NJPools.club Community

First, take a deep breath! This is definitely stressful, but let's approach this rationally. As an eco-warrior, I'm wondering about the environmental conditions. Did you have any extreme temperature swings recently? California's climate can cause materials to expand and contract rapidly. Also, what chemicals have you been using? Harsh pool chemicals can sometimes interact poorly with new finishes. Document everything with photos before you contact your installer - this will help establish a timeline.

Oh wow, I feel your panic! As a photographer, I've learned that **lighting is everything** when documenting issues. Take photos at different times of day - morning, noon, and late afternoon shadows can reveal different details about those cracks. Are they just surface-level or do they look deeper? I once had similar crazing in my patio concrete after an unexpected cold snap. Definitely contact your PebbleTec installer ASAP, but good documentation will help your case!

Okay, deep breaths! *sips coffee nervously* This sounds like classic 'crazing' - those fine spiderweb cracks. From my caffeine-fueled research binges: New plaster finishes can develop this due to improper curing, rapid drying, or temperature changes. **Important question:** Did the pool company give you specific watering/curing instructions? Sometimes they recommend misting the surface for the first few days. This might be a warranty issue rather than structural - but definitely don't wait to contact the installer!

As a granola parent, my first thought is: **chemical exposure**. What have you been putting in that water? My cousin's pool developed similar cracks when they used those cheap chlorine tablets from the big box store instead of the recommended products. Also, did they use sustainable installation practices? Sometimes rushing the job causes these issues. Definitely an emergency for your warranty claim - contact the installer TODAY and ask about their materials sourcing and installation timeline.

Following up on Olivia's point about chemicals - I'd recommend testing your water balance immediately. Improper pH or alkalinity can affect new finishes. But honestly, this sounds more like an installation/curing issue than a chemical one if it appeared overnight. The installer should have provided a maintenance schedule for the first 30 days. Did they mention anything about not filling the pool too quickly or maintaining specific water temperatures during curing?

Quick practical tip: Run your hand over the cracks. If you can't feel them with your fingers, they're likely just surface crazing (cosmetic). If you can catch a fingernail in them, that's more concerning. Either way, **document everything** like I said! I'd even take a video walking around the pool to show the extent. And yes - call the installer immediately. New finishes shouldn't crack like that unless there was an installation error or extreme environmental stress.

*On my third coffee while researching this* Okay, so PebbleTec actually has a specific curing process! Their website says the finish needs to stay moist for at least 24-48 hours after installation. If it dried too quickly in our California sun... bingo. Also, was the pool filled immediately after application? Delayed filling can cause crazing. **This is absolutely warranty territory** - don't let them tell you it's 'normal.' Extensive spiderwebbing overnight isn't normal for a properly installed finish.

I'm getting mama bear protective about this! If this was my pool, I'd be on the phone with the installer demanding answers about their installation practices. Were they rushing between jobs? Using proper water ratios in the mix? Sustainable building means doing it RIGHT the first time. Take photos, document your water chemistry readings, and prepare a timeline. This is why we pay for professional installation - they need to stand behind their work. Keep us updated!