Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) Removal for Concrete Pools: What Every Pool Owner Needs to Know

If you own a concrete pool built in Central Texas between 2017 and 2023, you may have heard the term "concrete cancer." It sounds scary because it is. Concrete cancer in pools is the common name for damage caused by alkali-silica reaction, or ASR. This chemical reaction breaks down the concrete from within, and left unchecked, it can destroy your pool shell entirely.

ASR is not a crack you can patch. It is not a surface problem you can resurface over. It is a deep, ongoing reaction inside the concrete that gets worse with time. For many homeowners, the only real long-term fix is full demolition and a new pool built with the right materials.

At Pool Smart, we provide professional ASR pool removal and site prep for homeowners across Central Texas and the Hill Country. Whether you need an on-site inspection, a full pool shell demolition, or help planning your next steps, we are here to guide you through it.

Call us at (512) 577-9835 to schedule an ASR inspection.

What Is Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)?

ASR is a chemical reaction that happens inside concrete when two things mix badly: the alkali in cement and reactive silica in the aggregate (the sand and rock in the concrete mix). When moisture enters the picture, these elements react and form a gel. That gel continues to absorb moisture and expand over time.

Here is what happens step by step:

• Alkali compounds in the cement react with reactive silica in the aggregate.
• The reaction creates an expanding gel inside the concrete.
• The gel absorbs moisture and keeps growing.
• As the gel swells, it puts pressure on the concrete from within.
• That pressure causes cracks that spread and lead to cracks across the entire pool shell.

Because a swimming pool is constantly exposed to water, the reaction never stops. Each crack lets in more water, which feeds the gel, which causes more cracks. That is why people call ASR in concrete "concrete cancer." It spreads, and it does not heal on its own.

Signs of ASR in Your Concrete Pool

How do you know if your pool has ASR? The telltale signs often show up slowly. Here are the warning signs to watch for:

• Map cracking. Also called "alligator cracking," this is the most common sign. Visible cracks spread across the pool walls and floor in a web-like pattern, often with hairline lines at first.
• White chalky buildup. A white, crusty deposit forms along the cracks. This is the ASR gel pushing to the surface.
• Spalling. Chunks of concrete flake or pop off the surface, showing damaged material underneath.
• Coping and deck separation. The pool shell may shift or pull away from the coping and deck as the concrete over time expands and warps.
• Rust staining. If cracks reach the rebar, moisture causes the steel to rust. Rust expands and makes the structural damage worse.
• Leaks that keep coming back. You patch a crack, and a new one opens nearby. If you cannot keep your pool from leaking, ASR may be the root cause.

If you spot any of these signs of ASR, do not wait. The sooner you get a professional to inspect your pool, the better your options will be.

Can You Repair an ASR Pool?

This is the question every homeowner asks first. The short answer: in most cases, no. Not for good.

Some contractors offer to resurface, waterproof, or reinforce an ASR pool shell. These steps may prolong the life of the pool for a short time, but they do not stop the reaction. The ASR is inside the concrete itself. Patching the surface is like putting a bandage on a broken bone. It hides the problem, but it does not remedy it.

Here is what happens when you try to repair instead of remove:

• Surface coatings crack again as the gel keeps expanding.
• Costly repairs stack up, and each one lasts less time than the last.
• Structural integrity keeps getting worse.
• Eventually, the pool becomes unsafe and must be removed anyway.

For ASR-affected pools, the most honest and durable solution is full removal and replacement. That is the only way to ensure your pool is safe, crack-free, and built to last for years to come.

How Pool Smart Handles ASR Pool Removal

At Pool Smart, we walk you through every step of the ASR pool removal process. We know this is stressful, and we make sure you have clear answers and a solid plan before any work begins.

Step 1: On-Site Inspection and Diagnosis

Our team comes to your property to inspect the damage. We look at the cracking patterns, check the shell structure, and review the pool's history. If a core sample is needed to confirm ASR, we can help you arrange rigorous testing through a certified lab or engineer.

Step 2: Planning and Next Steps

Once we confirm ASR problems, we lay out your options. For most asr-affected pools, full demolition is the best path. We explain the scope, the timeline, and the cost so there are no surprises. We also talk about what comes after removal, whether that is a brand-new pool, a fill-in, or a redesigned backyard.

Step 3: Controlled Demolition

Our crew breaks away the damaged concrete pool shell using heavy equipment. We remove all ASR-damaged material, expose and inspect the rebar, and haul away the debris. Every step is done meticulously to protect your yard, deck, and landscape from unnecessary damage.

Step 4: Steel Treatment or Removal

If the rebar can be saved, we clean it and treat it to stop rust and prevent future asr-related damage. If the steel is too far gone, we remove it. Either way, we leave the site in solid shape for whatever comes next.

Step 5: Site Prep and Compaction

After removal, we prep the site for future use. That means proper grading, compaction, and drainage so the ground is ready for a new pool build, a fill-in, or a new pool area design. We give you a solid foundation to start fresh.

Building a New Pool After ASR Removal

Losing a pool to concrete cancer is tough. But there is a bright side: you get to start over with a pool built the right way. Pool Smart builds new custom pools using high-quality, tested materials and modern methods that protect your pool from future ASR.

Here is how we prevent ASR issues in every new pool we build:

• Right materials. We work with suppliers who test their aggregate and concrete mix for reactive silica before it ever reaches your job site.
• Rigorous quality control. Every load of concrete is checked. We do not cut corners, even when supplies are tight.
• Proper steel and rebar. We use the right amount of rebar, spaced and tied to reinforce the shell and resist cracking.
• Waterproof protection. We apply waterproof barriers and coatings designed to reduce moisture from getting into the concrete.
• Decades of experience. Our team has built and repaired pools across the Hill Country for years. We know the unique challenges of this area and build with them in mind.

When Pool Smart builds your pool replacement, you get peace of mind knowing it was done right from the ground up. We use the right materials, the right methods, and the right people to ensure your pool has the longevity it deserves. The result is a flawless, long-lasting pool you can trust.

Protect Your Pool: What Homeowners Should Know

If your pool was built in Central Texas between 2017 and 2023, here is what we suggest:

• Get it checked. Even if you do not see visible cracks yet, a professional inspection can catch early signs before they turn into structural issues.
• Do not ignore small cracks. Hairline cracks might be nothing, or they might be the start of ASR. It is worth having someone inspect them.
• Keep records. If your pool does have ASR, having a timeline of when cracks appeared and what repairs were done will help with insurance claims and any legal steps.
• Talk to a pro, not a forum. There is a lot of bad info floating around about ASR. Get accurate diagnostics from a qualified team, not guesswork.
• Think long-term. Expensive repairs that do not fix the root cause are a waste of money. If ASR is confirmed, focus on removal and pool replacement.

Your Dream Backyard Is Still Possible

Dealing with ASR can feel like a nightmare, but it does not have to be the end of your backyard enjoyment. With the right team, you can remove the damaged pool, rebuild with proven materials, and create the dream backyard you always wanted.

Pool Smart serves Marble Falls, Horseshoe Bay, Granite Shoals, Burnet, Spicewood, Kingsland, Meadowlakes, Cottonwood Shores, Roosevelt, Menard, Mason, Junction, Brady, Segovia, London, and the greater Hill Country.

Call Pool Smart today at (512) 577-9835 to schedule your ASR pool inspection.

Pool Smart 1918 N U.S. Hwy 281, Marble Falls, TX 78654 Phone: (512) 577-9835 poolsmarttexas.com

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