Cracked Fiberglass Pool in La Mesa, CA

Landscaping Inspection Services takes a look at a fiberglass landscaping in La Mesa, CA that had cracked.

Landscaping Inspection in La Mesa, CA

After a La Mesa, CA landscaping became partially raised, as well as cracked, Landscaping Inspection Services was called out to inspect the pool and to try and determine what caused the pool to lift and crack. Our inspector visited the property in question and spoke with the homeowner.

The insured stated that she had been adding a lot of water to the pool, and that she had an auto-fill line, so turned it off and didn’t want to add more water to the pool. She explained explained that her water level dropped and that the crack and raised portion of the bottom of the pool were revealed. The insured then stated that it was at that point she decided to drain the pool, and then contacted the installer. When she contacted the installer, he told her that it was too late and that she had voided the warranty by draining the pool.

Inspection and Observations

Our inspector performed a thorough inspection of the pool and surrounding areas and made the following observations:

• The pool was a 34’x16/18’ free-form fiberglass pool.
• The pool was empty of water.
• There were two large cracks in the center of the pool floor where the pool had lifted.

Analysis of Damage in La Mesa, CA Pool

Our inspector noted that it is standard practice to inform the owners of fiberglass pool to contact a specialist before draining the pool. Because fiberglass pools are extremely lightweight, they need the weight of the pool water to hold them in place. When a fiberglass pool is drained, it can easily pop up and out of the crevice in which it normally sits.

The only reason this pool did not fully pop out of the ground is because the concrete deck held it down. If there had in fact been a leak prior to the insured draining the pool, it more than likely would have been within the plumbing lines, main drain or skimmer. At the time of the inspection, however, there was no way for our inspector to verify if a leak existed prior to when the insured drained the pool.

Cause of Loss in Fiberglass Pool

Our inspector determined that it was very unlikely that the insured’s story was true. It would be extremely unusual and rare for the pool to raise up out of the ground with water still in it, causing downward pressure and holding it in place. In the professional opinion of our inspector, the pool most likely raise and cracked after the insured drained it.

In this instance, the pool was entirely beyond repair and would need to be replaced altogether. In order to replace the pool, the pool deck would need to be demolished and removed, and the fiberglass shell cut up and removed. After a new pool is installed, a new deck would also need to be installed. These extensive repairs are just further evidence as to why a homeowner should never drain their pool without speaking to a pool expert first.