PoolQ We just shot a wet-mix swimming pool for a customer. The shallow end depth starts at 39 in. (991 mm) to the top of the beam and over 10 ft (3 m) linear slopes down to 54 in. (1372 mm). From there we maintain our 1 to 3 ft (0.3 to 0.9 m) slope down to 8 ft (2 m) for the diving end of the pool. The customer would like to raise the entire shallow end pool floor up to the 39 in. (991 mm) depth. We prefer to use wet-mix shotcrete. The overlay would be tapered from the 39 in. (991 mm) start to 15 in. (381 mm) thick at the 54 in. (1372 mm) depth. What would you recommend for this overlay to bond and not “pop loose” or cause crack transfer to pool plaster?
The proposed overlay will be similar to any repair where shotcrete is placed over existing concrete. Proper surface preparation is essential for allowing good bond. Guidance on surface preparation can be found in ACI 506R-05, “Guide to Shotcrete”. It also appears you are suggesting tapering the thickness from 15 to 0 in. (381 to 0 mm). Feathering thickness down to 0 in. (0 mm) is not encouraged, and a minimum thickness should be established. Because the overlay section will be quite thick and experience differential shrinkage from the previously shot material, the overlay will require additional reinforcement to accommodate temperature and shrinkage stresses. You should consult with an engineer experienced in shotcrete design to establish the proper amount of reinforcement. The required reinforcement and cover over the reinforcement will control your minimum overlay thickness.
