I came across this forum while searching for options on repairing our pool/Kool Deck that was installed November 2012. Within a week, the concrete cracked resulting in chipped/flaking Kool Deck. This was our number one concern when choosing a deck, but our builder assured us that if applied correctly, Kool Deck will not crack/flake, and said that he had not had a problem with this in his 20+ years experience. However, when he came to look at the problem, he said of course you understand that the cracked concrete is what caused this and that is out of my control. (Concrete slab was freshly poured as part of brand new deck) The largest crack runs 10 feet long from brick coping all the way down the side of the deck to the dirt ground. It runs parallel to an expansion joint - about 9 inches away. The Kool Deck is chipping/flaking off along this crack. The other two cracks are not as large; however, one of them spans across an expansion joint, affecting two sections. Our builder offered to chisel off the Kool Deck and cut out the concrete and redo that small section (cutting an inch to the other side of the crack and creating a new expansion joint between 10 -12 inches from the other joint). He did not offer to fix the other two places. I do not like this solution at all! We haven't even used our pool yet! Braindead, what did you end up doing? I just don't understand how one can spend almost $100K with a 100% guarantee on workmanship and end up in this predicament.

moyo, Potential costs could exceed that of a new pool. Biggest item that most inspections will not address is leakage. Plumbing leaks on a pool this old are high potential. Ask if the pool has copper plumbing to start. Then ask if it has been replastered more than once. In some cases it is easier to remove the old pool and build what you want. Try to be there when the inspector comes so you know what he is looking at and ask questions about general costs of repair. Good luck.

Our previous deck had cracks that been filled and repaired, then repainted. Guess what, I think everyone but one cracked again. You can tell when they have been repaired, even if it hasnt re-cracked yet. I have yet to see an unnoticable repair job, and everyone gets them repaired when they repaint the deck. I am not sure what product was used to fill the cracks.

brentr We went with a system from Central Florida Solar in Casselberry. We actually didn't have much of a choice as they're the provider my PB uses. As you can see, it's a 7-panel system and includes automation (you set your desired temp and the system automatically engages or disengages the solar automatically) and a solar cover. I'm not sure of the exact price, but I know if was below $4K. We decided to go with solar over heat pump for both environmental and long term cost reasons. I figure that if I use the solar cover when the temps start to drop a bit, I should be able to maintain 80 degrees for 9-10 months a year...plenty long of a swim season for us. It's nice knowing I'm burning no fossil fuels to keep my pool warm. As for the SWG, we were supposed to be getting an Aqua Rite, but a Jandy Aqua Pure 1400 got substituted at the last minute...not sure the reasoning. I've really got nothing to report on specific brands at the moment because it's only been in operation for 2 weeks, but I can say that the water is silky smooth. I think I'm going to like it.