Spa Owner – Problem
In 2006, we undertook a major pool remodel project with a local Phoenix pool builder (one of the largest and most established – and thankfully still in business to honor their warranty).
Along with a complete overhaul of the equipment, and re-plastering of the pool, and addition of a water feature instead of the diving board, we added an integrated partially above-ground hot tub (around seat height for easy entry, with a spillway into the pool).
Within a year, we experienced significant settling issues with visible heaving and cracks in the grout and in some instances the exterior tiles. The pool contractor has tried numerous fixes over the years, and the problems reoccur.
They were out to repair it again when the sub-contract tiler refused to inject the filler and tile over what he considered major structural cracks that he uncovered.
Qualified Builder Pools Response
Settling on new construction is no good. The good news if you have a company that will tear out and redo a mistake, that is rare and a good thing. May not need tear out but may need some form of pressure grouting, or concrete leveling process.
There are a lot of companies that run and hide when mistakes are made. And every company that does volume can and will make mistakes.
Let them run the course before you get engineering firms involved, or drill deeper. If they are still working with you should STAY CALM and let them do their thing.
Spa Owner – Follow Up
After further investigation (removing tiles), Shasta has proceeded on their own accord with a complete demolition and re-do of our 6-1/2 year old spa.
It seems that the supervisor on the job failed to put in any footings for the structure, and the gunite pour had the walls 3″ narrower than called for in the plans, which he compensated for by using 3″ of concrete affixed on the outside.
Taken together, the errors and omissions have resulted in the settling and cracking throughout the body of the structure.
After removing more tiles and the interior plaster coating, it was determined that the entire structure was badly deteriorated in several locations (both exterior corners and N. wall) and was beyond repair.
