Im posting on this to bring this thread back to life. Lots of good information here. I just saw this post from Uniondawg and feel kind of relieved. Artisian is one of the pool builders I wanted to get a quote from. He didnt seem to want the business. We live out of state, and are building in the Charlotte area. I told him we were coming in for a few days for the sole purpose of meeting with a few pool builders and he couldnt find an hour to give me, even a month out. I felt like I was begging him to take my business. After asking about three different times on two different days and being met with, "thats family time, or Im pretty sure im booked" it was obvious to me he wasnt interested in my business. He was very nice, but strange behavior for a business man. Too many other pool builders in the area to be dealing with that. Plenty of other reputable pool builders out there that want the business.

My husband is a licensed real estate inspector in Texas, and I'm a licensed realtor. My husband chooses to not do pool inspections though. When I'm showing a buyer and we find a house that we're interested in, I always make sure to ask the listing agent when the pool built, and how old the pool equipment is. I want to know if it's still covered under any sort of transferrable warranty. I also ask if the pool has been replastered. Texas is a disclosure state, so I'll also ask if there have been any issues with the pool, such as leaks, etc. I've learned the hard way to ask to see an existing survey, showing the pool positioned on the lot. I've run into title issues when the pool decking has been inside of either utility easements, or builder easements. I always make sure that my buyers order a new survey when there are pools, since old surveys can be used here. I'd look at safety issues as well, such as fencing. Does it meet code for the area that you're looking in?

First, let me say I'm really sorry to hear about your friend's situation. Nothing sours a home-buying experience more than finding problems after you thought you had a good inspection. Was your friend using a pool inspector or a home inspector who also inspects pools? What were the qualifications of the inspector to properly inspect pools? Different states have different requirements on who can use the label of "home inspector." I believe some states basically have no requirements so even you or I could call ourselves home inspectors. So, while a home inspection is a good starting point (I'd never buy a home without one), other professionals (plumbers, electricians, builders) need to be called in when there are unusual issues or the buyer has significant concerns about some condition in the house (or pool). Most home inspectors I've been familiar with have a stated liability clause somewhere in the fine print on the various forms you sign at the time of inspection. Your friend may not have paid a lot of attention to that at the time (I know I don't) but it may hold a few answers for him/her. I know that more than 1 home inspector I've used have had liability clauses limiting their liability to the cost of the inspection...which was about $300-$500. Right now, your friend may be kicking himself/herself that they didn't opt to buy the optional swimming pool coverage on that home warranty that MAY have been some help. Even if the home seller offered the warranty, buyers can usually add optional coverages at their own expense. In the meantime, getting a proper diagnosis is the first issue. Although this is probably close to a 20-year-old pool, maybe it will be a simple problem with a simple solution.

I know of one engineering firm in California that will perform forensic tests on the shell to determine the problem. So many things can create cracks in a shell such as unstable/unsuitable soil conditions, improper placement of rebar, type of rebar, amount of rebar, improper coverage and or cement ratio and content of the shotcrete. Groundwater can affect a shell as well. There may be rebound in the mix which most certainly causes cracks. Rebound is the material that "bounces" off the surface when the shotcrete is applied. It does not provide a mechanical and chemical bond needed and must be shoveled out of the shell during the shoot. That is customary during this process. Shotcrete crews may offer a warranty or be responsible in some aspect if their mix was poor and not to standards. But, they will generally be under the impression the PB will have the pool prepped properly to meet the approved plan. Your situation is horrible and I feel terrible for you. If I looked at your pool in it's present condition, I would probably recommend removal and start all over again. I think problems will continue and although the Torque Lock is a great product, a 100' crack is a lot to mend. Others may differ on opinion. You can make the repair and see if it holds, but understand it may not go away.