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You walk out to your pool one morning and notice something that was not there before — a thin line running along the pool wall. Maybe it is a hairline crack in the plaster. Maybe it is something deeper. Either way, it makes you nervous.
Pool cracks are one of the most common structural issues pool owners face in South Florida. And while not every crack is an emergency, ignoring the wrong one can lead to serious water loss, ground erosion, and structural failure.
At Gator Leak Detection, we specialize in pool crack repair across Palm Beach County, Broward County, and the Treasure Coast. We use industry-leading Torque Lock structural staples to permanently stabilize cracks and protect your pool for years to come.
Why Do Pools Crack in South Florida?
South Florida's environment is uniquely hard on pool structures. Here are the main reasons pools develop cracks in our region:
Soil Movement and Settling
The soil in Palm Beach County is sandy and prone to shifting, especially after heavy rains or periods of drought. When the ground beneath your pool moves, it puts stress on the shell. Over time, that stress causes cracks.
High Water Tables
When the water table rises — which happens frequently in South Florida — it creates upward pressure (called hydrostatic pressure) against the bottom of your pool. If the pool is drained or water levels are too low, this pressure can push against the shell and cause cracking.
Temperature Fluctuations
Even in Florida, pool water and ambient temperatures can swing from the mid-50s at night to the upper 90s during summer days. These constant cycles of expansion and contraction weaken the pool shell over time.
Age and Wear
Gunite and shotcrete pools are built to last, but they are not invincible. A pool that is 15 to 25 years old in South Florida has been through hundreds of temperature cycles, chemical exposure, and soil movement. Cracks are a natural result of aging.
Surface Cracks vs. Structural Cracks: How to Tell the Difference
Not all cracks are created equal. Understanding the difference between a surface crack and a structural crack is key to knowing when to act.
"If you can fit a credit card into a crack, or if the crack is growing over time, that is a structural issue that needs professional attention immediately. Surface cracks can wait. Structural cracks cannot." — Gator Leak Detection Team
Warning Signs Your Pool Has a Structural Crack
Here are the red flags that suggest your pool may have a structural crack that needs repair:
- Your pool is losing more water than normal evaporation (more than a quarter inch per day)
- You can see a visible crack that extends through the plaster into the shell beneath
- A crack that was small last month appears to be getting longer or wider
- You notice the pool deck is settling or separating from the pool edge
- There are wet spots or soft areas in the yard near the pool
- Your water bill has spiked without any change in usage
If you are seeing any of these signs, it is time to call a professional for a structural evaluation.
How Gator Leak Detection Repairs Pool Cracks
We do not just patch cracks and hope for the best. Our pool crack repair process is designed to permanently stabilize the damage and prevent it from coming back. Here is how it works:
- Visual Inspection — Our technicians perform a thorough assessment of the pool shell, looking for visible cracks, stress patterns, and signs of movement.
- Leak Detection — We use electronic leak detection and dye testing to determine if the crack is actively leaking. This tells us the severity of the problem.
- Damage Evaluation — We classify the crack as surface-level or structural and determine the best repair approach.
- Torque Lock Staple Installation — For structural cracks, we drain the pool, cut channels along the crack, and install Torque Lock structural staples. These carbon fiber and steel staples compress the crack from both sides, locking it in place and preventing future movement.
- Sealing and Finishing — After the staples are installed, we seal the repair area and finish it to blend with your existing pool surface.
- Refill and Final Check — We refill the pool and perform a final inspection to confirm the repair is watertight.
Why Torque Lock Staples Are the Industry Standard
Gator Leak Detection uses Torque Lock structural staples because they are the most effective permanent solution for pool crack repair. Here is why:
- They use controlled compression
- They are made from high-strength steel
- They prevent the crack from reopening due to future soil movement or pressure
- They are a permanent fix — not a temporary patch that needs to be redone
- They are installed by trained and certified technicians
Many pool repair companies use epoxy injection or simple crack fillers. These methods may look good temporarily, but they do not address the root cause. The crack will often return within months. Torque Lock staples solve the problem at the structural level.
Pool Crack Repair for Residential and Commercial Pools
Gator Leak Detection serves both residential homeowners and commercial pool operators across South Florida. Whether you have a backyard pool in Parkland or manage an HOA community pool in Boynton Beach, our team delivers durable, code-compliant structural repairs with minimal disruption.
Commercial properties we serve include:
- HOA and condominium community pools
- Hotel and resort pools
- Fitness center and gym pools
- Apartment complex pools
- Public and municipal pools
How Much Does Pool Crack Repair Cost in Palm Beach County?
The cost of pool crack repair depends on the size, depth, and number of cracks. Here is a general idea of what to expect:
Every pool is different. That is why we offer free estimates so you know exactly what the repair will involve and what it will cost before any work begins.
Do Not Let a Crack Become a Catastrophe — Call Gator Leak Detection
Pool cracks do not fix themselves. Left untreated, a small structural crack can grow into a major problem that threatens the integrity of your entire pool. The sooner you address it, the less it costs and the less damage it causes.
Call Gator Leak Detection today at (888) 645-5325 for a free structural evaluation. Our licensed and insured team will inspect your pool, identify the issue, and provide a permanent repair solution using Torque Lock staples. Serving Palm Beach County, Broward County, and the Treasure Coast.
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