27 Sep Pool Repair Update
With regards to the pool repairs and the rampant speculation on our progress or perceived lack thereof, we understand it seems to be taking much longer than anticipated but we wanted to be thorough in understanding the problem and looking for solutions. As you know the pool is constructed using a cold joint method in the concrete and without the necessary piles for support. The result has been compromised joints resulting in enormous water loss and money. Given this construction, we want to be very clear that other than construction of an entire new pool, there is no guaranteed solution.
In examining the problem and options we looked at 3 factors. First overall speed to execute given the approaching season. Second overall costs and source of funding. Finally and most importantly the presumed effectiveness of the option chosen.
As stated before building a new pool is the best option but that’s not financially feasible. So we examined 3 other options.
- First building a new concrete tub within the existing tub. This was an extremely costly option and there was no way to make the season using this. In addition several professionals expressed concern over the overall stability of the current tub in being able to support the load of a new tub. The concern was that the sheer weight and stress from the walls being tied into each other could potentially exacerbate the already problematic “shifting” which could compromise the new tub. The more concrete poured to protect against possible shifting the more load would be added to possibly cause more issues.
- Second was a commercial pool liner. This option was thoroughly considered because it met our timeline but the cost just kept going up due to the necessary site prep required. Because of the shifting situation, the liner people were concerned that their PVC mesh membrane inside the liner’s base would ultimately be compromised. As a result they felt it necessary to recommend a new concrete floor to help stabilize it. This added significant cost and put us back to the concern outlined above. More concrete….more weight…less stability. In addition to this, the liner came with concerns about life span from high usage and most concerning chemical balance. It seems the wrong chemical management of the water can significantly reduce the useful life of the liner.
- Finally we explored the options of saw cutting out the cold joints, wall floor joints and all wood and inserting new hydraulic concrete, applying a bond coat to all surfaces, then apply a ¾”concrete rendering and finally applying Diamond Brite to all surfaces. This option meets our timeline, budget and we feel addresses the cold joint problem without adding additional weight and stress to an already delicate structure.
Again just to add short of a new pool there is no guaranteed solution. Under the time, fiscal and structural constraints we find ourselves, we feel option 3 is the best option to move forward and execute.
The repair scope, as outlined in option 3 above, are scheduled to begin this Friday, September 28. We plan to work daily conducting the following work:
Site Prep Phase
- Remove all loose plaster or thin set from the walls
- Chip open all cracks along the bottom and up the sides
- Chip open seam where wall meets bottom
- Chip around all lights and water returns.
- Chip along the step’s base to investigate where the water is coming from.
We anticipate this work to take approximatley 2 weeks weather permiting. Once complete we will immediately roll into the repair scope outlined below:
Pool Repair Phase
- Clean thoroughly all debris from the pool
- Fill all the cracks with hydraulic cement
- Once patching is completed thoroughly all surfaces with Muriatic Acid
- Apply two coat of bond coat to all walls
- Apply ¾ inch concrete render to all surfaces
- Wash surface once cured with muriatic acid.
- Apply two coats of bond coat to concrete render
- Apply tile water line and marking strips on steps.
- Apply diamond brite to all surfaces.
- Clean diamond brite and fill pool.
During the repair phase we (CDAL) along with Caribbean Water Treatment (CWT) will be assessing the current pump / plumbing system to make the necessary repairs to bring it to operational level. This work will occur simultaneously with the repair work.
Please keep in mind all of this work is weather sensitive but once we start we must complete. We are now estimating a completion date on or around November 10, 2018.
The cost of this work is approximately USD 50K.