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"Concrete Cancer"

2,972 Views | 12 Replies | Last: 5 mo ago by aggiederelict
aggiederelict
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Has anyone in the Austin area dealt with this? I have seen more stories come about this. My parents are putting a pool in this summer out in Dripping Springs and would obviously like to avoid this. Has this been remedied by the concrete companies? TIA.
https://www.kvue.com/article/news/investigations/defenders/concrete-cancer-swimming-pools-cracking-asr/269-1fcf8566-1446-4f75-962b-7a13807e662b
Aggietaco
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AG
Had to do some reading up as this wasn't a phenomena that I'm familiar with.

I would advise your parents to determine who the suppliers are for the concrete material and make sure that the pool contractor is familiar with the issue. Comes down the mix designs for the concrete and having a legitimate supplier that knows what they are using. Big local boys like Martin Marietta, Lauren, and Texas Concrete should have a handle on it.
tgivaughn
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AG
Seen similar in split level spec.home & apartment foundations that leak where the floor steps up back in the 70's

Avoid by hiring a Structural engineer to oversee the design & mix WITH inspections aka blessings to insure someone capable is there IF it leaks.
This may include costs such as soil tests, et al but you didn't put a budget on the protection.

https://pels.texas.gov/roster/pesearch.html?ver=V062723
Branch choose: STRUCTURAL
Ten words or less ... a goal unattainable
Apache
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AG
Quote:

make sure that the pool contractor is familiar with the issue.
I guarantee the pool contractor is familiar with it unless he started yesterday.

Alkali Silica Reaction (ASR) impacted virtually every pool builder in the Austin area, from the fly by night guys to the reputable companies building 500K pools and up.
Everyone has a handle on it at this point, because virtually everyone is getting sued or repairing pools.

It is my understanding that Coal Fly Ash which is used to strengthen concrete was more difficult to get as coal plants were being shuttered due to the government favoring solar, wind & nat. gas.
Concrete companies went without or used a substitute & the result was ASR/Concrete Cancer. Suppose the government will reimburse the homeowners & pool companies due to the lack of fly ash?

Terrible situation for all parties involved.
aggiederelict
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I would guess they all know about it at this point but im wondering if they can request a materials list from the concrete contractor to ensure proper mixing and composition.
aggiederelict
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I cant imagine how many pools will be failing in the Austin are over the next 5-10 years. I do feel bad for pool owners and companies assuming they didnt know what was going on.
Thunderstruck xx
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My larger fear is, could any of this lesser concrete mix get used in new homes being built in 2023 or later?
Who?mikejones!
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Yes it's real and yes it's been devastating to some.

Your best bet is to use a vetted reputable pool builder and specifically ask about this issue
aggiederelict
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They are using Cody Pools for their pool. Do they have a good reputation in Central Texas? Do you know if this is still an ongoing issue with new builds?
Leggo My Elko
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AG
Their one on the biggest and have a good reputations.
Cody would 100% be aware of the issue.
Who?mikejones!
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I dont use Cody and don't know anything about then.

I don't think it's much of an issue anymore with new builds as the issue is pretty well known

You can always hire an engineer to do testing, if one is really concerned about it. Just make sure your buddy reads the contract closely.
BenTheGoodAg
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AG
I think one of the scariest things about that article is that the insurance companies said it wasn't their problem. As the homeowner you hire an insured contractor, or as the contractor you pay for the insurance, and due to things that were out of your control, you've either paid huge money for this paperweight in your backyard or you're forced to file bankruptcy.

There seems to be a growing trend of insurance companies weaseling their way out of payouts. Their premiums are skyrocketing and their coverage is dog***** It's gotten ridiculous.
aggiederelict
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It is wild. I cant imagine spending that kind of money to have it fail with no recourse with insurance. I work in the medical field and what i see with insurance denials is terrible. I have many patients switching to catastrophic coverage and keeping the money aside as needed because of so many denails.
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