Plungie, or plunge pools, have become an increasingly popular backyard feature in recent years. There’s nothing quite like taking a refreshing dip in your pool right outside your back door.
But as awesome as plungie pools are, some homeowners wonder if they may develop cracks over time. Cracks in a plungie pool can lead to costly repairs and even safety issues if left unaddressed. So, do Plungie Pools Crack tend to ? Let’s take a closer look.
What Is A Plungie Pool?
First, let’s ensure we’re all on the same page regarding what a plungie pool is. A plungie pool is a small, relatively shallow in-ground swimming pool, usually no more than 6 or 7 feet deep.
Unlike sizeable traditional swimming pools, plungie pools are designed for total body immersion for a refreshing dip, not necessarily swimming laps or playing pool games. They go by other names like plunge pools, splash pools, or dipping pools.
Plungie pools are installed partially or fully in the ground, either inground or semi-inground. They often have seating built into the sides, allowing you to sit in the water. The small footprint makes them a feasible backyard upgrade, even for smaller yards.
Why Plungie Pools Are Susceptible To Cracking
Now that we know what a Plungie Pools Crack is let’s discuss why it may be more prone to developing cracks than a typical swimming pool. There are a few key reasons:
Small Surface Area
With Plungie Pools Crack having a relatively small surface area, the pressure from factors like ground settling and freeze/thaw cycles is more concentrated than with a large traditional pool. This increases the chance of cracks forming.
It’s like jumping on a small piece of ice versus a vast frozen lake. The small ice block is far more likely to Plungie Pools Crack crack under your feet—the same idea with plunge pool surfaces versus bigger pools spreading out the pressure.
Shallow Depth
The shallow depth of plungie pools also increases susceptibility to cracking. The freeze line for most regions is around 18-24 inches deep.
With plungie pools are often just 5-6 feet deep, so many of the pool walls are above the freeze line. This subjects more of the pool surface to expansion and contraction from freeze/thaw cycles, increasing the chance of cracking.
Materials Used
Plungie pools are often made of materials like fiberglass that may not always stand up to ground movement and freeze/thaw cycles and concrete or vinyl liner in-ground pools. Minor cracks in the surface gel coat can allow water intrusion, leading to significant issues.
Pool Location
Where the plungie pool is located on the property also plays a role. Plungie pools are commonly placed against the home, sometimes extending underneath a deck.
This leaves little room for natural ground expansion, increasing the chance of the ground pushing up on the pool and causing cracks. Poor drainage around plungie pools can also contribute to pooling water and ground movement against the pool shell.
Common Cracking Causes
Now let’s look at some of the most common causes of cracks in plungie pools. Awareness of these factors allows you to take preventative steps when installing and maintaining your pool.
Improper Installation
Like most projects, proper installation ensures plungie pools hold up over time without cracking. Unfortunately, some contractors fail to level and adequately prepare the ground beneath the pool properly.
Uneven ground settlement after installation can place stress on the pool shell, leading to cracks. Using improper fill material or inadequate compaction during installation can also set the stage for future cracking issues.
Freeze-Thaw Cycles
As noted above, the shallow design of most plungie pools makes them extra prone to damage from repeated winter freeze-thaw cycles.
When water in the pool, ground, or backfill material freezes, it expands, placing outward pressure on the pool shell. This repetitive freeze/thaw process eventually leads to cracking.
Improper drainage around the pool, allowing water to pool and freeze next to the structure, worsens matters.
Tree Roots
Another common culprit, tree roots can wreak havoc on plungie pools. As the roots grow, they exert outward pressure on the pool. The small structure of a plungie pool is not as resistant to this pressure as a substantial standard pool.
Tree roots can crack through the shell, damage plumbing lines, and displace the whole structure. Planting large trees too close to the pool area should be avoided.
Poor Drainage
As touched on earlier, improper drainage around the pool is causing trouble. When water pools against the outside of the plunge pool, it adds ground pressure, erosion, and freeze/thaw damage.
Good drainage, including proper sloping, French drains if needed, and keeping drain lines clear helps minimize this issue.
Improper Use
Homeowners themselves often unintentionally damage plungie pools through improper use. Jumping into the pool, excessive splashing, or throwing heavy objects into the water can all eventually lead to cracks in the finish.
Plungie pools are designed for gentle wading and swimming, not extreme pool parties!
Structural Damage
Significant events like earthquakes, sinking or shifting foundations, tree falls, or large debris/objects striking the pool can also crack the shell. Some of these issues may be unavoidable or acts of nature, but proactive structural precautions around the pool area are a good idea.
Signs Your Plunge Pool May Be Cracking
Cracks don’t just appear overnight. There are usually early signs of damage long before you notice any visible cracking. Awareness of subtle clues helps you identify and resolve minor issues before they become significant cracks.
Here are some common early indicators:
- Ground settling or sinking on one side of the pool
- Pool water dripping into the ground beneath the structure
- Pool depth slowly becoming shallower in one area
- Cracks in the pool decking surrounding the structure
- Popping, snapping, or creaking noises coming from the pool
- Pool water leaking around plumbing fixtures
- The pool pump and filtration system are running excessively
These are signs that something is slowly shifting or settling beneath the plungie pool. Once you notice signs like these, have a pool professional inspect things before cracks can form.
Can Cracks In Plungie Pools Be Repaired?
In some cases, minor cracks in a plunge pool may be repairable depending on the extent of damage and the pool construction. Options like patching kits, resurfacing products, and injectable crack repair epoxy can mend minor cracks in certain situations.
However, significant cracks or signs of shifting in the Plungie Pools Crack structure often indicate more serious issues beneath the surface. Attempting to patch symptoms without addressing the underlying problem will cause cracks.
Extensive cracks, damage from tree roots, or improper installation may require completely removing and rebuilding the plungie pool. Your pool contractor can best assess crack damage and whether worthwhile repairs can be made.
Tips For Preventing Cracks In Plungie Pools
While plungie pools may be more prone to cracking than traditional pools, taking proactive steps goes a long way towards prevention. Here are some tips for keeping your plungie pool crack-free:
- Have electrical lines and tree roots located before installation to avoid them
- Allow space between the pool and any structures/trees for ground expansion
- Ensure proper drainage and sloping around the pool area
- Use quality materials and an experienced pool installer
- Backfill with sand or clean fill dirt, not organic material
- Compact soil in 6-8” lifts during installation
- Level ground meticulously with laser transit during the build
- Avoid planting new trees near the pool after the installation
- Don’t allow heavy loads or overfilling pool
- Stay on top of pool chemistry to prevent liner damage
- Install coping stones flush with pool surrounds
- Shut off water features/spouts in winter if exposed
- Maintain stable pool water level year-round
- Catch small leaks early before they turn into cracks
FAQs
1. Does filling plungie pools with water before installing them prevent cracking?
No, pre-filling plunge pools before installation provide no cracking benefits. The weight of the water is not enough to prevent ground settling and freeze/thaw movement later on. It’s better to backfill generally after installing the empty pool shell.
2. How can I tell if a crack leaks water from my plungie pool?
Signs of a leaking crack include constant lowering of water level with no other explainable water loss, wetness or soft soil around pool edges, visible water flow through the crack, and pump running excessively to maintain the water level. Use pool dye test kits to verify leaks.
3. Is it better to drain my plungie pool for winter to prevent cracking?
Keeping your plungie pool filled over winter is better to withstand freeze/thaw cycles. The water helps apply equal pressure to the shell as freezing and expansion occur. Draining it creates voids behind the shell for ice expansion pressure to build up. Maintaining the water level is ideal.
4. How long does injectable epoxy last to repair plungie pool cracks?
Epoxy crack repairs are considered semi-permanent, lasting approximately 5-10 years typically before reapplication is needed. Durability depends on epoxy quality, crack severity, and whether shifting ground caused the crack. Epoxy works best for minor surface cracks without underlying issues.
5. Can hydraulic cement patch cracks in my fiberglass plungie pool?
Hydraulic cement should not be used on fiberglass plungie pools as it does not flex adequately. Epoxy or acrylic patching kits are better options for fiberglass. Hydraulic cement is acceptable for concrete plungie pools in specific applications. Consult a pool professional.
Conclusion
While plungie pools are excellent backyard additions, their small design makes them more prone to cracking issues than larger swimming pools. Freeze/thaw cycles, improper installation, tree roots, poor drainage, and other factors can all contribute to the formation of cracks.
Being proactive about proper installation, preventative maintenance, and addressing early signs of problems goes a long way towards keeping your plungie pool crack-free. Minor cracks can sometimes be repaired based on their extent and type. However, severe damage often requires completely rebuilding the structure.
write a sentence about “How Much Does Pool Cleaning Cost” and incorporate it with “Your personal plungie pool can provide years of worry-free backdoor fun with proper care and enjoyment.” Just be attentive to its needs, treat it gently, and enjoy those refreshing dips without constant fear of cracks ruining the experience. Happy plunging!
