Replies

1. 
   Guest_ | Aug 01, 1999 05:57am | #6

   *
   I have been asked to cut open a slab around a pool to find a leak in the perimeter suction lines. Just patching the holes will look pretty bad.
   I am looking for some kind of reasonably priced skim or coating to put over the whole slab. I feel that a 1.5" fiber skim will be too thick and crack badly. Has anyone tried epoxy or other coatings?

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   Guest_ | Jul 31, 1999 10:34am | #1

   *First thing that comes to mind is, "are you sure of a 100% bond of a minimum thickness coating?" Even if you were to find a suitable material for the coating, how would it hold up given that 1.5" is too thick? Hollow sounding sections would have you taking up residence at the place. If 1.5" is too thick, what kind of texture would you go with, given that this is a pool deck.Also, wouldn't there be curing compounds, etc. in the original pour that would inhibit the bond you need to achieve? And how would you trim out at the pool curb? Don't want to rain on your parade, but...Perhaps you might consider a different strategy: make your saw cuts in a pattern involving a larger surface area. Instead of patching holes, you could plan on placing new sections extending from joint to joint. Wouldn't be so noticeable.Just my thoughts...

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   Guest_ | Jul 31, 1999 09:22pm | #2

   *Thanks for the reply RichBond will be an issue- The existing concrete is about 8 years old and I don't know if it was ever treated. They will have to treat the slab or sandblast to ensure bond.Trimming out requires an edging detail that depends on the material. Concept before detail.Patterned saw cuts sounds possible as long as the new concrete looked the same as the existing. I suppose it will in time. We just don't know how much we will eventually have to cut up to finally find the leak. At this time the Owner says "replace the whole line if you have to". It runs around the side of the pool for about half it's length and then out the side to the pumps.Has anyone tried the epoxy and pebble coatings? I have seen it used over old sidewalks and beat-up slabs.

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   nigel_martin | Aug 01, 1999 12:11am | #3

   *Could you close up the leaking suction ports and cut and run new lines under the concrete slab? I know finding a leak can be tough.

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   Guest_ | Aug 01, 1999 01:54am | #4

   *There are a lot of new surface coatings for concrete, Here is one company http://www.decorativeconcrete.comThere is a forum on this subject too. This ought to hide any signs of treasure hunting in your deck & please your customer too. Joe H

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   Guest_ | Aug 01, 1999 05:26am | #5

   *No matter how you repair the concrete, you should only cut part way through. Then jack hammer out the concrete. This leaves a rough edge to "key" the patch into the existing concrete so that it won't settle.

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   Guest_ | Aug 01, 1999 05:57am | #7

   *Glenn - have you thought about "highlighting" the patches, instead of trying to "hide" them? Maybe you could make the patch(s) part of the design by using a colored concrete or some type of tile that would finish flush with the slab. - jb