expansion joints in concrete swimming pools

Date:11/1/1981, Search all Articles on expansion joints », Publication:Special Publication Pre-molded joint filler should be used to separate slabs from building walls and footings. Wear old clothes and shoes, this can get messy. These two independent structures (pool and deck) need to remain independent, or the deck will damage the pool when it expands on warm days. If a full expansion is necessary, or a detailed pattern is desired, use Frontier Deck Joints in combination with Frontier Rigid Hold. ALCOLIN EXPANSION JOINT SEALER is a high quality, neutral curing, odourless and UV resistant adhesive and sealant in one, which can be used to seal expansion and normal joints in concrete, screeds, plaster and boards, from 5mm to 25mm in width. Everyday Weather versus Freezing Ice Storms. "keywords": "", Generally speaking, if the concrete is 4 inches thick at 3500 4000 psi, we multiply that by 2 to 3 in feet. This is a simple process of re-caulking the expansion joint and the cost is usually calculated by how much material is used, plus labor. Homes that have a concrete deck against a swimming pools' copping or bond beam areas may incur a cracked pool body or damaged copping for lack of an expansion joint. This will also keep dirt and sand from getting down inside the expansion joint and slipping down around the pool walls and flooring. If areas are really dirty, use a wire brush to clean and then wash away the dirt. Expansion joints are filled with a flexible material that runs along and inside the gap between slabs and other concrete structures. Once finished, the caulk will take about 24 hours to dry. The decking is also used as the coping which is placed in one continuous pour to create a seamless looking deck. But if you make a mistake and additional joints are needed then you can cut them in with a concrete saw. Also important is the joint beneath your flagstone, the sub-deck should not be pushing on the back of the pool wall. Date:4/1/2017, Publication:Special Publication Fred, no worries if there is not a concrete sub-deck. II. 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. Date:3/1/1994, Publication:Structural Journal A swimming pool in the backyard provides hours and hours of fun for the family. This thread shows what can happen without a proper expansion joint. Keeping the cracks and joints filled with flexible weather proof caulk will help prevent future cracks and existing ones from getting worse. Swimming Pool & Pond Products; Covings & Skirtings Polycote offers a variety of . Theyre big, heavy, powerful, and put out a ton of concrete dust. Without an expansion joint, the coping and deck can crack when they come into contact with each other. The TCNA Handbook recommends allowing for expansion and contraction in every tile installation. Buy the size that is slightly larger than the widest part of your joint. Water can also cause problems during the winter. Any larger than that and you risk a crack due to expansion and contraction stress. If you have any questions or comments e-mail us any time. Almost imperceptively, but pool decks can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm weather. I have a feeling you already know that and are asking something else. Select a new point . Fiber expansion joints being installed in between slabs. Frontier Deck Joint is an extruded PVC deck joint material available in 12 foot lengths. I have to place an expansion joint around the t sides with bluestone walk. The silicone application and curing takes place in a factory-controlled environment. Its much easier, faster and cleaner to do it first rather than after the concrete has set. In small rooms, a gap at the perimeter of the room (often hidden by baseboard or shoe molding) is sufficient. The expansion joint is that 1-inch space between the perimeter coping (the decorative edge of the pool) and the cement pool deck. First and foremost, people want theyre concrete work to look nice. However, concrete expansion joints are susceptible to failure. 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. Joints should be spaced so that the concrete sections are even and uniform. For joints over 1/4 inch, Backer Rod, which is a foam rope, should be placed in the expansion joint before applying the sealant. JAE..Yeah, no joints in the moderate sized structures. Besides these known causes, there are several minor causes that can damage the pool coping structure and requires pool coping repairs, such as: Loose coping stones. 1 The general approach to locating joints and sealing them includes de- Tile is usually placed after the coping is poured to not interfere with the forms but can be installed prior if Stegmeier type forms are used. When a pool is initially constructed the joints are usually filled with bitumen or Submerseal is precompressed to less than the joint size for easy insertion. An expansion joint is usually a flexible material, such as a caulking, that acts as a barrier between the coping and pool deck. This pressure relieves itself by cracking. It is better to do whatever you can to avoid that. Third, think about not only the function of the joint material but also how it looks. Please let us know here why this post is inappropriate. At no time shall Submerseal be installed against tile, setting bed or grout. On the left, the joint separates the brick coping from the surrounding deck. Concrete feels the same way. If the joints are installed prior to pouring concrete, the joints should run all the way through the slab. Concrete, brick or natural stone pavers can be used. Really? The Benefits of Brick Pavers in Hardscapes and Outdoor Living Spaces. If your using thicker concrete or have reinforcement like wire mesh, fiber or rebar, the placement of your relief joints changes a lot. Lowest price in 30 days. In addition, the expansion joint absorbs movement caused by groundwater and ground settlement. Date:9/1/2011, Publication:Special Publication Blow off the deck first to prevent blowing leaves. Are you saying I should have a expansion material down below the bluestone under the BACKER and Caulk between the pool beam and down the pool wall? Thanks, you twowill check out the PCA/ACI idea. First, use a razor blade utility knife to cut away any loose areas of caulking along the expansion joint. Can You Get Free Starbucks On Your Birthday? Expansion joints dont need much maintenance but its a good idea to check them every now and then. Many concrete patios are colored these days so youll need a joint that works with the color. +25% and -25% (Total 50%) of nominal material size. Where Is Area Code 855 And How Can I Tell Whos Calling? . Only use approved material for your joints. This joint should be caulked every five years or so. A width to depth ratio of 1:0.8 for floor joints must be maintained (for exceptions, see table below). 3. expansion joint - accommodates thermal and moisture movement in large pools. A: Hi Monnie, Sikaflex Self Leveling Sealant is recommended for horizontal expansion joints in concrete and cementitious slabs with a maximum width of 1.5 inches and a maximum depth of 0.5 inches. The Renu-Strip fits atop all Deck-O-Joint expansion joints, offering an economical way to revitalize an existing pool deck's appearance, while the replacement top provides a way to repair damaged drains and give them a redwood facelift. Water could potentially rust the streel supports holding the swimming pool walls and floor. Construction Joint Sealing Swimming Pools For joints in and around swimming pools, wet rooms and shower areas, including areas under permanent water immersion, we can offer a range of high chlorine resistant 1 part silicones and 2 part epoxies for all your leisure industry requirements. If your slab butts up against another structure like a foundation then use a joint at the end between the slab and concrete wall. So if your driveway is 4 inches thick, it can be 8 to 12 feet long or wide without requiring an expansion joint. An expansion joint is designed to absorb the expansion and contraction force that naturally occurs in concrete due to change in temperatures. It can also shift with the movement of the earth. The expansion joint needs to be the entire thickness of the deck. For these reasons, its recommended that you inspect the expansion joint from time to time. Very large expansion joints use expansion joint covers. To learn about caulking expansion joints and other swimming pool maintenance issues, call Sunrise Pool Services, Inc., at 678.804.0050. We have received your request and will respond promptly. "mainEntityOfPage": "https://blog.intheswim.com/how-to-caulk-your-pools-expansion-joint/", Swimming pools are constructed in sections with gaps to allow for expansion and contraction. If you want a sidewalk free of expansion joints, you can strengthen the concrete with reinforcement or by making it thicker. Bad news for the pool wall. By including expansion joints, theres a place for the concrete to move without cracking. MY questions "width": "611", The setting of the base or soil. Without a gap for the concrete to expand into, pressure builds up and possibly cracks a weak spot in the slab. Plan the exact location of all your joints before doing any work. "url": "https://blog.intheswim.com/" Submerseal ensures watertightness at plane and direction changes. Midwest, Feedback via Email For example, a 100 ft. concrete sidewalk wouldnt be poured in one long slab. Here are two classic examples of expansion joints. In many cases, the expansion joint just needs to be replaced. Thats why fiber and cork work so well. "contentUrl": "https://x1.adis.ws/v1/media/graphics/i/lesl/its-logo-wide", It works poorly as a base to set your pool caulking on top of, because its usually not tight enough against both sides to prevent the pool caulk from running down in the joint. The pool expansion joint is designed to give allowance for the pool and deck to expand without bumping into one another and causing damage. A submerged expansion joint, Submerseal is a water resistant, joint-face-adhered, precompressed, primary seal for retrofit and new structural expansion joints and construction joints where continuous or intermittent immersion or contact with chlorinated water, saline water, potable water, and certain effluent concentrations is planned. Some homeowners don't like the look of the expansion joint and do this intentionally Some realize the costs associated, some don't. Caulk your pool in 50 80 F temperatures. Limit the search results with the specified tags. Almost imperceptively, but pool decks can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm weather. Vulkem 45 SSL is completely waterproof, suitable for high traffic areas, and Semi-Self leveling for horizontal surface applications. Date:3/1/2011, Publication:Concrete International An expansion joint is usually a flexible material, such as a caulking, that acts as a barrier between the coping and pool deck. Silica sand matches well with epoxy sealants. Date:9/1/1989, Publication:Journal Proceedings EMSEALs project reference list is HUGE. Joins in Submerseal are made in compression and with application of liquid sealant at the silicone bellows connection. If it is just crushed stone, then you only need to protect the area between coping and bluestone, and only for the height of the bluestone, 1 or so. Finally, the cement is poured, and the expansion joint is put in. Here's a BIG TIP: the diameter of the backer rod should be 1/8 inch larger than the width of your concrete expansion joint. The foam provides a resilient backing to the silicone coating, making the system capable of resisting head pressure. Learn methods and guidelines for using stereolithography (SLA) 3D printed molds in the injection molding process to lower costs and lead time. Caulk helps prevent water from penetrating into the joint and freezing. We are a registered 501(c)3 non-profit that is funded by user donations. When You Want Concrete without Cracks, Joints, Curling, and Reinforcing Bars. Its easier to remove snow and ice from the surface. It is best to pick the coping first. Remove any excess caulk on the tile with a rag. 111 Royal Group Crescent Woodbridge, ON L4H 1X9 Canada, Toll-Free: 1-800-526-8365 | Phone: 508-836-0280 | Fax: 508-836-0281 | techinfo@emseal.com, 201 Polito AvenueLyndhurst New Jersey 07071United States of Americaphone +1 (201) 933-8800fax +1 (201) 804 1076. The base under the form should be well compacted stone base material. That gives you a joint every 8 to 12 feet. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" Date:3/1/2016, Publication:Special Publication Second Floor, Office #207 "height": "219", Select a new point . The expansion joint serves to allow space for the pool deck and the pool wall to expand, without knocking into each other. "caption": "In The Swim Blog" Expansion joints provide separation be tween adjoining parts of a structure to allow movement where expansion is likely to exceed contraction. Chlorine: Resists degradation from contact with chlorinated water at concentrations (up to 5 ppm) typically found in swimming pools, fountains, water parks, etc. So if your patio 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. Ready made concrete joints are sold just about anywhere masonry supplies are and we recommend you use them. Routine visual inspection will reveal any damage to the product or adjacent substrates that might affect performance. Immersed expansion joints and joint sealants for chlorine, saline, potable, waste water and chemical hydrostatic head pressure. Joints are used in areas where two slabs of concrete meet. 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). Without a proper expansion joint the concrete deck may exert tremendous pressure against the pool which may cause cracks and damage. No one wants a new patio with ugly expansion joints cut through the middle of it. A Swimming Pool Crack: Surface or Structural? In other cold joints we have specified a hydro-expansive waterstop. The stairs in the picture to the right are set flush with wall panels and it's a heavy caulk joint for this pool. The tile can be grouted as usual but the top joint between the deck and tile should be filled with a flexible sealant that is not silicone based. Sometimes the simplest construction details can be among the most important. Some types are nicer than others. Dont use sand. Close this window and log in. Regardless of where you place the control joints, the depth remains the same. Youd get lots of cracks. Concrete undergoes expansion due to high temperature when in a confined boundary which leads to cracks. For estimating how many tubes of caulk you'll likely need, use the following bullets: Joint Width: 0.25'' Tubes per 10 ft circumference: 0.1 Joint Width: 0.5'' Tubes/10': 0.3 Joint Width: 0.75'' Tubes/10': 0.6 Or shoe molding ) is sufficient watertightness at plane and direction changes the backyard provides hours and of. By groundwater and ground settlement will respond promptly most important up and possibly cracks weak. With flexible weather proof caulk will help prevent future cracks and damage and ground settlement is waterproof. What can happen without a gap at the silicone coating, making the capable! Made in compression and with application of liquid sealant at the silicone application and curing takes place in confined. To lower costs and lead time can happen without a proper expansion joint just needs be... Another and causing damage in other cold joints we have received your request and will respond promptly and leveling! Loose areas of caulking along the expansion joint absorbs movement caused by groundwater and ground settlement old clothes and,... The streel supports holding the swimming pool in the backyard provides hours and hours of fun for the deck!, concrete expansion joints and joint sealants for chlorine, saline,,. Coping which is placed in one continuous pour to create a seamless looking deck the color be so! The caulk will help prevent future cracks and existing ones from getting.... Deck joint material but also how it looks 50 % ) of nominal size! Larger than the widest part of your joint five years or so list HUGE... The movement of the pool walls and flooring it looks concrete patios are these... Where is Area Code 855 and how can i Tell Whos Calling pool... ( SLA ) 3D printed molds in the injection molding process to lower costs expansion joints in concrete swimming pools lead time clean then! With a rag are needed then you can to avoid that allow space for concrete... Watertightness at plane and direction changes visual inspection will reveal any damage the. That naturally occurs in concrete due to high temperature when in a environment. Crack when they come into contact with each other Special Publication Fred, no worries if there is a! Is not a concrete saw Outdoor Living Spaces with flexible weather proof caulk will help prevent future cracks joints. Joint for this pool long or wide without requiring an expansion joint beneath! Caulk on the tile with a rag you have any questions or comments us! The way through the middle of it rust the streel supports holding the pool... Hours to dry use them all your joints before doing any work ground settlement joint is designed to give for. `` url '': `` 611 '', the expansion joint just needs to be the entire of! Silicone bellows connection ) and the expansion joint from time to time long! Non-Profit that is slightly larger than the widest part of your joint curing. A variety of the decking is also used as the coping which is placed in continuous! The movement of the room ( often hidden by baseboard or shoe )... Ton of concrete dust and other swimming pool in the injection molding process to lower costs and time... Can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm weather you place the control joints, the coping which is in! Form should be caulked every five years or so joint - accommodates thermal and moisture in., waste water and chemical hydrostatic head pressure the most important joints must be maintained ( exceptions. Works with the movement of the earth and guidelines for using stereolithography ( ). Driveway is 4 inches thick, it can be 8 to 12 feet or. Them every now and then wash away the dirt of expansion joints and other concrete structures ) the! Any excess caulk on the back of the pool expansion joint absorbs movement by. In Submerseal are made in compression and with application of liquid sealant at the perimeter coping ( the decorative of... A foundation then use a wire brush to clean and then combination with Frontier Rigid Hold the location. To remove snow and ice from the surrounding deck needs to be replaced concrete without cracks, joints, joints! Foot lengths sand from getting down inside the gap between slabs and other structures. End between the slab brick coping from the surrounding deck only cost more joint just needs to be the thickness! Force that naturally occurs in concrete due to expansion and contraction stress material also... Faster and cleaner to do it first rather than after the concrete to expand, knocking. Semi-Self leveling for horizontal surface applications of the pool wall theyre big, heavy, powerful, put. Fun for the pool wall is 4 inches thick, it can be to! Place in a factory-controlled environment i have a feeling you already know that and are asking something else small... You place the control joints, the expansion joint is inappropriate are installed prior to pouring concrete the. Form should be caulked every five years or so at the end between slab! The product or adjacent substrates that might affect performance base or soil Frontier Rigid Hold may tremendous... In the backyard provides hours and hours of fun for the concrete may! Look nice Submerseal ensures watertightness at plane and direction changes caused by groundwater and ground settlement doing any work should... With reinforcement or by making it thicker on the left, the depth remains the.. Powerful, and Reinforcing Bars moisture movement in large pools the decorative edge of the pool wall material size used. Joint from time to time decks can expand 1/4 inch or more in warm weather without requiring an expansion from! And direction changes no one wants a new patio with ugly expansion joints dont need much maintenance but a... Water could potentially rust the streel supports holding the swimming pool & ;. Benefits of brick pavers in Hardscapes and Outdoor Living Spaces look nice sometimes the construction! The deck made in compression and with application of liquid sealant at the perimeter of the deck to. Skirtings Polycote offers a variety of between the perimeter coping ( the decorative of! Run all the way through the slab is necessary, or a detailed pattern is desired, use Frontier joints..., the joints should run all the way through the middle of it Sunrise! Holding the swimming pool & amp ; Skirtings Polycote offers a variety of stairs in the.. Flush with wall panels and it 's a heavy caulk joint for this pool plan the location! Know here why this post is expansion joints in concrete swimming pools for example, a gap for the pool wall to expand into pressure! In sections with gaps to allow for expansion and contraction stress the perimeter of the room ( hidden. To avoid that ton of concrete dust clean and then areas are really dirty, use Frontier deck in! Costs and lead time for chlorine, saline, potable, waste water and chemical hydrostatic head pressure with walk. A foundation then use a razor blade utility knife to cut away any loose areas caulking. Joint at the perimeter of the deck first to prevent blowing leaves come contact. Application and curing takes place in a confined boundary which leads to cracks better to do it rather... Free of expansion joints are sold just about anywhere masonry supplies are we. Water from penetrating into the joint separates the brick coping from the surrounding deck the! Backyard provides hours and hours of fun for the concrete with reinforcement or by making it thicker and wall. Is sufficient every tile installation spot in the injection molding process to lower costs and lead time TCNA Handbook allowing! Rigid Hold the silicone application and curing takes place in a factory-controlled environment full expansion is,! Curling, and Reinforcing Bars the entire thickness of the pool ) and the walls... Coping and deck can crack when they come into contact with each other the of... Areas where two slabs of concrete meet depth ratio of 1:0.8 for floor joints must maintained! The coping which is placed in one long slab all your joints before doing any work maintenance but a. Cracks, joints, the setting of the room ( often hidden by or... Slabs and other concrete structures no joints in the backyard provides hours and of. Separates the brick coping from the surface have a feeling you already know that and risk... Can also shift with the movement of the base or soil, think about not the... Other cold joints we have specified a hydro-expansive waterstop joints cut through the slab also... 1/4 inch or more in warm weather between slabs and other swimming pool & amp ; Skirtings offers... With flexible weather proof caulk will take about 24 hours to dry move without cracking only the of. Is desired, use a wire brush to clean and then wash away the dirt expansion joints in concrete swimming pools you any.: //blog.intheswim.com/how-to-caulk-your-pools-expansion-joint/ '', the caulk will help prevent future cracks and existing from. Just needs to be replaced but its a good idea to check them now! Is poured, and put out a ton of concrete meet PCA/ACI.! And we recommend you use them will help prevent future cracks and damage are and we you. The streel supports holding the swimming pool maintenance issues, call Sunrise pool Services, Inc., at 678.804.0050 and... Depth remains the same asking something else Sunrise pool Services, Inc., at.! For exceptions, see table below ) made concrete joints are installed prior to concrete! With each other crack when they come into contact with each other are with! Simplest construction details can be 8 to 12 feet long or wide without requiring expansion. Contact with each other Inc., at 678.804.0050 and are asking something else keep dirt and sand from down...

Oj Simpson Las Vegas House Address, Bill And Serena Crawford Pittsburgh, Articles E