Concrete Cancer - Are Your Pools at Risk?😱Then, Here's How to Create a Customer Magnet 🧲

The Hidden Threat Lurking in Your Pool's Foundation

Imagine discovering that your beautiful backyard oasis is slowly deteriorating from the inside out, with structural damage that could cost tens of thousands to repair. For pool owners and builders across the country, this nightmare scenario is becoming an increasingly common reality. Welcome to the world of "concrete cancer" – a devastating structural issue that's quietly destroying pools nationwide and leaving homeowners and builders in financial ruin.

If you haven't heard of concrete cancer yet, consider yourself fortunate. As pool industry expert Rudy Stankwitz explains:

No, I didn't make it up if you haven't heard of it, that's a good thing. It means it's probably not affecting you or it's probably not a significant problem in your geographic location. But that doesn't mean you don't need to be aware of it because it could become a problem in any area at any time.

— Rudy Stankwitz, Talking Pools Podcast

This comprehensive guide will help you understand what concrete cancer is, why it's happening, and most importantly, how to protect your investment from this costly structural plague.

Understanding Concrete Cancer: The Science Behind the Destruction

Concrete cancer, also known as concrete spalling or alkali silica reactivity (ASR), represents a significant structural threat to swimming pools. This destructive process involves the deterioration of concrete due to the corrosion of rebar – the steel reinforcement embedded within the concrete structure.

The mechanism behind concrete cancer is both simple and devastating. Over time, water, chlorides, and the various chemicals commonly used in swimming pool maintenance penetrate the concrete and reach the steel reinforcement bars. Once these corrosive elements contact the rebar, a rusting process begins that creates expansion pressure within the concrete structure.

Concrete cancer is a significant structural issue in pools. It refers to the deterioration of the concrete due to corrosion of the rebar. That's the steel reinforcement in the concrete in the pool over time, water, chlorides and chemicals commonly found in swimming pool care penetrate the concrete and it gets to the rebar and start to corrode. They rust and as they rust, they expand. As it expands, it exerts pressure and this pressure causes the walls to crack, spall and weaken.

— Rudy Stankwitz, Talking Pools Podcast

ASR represents another form of concrete deterioration that occurs when alkali hydroxide in the concrete mix reacts with silica present in the aggregate. This chemical reaction produces a gel that swells over time, creating the same destructive pressure that causes cracking and spalling throughout the pool structure.

The problem becomes particularly severe in saltwater pools, where the chloride content accelerates the corrosion process and actively promotes ASR development. Poor construction practices, including inadequate concrete coverage over rebar, low-quality concrete mixtures, and insufficient waterproofing, can significantly accelerate the onset of both types of damage.

The Central Texas Crisis: A Warning for the Industry

Central Texas has become ground zero for concrete cancer devastation, serving as a stark warning for the entire pool industry. The region has witnessed an unprecedented surge in ASR-related pool failures, with many pools built between 2017 and 2023 showing significant structural damage that requires complete demolition and rebuilding.

The perfect storm of factors contributing to this crisis includes the use of reactive aggregates sourced locally from the Colorado River, combined with supply chain disruptions during the COVID-19 pandemic that led to shortages of fly ash – a crucial additive typically used to prevent ASR in concrete mixtures.

A primary issue in central Texas is the use of reactive aggregates that are sourced locally, particularly from the Colorado River. That combined with the shortage of fly ash which is typically added to concrete to prevent ASR. The absence of fly ash in the mix has definitely contributed to this ASR problem.

— Rudy Stankwitz, Talking Pools Podcast

The financial and reputational consequences have been devastating. Pool builders and companies throughout the Austin area are grappling with massive lawsuits as homeowners seek legal action over faulty pools. Many established pool companies have already filed for bankruptcy due to the overwhelming costs associated with demolishing and rebuilding affected pools.

This crisis serves as a sobering reminder that concrete cancer isn't limited to any single geographic region. Areas with similar construction practices and aggregate sources face the same potential risks, making industry-wide awareness and prevention strategies absolutely critical.

Prevention Strategies: Building Pools That Last

Preventing concrete cancer requires a proactive approach that begins during the initial construction phase. Pool builders must prioritize high-quality materials and construction practices to minimize the likelihood of future structural issues.

The foundation of concrete cancer prevention lies in proper material selection. Using low-alkali cement in concrete mixtures significantly reduces the risk of ASR development by limiting the alkaline content available for harmful chemical reactions. Additionally, selecting non-reactive aggregates for concrete mixtures helps minimize ASR occurrence – all aggregates should undergo reactivity testing, with only materials containing minimal reactive silica approved for swimming pool construction.

Incorporating supplementary cementitious materials (SCMs) such as fly ash, slag, and silica fume into concrete mixtures provides another effective mitigation strategy. These materials reduce the overall alkalinity of concrete while enhancing its strength, durability, and resistance to water penetration and chemical exposure.

Incorporating supplementary segmentation materials, SCMs in the concrete mixes in another effective way to mitigate ASR. SCMs such as fly ash, slag, silica fume, those materials reduce the overall alkalinity of the concrete which prevents outcry silica reaction from occurring. Those materials enhance the strength and durability of the concrete giving somebody a pool that's more resistant to water penetration and chemical exposure.

— Rudy Stankwitz, Talking Pools Podcast

Proper concrete mix design is essential for creating durable, impermeable pool structures. Well-designed mixtures should be dense with low water-to-cement ratios to minimize concrete porosity. Reduced porosity significantly decreases the likelihood of water penetrating the concrete and reaching the steel reinforcement.

Waterproofing measures represent the final line of defense against water ingress. Waterproof sealants and coatings applied to pool walls and floors provide an additional protective barrier, extending pool life by preventing the conditions that lead to both rebar corrosion and alkali-silica reactions.

Early Detection and Assessment: Catching Problems Before They Escalate

Early detection of concrete cancer can mean the difference between manageable repairs and complete pool reconstruction. Pool service technicians and owners should conduct regular inspections looking for telltale signs of structural deterioration.

Warning signs of concrete cancer include visible cracks in pool surfaces, concrete spalling or flaking, rust stains appearing on pool walls or floors, and the presence of white gel-like substances – a clear indicator that ASR is actively occurring within the concrete structure.

Professional assessment becomes crucial when any of these warning signs appear. The extent of damage will determine the appropriate remediation approach, making thorough evaluation essential for developing an effective repair strategy.

The first step in remediation, again, is assessing the damage. Pool service technician should thoroughly inspect the concrete for signs of concrete cancer. Look for cracks, spalling rust stains or white gel-like substance. That's a dead giveaway that ASR is occurring. Once the extent of the damage is understood, then we can come up with a plan on how to fix it.

— Rudy Stankwitz, Talking Pools Podcast

Regular chemical balance monitoring also plays a vital role in prevention and early detection. Maintaining proper water chemistry helps minimize the aggressive conditions that accelerate concrete deterioration, while unusual chemical consumption patterns may indicate underlying structural issues requiring investigation.

Treatment and Remediation: Salvaging What You Can

When concrete cancer has already begun, prompt action is essential to prevent further deterioration and minimize repair costs. The appropriate remediation strategy depends entirely on the extent and severity of the damage discovered during professional assessment.

For localized damage caused by rebar corrosion, sectional removal and replacement may provide an effective solution. This process involves cutting out damaged concrete sections, thoroughly cleaning the affected area, and applying suitable mortar or concrete patches. Crucially, any replacement concrete must be formulated with non-reactive aggregates and low-alkali cement to prevent recurring problems.

Crack injection techniques can address ASR-related cracking by filling and sealing affected areas. However, this approach only addresses symptoms rather than underlying causes, making it suitable primarily for minor damage or temporary solutions.

Unfortunately, extensive concrete cancer often requires the most drastic solution: complete pool demolition and reconstruction. While devastating financially, this approach may be the only viable option for pools with widespread structural compromise, ensuring safety and long-term durability.

During any remediation work, addressing the root causes that led to the original problem is essential. This includes improving waterproofing, upgrading drainage systems, and implementing better chemical management practices to prevent future occurrences.

Industry Impact and Future Considerations

The concrete cancer crisis extends far beyond individual pool owners, reshaping industry practices and raising important questions about construction standards, material sourcing, and quality control procedures.

Pool builders nationwide are reassessing their material suppliers, construction techniques, and quality assurance protocols. The devastating financial consequences witnessed in Central Texas serve as powerful motivation for implementing more rigorous prevention strategies across all markets.

Insurance companies are also taking notice, with some adjusting coverage policies and requiring additional documentation of construction practices and material specifications for new pool installations. This increased scrutiny is driving further industry standardization and quality improvements.

The crisis has highlighted the importance of ongoing education for pool professionals. Understanding local aggregate reactivity, staying current with best practices, and maintaining awareness of emerging threats like concrete cancer has become essential for sustainable business operations.

Protecting Your Investment: A Call to Action

Concrete cancer represents a serious threat to pool owners and industry professionals alike, but knowledge and proactive measures can significantly reduce risks and minimize potential damage. The devastating impact witnessed in Central Texas serves as a powerful reminder that prevention is always preferable to remediation.

For pool owners, regular inspections, proper chemical maintenance, and working with knowledgeable professionals are essential strategies for protecting your investment. For industry professionals, staying informed about local aggregate risks, implementing quality construction practices, and maintaining ongoing education about emerging threats like concrete cancer has become business-critical.

The pool industry's response to the concrete cancer crisis will likely shape construction standards and practices for years to come. By learning from the challenges faced in affected regions and implementing comprehensive prevention strategies, the industry can work to ensure that future pools provide the lasting enjoyment they were designed to deliver.

Don't wait until it's too late – take action now to assess your pools' vulnerability to concrete cancer and implement appropriate protective measures. Your future self (and your wallet) will thank you.

Episode Chapters

• 00:00 Industry News and Leadership Changes
• 05:15 Introduction to Concrete Cancer
• 08:30 Salt Market Crisis Update
• 12:45 Understanding Concrete Cancer and ASR
• 18:20 Central Texas Crisis Case Study
• 25:10 Prevention Strategies and Best Practices
• 32:40 Detection and Assessment Methods
• 38:15 Treatment and Remediation Options