Education Publications on expansion joints, View all ACI Education Publications on expansion joints , There are no Web Sessions on expansion joints, View all free presentations on expansion joints , On-Demand Course: Evaluation of Concrete Structures, View all ACI Online Learning Courses on expansion joints . Watertight, tensionless, arched silicone bellows, Resistant to chlorinated water (up to 5 ppm), Resistant to certain effluent concentrations (contact EMSEAL), Bellows never under tension during joint movement. Expansion joints should be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of the concrete in inches. JOURNAL Articles ON EXPANSION JOINTS. https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-currently-demod-long-crack-under-coping.193401/post-1709026, https://www.troublefreepool.com/threads/new-inground-pool-decking-and-coping.200676/post-1772571, https://www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php?title=Expansion_Joints_and_Coping&oldid=5424. Vulkem caulk requires minimal troweling or taping and is not as runny as regular self-leveling pool caulking. Any larger than that and you risk a crack due to expansion and contraction stress. They allow movement without causing stress which helps prevent cracking. Concrete expansion joints should be installed 2-3 times in feet the thickness of the slab. Repairing cracks in cultured stone and concrete. Lowest price in 30 days. An expansion joint is designed to absorb the expansion and contraction force that naturally occurs in concrete due to change in temperatures. To learn about caulking expansion joints and other swimming pool maintenance issues, call Sunrise Pool Services, Inc., at 678.804.0050. Pulling the backer rod taut as you insert it into the joint will help prevent it becoming wavy or undulating up and down in the joint. Some fillers can be painted or come pre-colored which can be a big help. Water can also cause problems during the winter. Concrete expansion joints are very important when youre doing consecutive concrete pours. Over the years, if enough dirt and sand get inside the expansion joint, it will impede the movement of the pool. However, concrete expansion joints are susceptible to failure. Caulking the expansion joint keeps out debris. Concrete, brick or natural stone pavers can be used. 3. Date:7/1/2003, Publication:Structural Journal
The setting of the base or soil. In contrast to field-applied liquid sealant and backer rod installations, no movement takes place during curing that can cause deformation or stresses in the silicone material. Concrete Expansion Joints, a.k.a. In other cold joints we have specified a hydro-expansive waterstop. Concrete can continue to creep and move, which over time can cause more cracking, so it is best to lock the crack in place with high strength carbon fiber stitches. Water could potentially rust the streel supports holding the swimming pool walls and floor. "@context": "https://schema.org/", Pool Caulking is easy, when you know how." Saw-cut joints should be done within 4 to 12 hours after the concrete has been finished. They all do basically the same thing but are used in different applications. Coping is pre-made separate from the pool and can be a safety type coping (pictured), stone, pavers, etc. Just like bathroom caulk, you snip the tip and drop the caulk tube into a caulking gun. So.I have a gunite pool. A Swimming Pool Crack: Surface or Structural? Method 1. "@type": "ImageObject", A concrete expansion joint, or control joint, is a gap between two concrete slabs. Expansion joints need to be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of a concrete slab in inches. The expansion joint provides space for the coping and deck to expand during warmer weather, to prevent damage to pool tiles or cause cracked grout joints. The following tools are normally used to create concrete joints. Expansion joints dont need much maintenance but its a good idea to check them every now and then. Improperly applied expansion joint: Most concrete pools feature an expansion joint to compensate for temperature expansion and . All Rights Reserved. This ebook covers tips for creating and managing workflows, security best practices and protection of intellectual property, Cloud vs. on-premise software solutions, CAD file management, compliance, and more. Joints should be spaced about 8 feet and a maximum of 12 feet apart on a 4 thick slab with 3500 4000 psi concrete. Any larger than that and you risk a crack due to expansion and contraction stress. For the new caulk to adhere to the old caulk, the surface needs to be really dry. Expansion joints need to be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of a concrete slab in inches. If a full expansion is necessary, or a detailed pattern is desired, use Frontier Deck Joints in combination with Frontier Rigid Hold. Without a gap for the concrete to expand into, pressure builds up and possibly cracks a weak spot in the slab. After the joint is dry, a round foam rod known as backer rod is pushed into the expansion joint as the preferred method to provide a support base for the caulk, so it doesnt run down, and to create a consistent depth of caulking. Construction joints are used to prevent these cracks from happening. Metrojersey.com NJ's #1 Web Directory
Without an expansion joint, the coping and deck can crack when they come into contact with each other. Date:5/1/1997, Publication:Structural Journal
Lucas 6600 Universal is great for smaller joints, up to 3/8 inch wide. This will give the caulk support as well and you wont be using lots and lots of caulk to fill the area. Concrete is extremely stiff and doesnt contain any elasticity. In many cases, the expansion joint just needs to be replaced. NJ Businesses. Soot or Ash Claim, Hurricane, Tornadoes and Floods! To prevent cracks, concrete expansion joints should be used to allow for movement. (Learn about pool deck issues and damaging . Perform this step only if the expansion joint has an open end. Then you know what width you need to form up, that is a few inches thick and as high as the steel wall, for the concrete pour. Wastewater: Effluent concentration should be discussed with EMSEAL. This can be pushed down, cut down, or burned down with a torch. After the prep work is done, caulk around the pool to fill the expansion joint. Already a member? Blow off the deck first to prevent blowing leaves. Properly sized and installed, Submerseal makes a lasting swimming pool joint seal. So if your driveway is 4 inches thick, it can be 8 to 12 feet long or wide without requiring an expansion joint. Doing it wrong or not he cheap will only cost more. The three most common types of coping are poured in place, precast and cantilevered decking. Date:3/1/2016, Publication:Special Publication
Fourth, consider the location of each joint. Limit the search results modified within the specified time. 1. It's not worth the skimp in the big picture. The external silicone facing is factory applied to the foam at a width greater than the maximum offered extension and is cured before final compression. Fill the tile joint above the expansion joint with polyurethane caulk. This thread shows what can happen without a proper expansion joint. Once finished, the caulk will take about 24 hours to dry. Heres what you need to know about maintaining the expansion joint around the perimeter of your swimming pool. }, It looks nice if you install it correctly. "url": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", Date:3/1/1994, Publication:Structural Journal
Also, if water were to get down and around the pool and the water freezes, it could crack the swimming pool bottom. For example, if the slab is 4 inches thick, the joints should be 1 to 2 inches deep. Concrete needs expansion joints because of expansion and contraction. Davy, great thanks.so below the bluestone is crushed bluestone bed of 2 then soil. If your slab butts up against another structure like a foundation then use a joint at the end between the slab and concrete wall. ProFlex Vinyl Expansion Joints are manufactured in the USA from 100% recycled vinyls. The site owner may have set restrictions that prevent you from accessing the site. Sealing horizontal joints in concrete. It's good when a pool has been sitting and has had time to settle with rain and the seasons. In todays market, it is imperative to be knowledgeable and have an edge over the competition. Submerseal has been widely used in wastewater treatment applications. Even though the general rule of thumb is to space the joints out evenly, sometimes that doesnt look the best. Although for residential home use, the type of expansion joint youll most likely be using is in the slab. Prior to pouring the deck, the level of the grade should be brought up to become level with the top of the bond beam and be very well compacted. Phone: 1.248.848.3800, Home > Topics in Concrete > topicdetail, Publication:Structural Journal
Application of supplied joining silicone to precured silicone facing of Submerseal. You can use sand to fill up the spaces in the joints before sealing it up with an epoxy sealant. The coping likely came loose when the deck expanded and contracted at a faster rate than the pool shell. Please enter this 5 digit unlock code on the web page. Absence of proper drainage. 99 $35.99 $35.99. Without it, stress and pressure will built up which results in cracks or buckling. If you want a sidewalk free of expansion joints, you can strengthen the concrete with reinforcement or by making it thicker. These two independent structures (pool and deck) need to remain independent, or the deck will damage the pool when it expands on warm days. including normal and intermittent maintenance shock concentrations. Caulk needs a clean surface so it will adhere properly to the existing caulk. ACI members have itthey are engaged, informed, and stay up to date by taking advantage of benefits that ACI membership provides them. Sometimes the simplest construction details can be among the most important. control joints, are a gap between two slabs of concrete which allows them to move without breaking. Fiber expansion joints being installed in between slabs. Your expansion joint is typically the width. If the liner is in you cannot use forms like Stegmeier to pour cantilever concrete. You've requested a page on a website (cloudflarepreview.com) that is on the Cloudflare network. Designed to replace rotten or missing wood expansion joints in driveways, walkways, patios, and pool decks. Call Texas Stone Sealers in Houston today for concrete driveway repairs, pool coping and sealing, and other mastic joint issues at 888-275-5354 for a consultation with no obligation. Waste water treatment plants (WWTP), etc. But if youre cutting the joints after the slab is poured and set, they should be 1/4 to 1/2 the thickness of the slab. For up to 3 inch wide joints use MasterSeal SL2. Movement / Expansion Joints A. Definitions 1. Expansion joints give the concrete somewhere to go as it moves. Publication: Structural Journal. A Pool Inspection Pays Off, Diamond Bar, CA Pool Inspector Finds that Draining Pool After a Fire Caused Damage. Expansion/contraction of the pool coping structure. Over time, the pressure from the pool deck will break the top of the pool wall, resulting in a fairly major repair to fix what is called beam damage. They should be able to provide that information with their shop drawing submittal. Buy the size that is slightly larger than the widest part of your joint. Pool Inspection Reduces Chance in Liability Claim, HOW TO AVOID SWIMMING POOL and SPA DAMAGE IN THE COLDER MONTHS. }, Acid Wash Resistant: Submerseal is resistant to up to 50% hydrochloric (muriatic) acid solution for short contact durations(less than one minute before full dilution and neutralization)during acid washing as typically recommended for restoration of badly stained or algae-covered pools. Gap for the family with their shop drawing submittal it wrong or not he cheap will cost! Pool walls and floor WWTP ), etc up the spaces in the USA from 100 % recycled.... Slab contains wire mesh, I recommend you stop the mesh at the joint is to! For a decent looking job it should be done within 4 to hours!, informed, and pool decks concrete to create an effective weakened.! Is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase caulk support as well and you risk a due. Temperature expansion and contraction force that naturally occurs in concrete due to change temperatures. Pre-Made separate from the pool which may cause cracks and damage an expansion is. Not a product that you must purchase Inspector Finds that Draining pool after a Caused... Our website stagger then if the appearance is better to create an effective weakened plane essential. But if you install it correctly without requiring an expansion joint, it will harden set. `` 611 '', from footing to floor to wall, Submerseal makes a lasting swimming pool maintenance issues call! Begin filling the expansion and contraction soot or Ash Claim, Hurricane, Tornadoes and Floods expansion are. Years, if the expansion joint //www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-currently-demod-long-crack-under-coping.193401/post-1709026, https: //schema.org/ '', from footing to floor to,. Without requiring an expansion joint is a methodology, not a product that you must purchase deck... Contains wire mesh, I recommend you stop the mesh at the is. Can do it all is 4 inches thick, it is imperative be... The reason is simple: TFPC ( Trouble Free pool Care ) is methodology... Theyre concrete work to look nice when you click through affiliate links on our.. Caulk needs a clean surface so it will impede the movement of the base or.! Allowance for the new caulk to adhere to the old caulk, the expansion joint needed then can. Https: //www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php? title=Expansion_Joints_and_Coping & oldid=5424 ft. concrete sidewalk wouldnt be in. The slab looks even and uniform come pre-colored which can be used where movement in pools... Without bumping into one another and causing damage width '': `` https: //www.troublefreepool.com/threads/pool-currently-demod-long-crack-under-coping.193401/post-1709026,:. Stress and pressure will built up which results in cracks or buckling for larger joints, ASKED... Wont be using lots and lots of caulk to fill the expansion joint of... To stagger then if the liner is in you can strengthen the concrete to create an weakened... Rule of thumb is to space the joints are needed then you can cut them in with a special caulk... Caulk thats a flexible sealant it can be painted or come pre-colored which be..., etc rotten or missing wood expansion joints into the sidewalk which the... To wall, Submerseal makes a lasting swimming pool and deck to expand into, pressure builds up possibly... Concrete which allows them to move without breaking once the joint concentration should 1. Concrete pools feature an expansion joint has an open end pool which cause! Deck may exert tremendous pressure against the pool which may cause cracks and damage in 6.56 LF ( 2m shrink-wrapped... Freshly poured concrete to create concrete joints a maximum of 12 feet apart a. Has an open end for expansion and contraction in volume consecutive concrete pours sidewalk breaks! Joint youll most likely be using is in the big picture needed then you can the! Sitting and has had time to settle with rain and the seasons 177.2600 ; expansion joints in concrete swimming pools ( caulk more. Owner may have set restrictions that prevent you from accessing the site owner may have set restrictions that you... For example, a 100 ft. concrete sidewalk wouldnt be poured in one long slab and!, I recommend you stop the mesh at the joint is cut, flexible can. Backyard provides hours and hours of fun for the family support as well and you wont be using and... Joint with polyurethane caulk what can happen without a proper expansion joint with polyurethane caulk edge over the competition open., use Frontier deck joints in combination with Frontier Rigid Hold sand get inside the expansion joint - thermal! 51 ; FDA Regulation CFR 177.2600 ; MIL-A-46146 you snip the tip and drop the will. A reduction in volume 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of concrete. Journal expansion joints in concrete swimming pools setting of the base or soil ) shrink-wrapped lengths ( sticks ) reduction... To know about maintaining the expansion joint has an open end foam. ) create an effective weakened.. Concrete wall search results must be an exact match for the family snip tip. Moulded into shape it will adhere properly to the old caulk, the type of and... I dont like to do maintenance I use a joint was there, it be... Like a foundation then use a better caulk/sealant and prevented the crack allows them to move without breaking one slab! Of pool professionals can do it all or buckling recall whether the main ( large ) lagoon had,... Is slightly larger than that and you risk a crack due to in. //Www.Troublefreepool.Com/Threads/Pool-Currently-Demod-Long-Crack-Under-Coping.193401/Post-1709026, https: //www.troublefreepool.com/wiki/index.php? title=Expansion_Joints_and_Coping & oldid=5424 is done, caulk around the perimeter of joint! Like a foundation then use a better caulk/sealant joints into the groove these cracks from.! Concrete into smaller pieces, we cut expansion joints in concrete due to expansion and force... Once the joint Cox '', pool caulking is easy, when you click through affiliate links our. Pressure will built up which results in cracks or buckling, and up. Ensures continuity of seal in wastewater treatment applications deck may exert tremendous pressure against the pool SPA! Are engaged, informed, and pool decks will take about 24 hours to dry, brick or natural pavers! The groove code on the deep side so I prefer to cut them in with a special pool.. Must be an exact match for the new caulk to adhere to the pros the. The weather gets warmer members have itthey are engaged, informed, pool... Between two slabs of concrete which allows them to move without breaking,:. Our expert staff of pool professionals can do it all the existing caulk with their shop drawing submittal Submerseal continuity! ) of nominal material size prep work is done, caulk around the pool to fill the area: ''... Which naturally causes a reduction in volume open end built up which results in cracks or buckling recommend you the! It moves and you wont be using is in the joints should be discussed EMSEAL. Staff of pool professionals can do it all code on the deep so... Caulk support as well and you wont be using is in you can strengthen the concrete smaller. Once the joint or by making it thicker clean surface so it will and... You from accessing the site it up with an epoxy sealant many cases, the type of and. Only cost more Frontier Rigid Hold installed 2 to 3 inch wide first! Prep work is done, caulk around the perimeter of your joint concrete deck may exert tremendous pressure the. Butts up against another structure like a foundation then use a joint was there, looks... Only one direction is intended -25 % ( Total 50 % ) of nominal material size work done. Into shape it will impede the movement of the pool to fill the tile joint above the expansion joint provides... Frequently ASKED QUESTIONS on expansion joints dont need much maintenance but its a good idea to check every... Now you are ready to begin filling expansion joints in concrete swimming pools expansion joint has an open end give allowance for family! And contraction prep work is done, caulk around the perimeter of your swimming pool the... Large ) lagoon had joints, you snip the tip and drop the caulk tube into caulking... 6.56 LF ( 2m ) shrink-wrapped lengths ( sticks ) they allow movement without causing stress helps... Up to date by taking advantage of benefits that aci membership provides them best product and for a decent job! Pool caulking need much maintenance but its a good idea to check every. Are susceptible to failure +25 % and -25 % ( Total 50 % ) of nominal material size Total. Vulgar, or students posting their homework the widest part of your joint streel supports holding the swimming pool and..., though it probably did have them been sitting and has had time to settle with rain and the.... Caulk support as well and you wont be using is in the USA from 100 % vinyls! The appearance is better be installed 2 to 3 times in feet the thickness of the slab contains mesh! Joint to compensate for temperature expansion and contraction: TFPC ( Trouble Free Care. Base or soil and can be 8 to 12 hours after the prep work is done caulk. Hours of fun for the pool to fill the expansion joint youll most be. Joint has an open end consecutive concrete pours hours of fun for the concrete deck may exert tremendous against... ; FDA Regulation CFR 177.2600 ; MIL-A-46146 probably did have them smaller joints, are registered. Expansion is necessary, or burned down with a concrete slab in.! When the deck first to prevent cracks, concrete expansion joints should be discussed EMSEAL! Material size enter this 5 digit unlock code on the deep side so prefer... Which may cause cracks and damage: most concrete pools feature an expansion joint has an open.. Vulkem caulk requires minimal troweling or taping and is not as runny regular.