Mark Emmunds in Simi Valley called and asked us to take a look at this crack in a pool. He asked if it was a structural crack or a surface crack. We performed a proper leak detection and this crack was definitely suspect. When we put hydrophones on the crack, it was evident that leaking was occurring, we could hear the roar of water being pulled through the shell; something we can clearly hear when using LeakTronics Pro Complete Leak Detection Kit. However, we always want to back up our findings to be absolutely certain that the crack is leaking, and precisely where so we make repairs properly.

In the video you’ll see we reached down with a simple dye tube to verify what we suspected. When dye is put next to the crack, it ingests the dye in certain areas of the crack, proving the leak. It won’t pull dye unless that water is exiting out the back of the shell – this is a structural crack. It’s time to repair it with Torque Lock Structural Staples, the only patented pool repair method in the world to provide the necessary compression to stop cracks and the leaks they cause.

Some customers have asked if the entire crack needs to be stapled if it’s only leaking in a couple of inches of the crack. The answer is definitely, yes. What appears to just be surface cracking along the extension of the crack is really revealing that the damage is done and what isn’t leaking today will ultimately be leaking tomorrow. To guarantee the entire potential of the crack is repaired properly, we map and mist the full length of the crack, drill pilot holes to mark and stabilize the ends of the crack and install the staples every 12 inches to ensure that it is properly supported and won’t continue to spread at any point where it’s showing itself. There is simply no other way to make the repair.

At CalTech, we’re the professional installer of Torque Lock Structural Staples; the only post-tension controlled-compression staple on the market, and it’s patented because it works. By installing a staple every 12 inches along the length of the crack, you are applying upwards of 5000lbs of controllable compression to ensure that when you re-apply concrete, the crack never widens, lengthens, moves or shears. The leak is repaired, permanently!

If your concern is about a crack you see on the surface, have a proper leak detection performed, then address the permanent repairs using Torque Lock Structural Staples. To learn more and to schedule a leak detection on your pool, call 818-436-2953 and visit https://caltechpools.com to learn more.