What delamination is
Delamination happens when pool plaster separates from the concrete shell underneath. The plaster may look fine at first, but tapping it produces a hollow sound. Over time, hollow areas can crack, chip, and flake away, exposing the surface underneath. Delamination can affect small patches or spread across large areas.
Types of pool cracks
Not every crack means the same thing.
- Hairline or craze cracks: Fine, web-like lines in the plaster surface. These are often cosmetic and related to how the plaster cured or aged.
- Surface cracks: Visible lines in the plaster that may hold a stain or trap algae. They are worth watching and sometimes repairing.
- Structural cracks: Cracks that extend into the shell, often wider, sometimes offset from side to side, or associated with water loss. These need attention beyond a new surface, and may call for a structural or shell specialist.
Common contributors
A range of factors can contribute to delamination and cracking, including how the surface was prepared and applied, water chemistry that is too aggressive, ground movement, and a pool that has aged past its typical plaster lifespan. In the Baton Rouge area, high groundwater and soil movement can add stress to a pool shell. We do not guess at the cause from a distance; we look at the pool before saying anything about it.
How we approach repairs
Spot repairs remove the affected plaster, clean and prepare the area, and patch it. They can work well when problems are limited and the rest of the surface is sound. When cracking or hollow areas are widespread, patching often gives a temporary fix at best, and a full resurfacing is a better use of your money. We tell you which category your pool falls into after looking at it.
Before you resurface
If you are planning to resurface, checking for delamination first is important. A new finish applied over hollow or cracked areas can fail in the same places. If you also notice water loss, mention it. A new surface does not repair leaks, and plumbing or structural problems should be identified before you invest in a finish. Related reading: tile and coping problems often show up alongside surface damage.