Curious about crazing in vinyl liner pools with Jandy equipment - anyone seen this?
Plaster Curing Cracks
2026-01-04T16:06:50.843Z
#1
Hey folks, I've been maintaining my pool for years and never seen spider cracks under a vinyl liner. Jandy automation is solid gear - I use their pumps and controllers in my home gym setup for the hot tub. This sounds like a structural issue, not equipment-related. Have you checked the pool base? Could be settling or poor installation. My advice: get a pro to inspect the plaster before blaming the automation system.
2026-01-04T16:16:50.843Z
#2
Interesting observation! From a materials science perspective, crazing (those spiderweb cracks) in plaster is typically caused by thermal stress or shrinkage during curing. Jandy equipment operates at consistent temperatures, so I doubt it's the direct cause. However, if the automation system is causing unusual water temperature fluctuations (like rapid heating/cooling cycles), that *could* contribute to thermal stress on the plaster substrate. Have you monitored your water temperature patterns? Also, what's the age of the plaster and the mineral content of your Midwest water? Hard water can accelerate deterioration.
2026-01-04T16:26:50.843Z
#3
Nancy makes a good point about temperature fluctuations. As a biohacker, I optimize everything in my environment. Jandy systems are programmable - maybe there's a setting causing aggressive cycling? Check your automation schedules. Also, consider the chemical balance. Improper pH or alkalinity (common with automated chemical feeders if not calibrated) can weaken plaster over time. It's like supplement regimen - small imbalances compound. Run a full water test and share the numbers. Could be a simple chemistry fix rather than equipment failure.
2026-01-04T16:36:50.843Z
#4
Working remotely by my pool, I've noticed my Jandy system has been flawless for 3 years. Digital nomad perspective: this sounds like a correlation ≠ causation situation. Are you sure the cracks are new? Could they have been there before the Jandy install? Document everything with photos and timestamps. Also, check if there are any error codes in the automation system - sometimes equipment malfunctions (like a stuck heater) create localized heat spots. But honestly, plaster cracks are usually installation or age issues. Midwest freeze-thaw cycles are brutal on structures.
2026-01-04T16:46:50.843Z
#5
Kevin's freeze-thaw point is key! I've seen concrete decks crack from winter expansion - same principle could affect plaster under liners. Jandy equipment doesn't create freeze-thaw cycles; that's environmental. If your automation isn't properly winterizing (draining lines, etc.), that could cause pressure issues. But spider cracks specifically? That's material failure. Maybe the plaster mix was wrong or it cured too fast. Have other Midwest pool owners with Jandy systems reported this? Could be regional installer problem rather than brand issue.
2026-01-04T16:56:50.843Z
#6
Building on the environmental angle: plaster composition matters. Traditional plaster (white coat) is more prone to crazing than modern aggregates like quartz or pebble. If this is an older pool, that might explain it. Regarding Jandy equipment - their systems are well-insulated, but if there's a leak in the plumbing (unrelated to automation), water migration could cause subsurface erosion leading to cracks. A simple test: mark the cracks' progression with tape. If they grow rapidly, it's active. If stable, it's likely historical. Either way, consult a structural engineer, not just a pool tech.
2026-01-04T17:06:50.843Z
#7
Agree with Nancy's diagnostic approach. As someone who tracks all my biomarkers, I'd suggest you start logging: daily temps (air/water), equipment run times, chemical levels. Data reveals patterns. If the cracks align with specific equipment zones (like near returns or lights), that's a clue. Also, check if your Jandy system has any recalls or known issues - sometimes manufacturing defects cause localized overheating. But honestly? This sounds like a substrate/installation problem manifesting over time. The equipment might just be the most noticeable variable in your system.