How to Identify Concrete Cancer
A pool is supposed to be your backyard paradise, not a ticking time bomb. But if yours was built between 2019 and 2022, you might be dealing with something no homeowner wants to hear—concrete cancer. Cracks, white buildup, and shifting steps? Yeah, that’s not just normal wear and tear.
The good news? Not every pool built during that time is doomed. The bad news? A whole lot of them are. And if you’re one of the unlucky ones, you’re probably wondering how this happened, what to do next, and—most importantly—who you can trust to fix it.
What the Heck is Concrete Cancer?
It sounds dramatic, but "concrete cancer" is a real thing—technically called Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR)—and it’s a serious problem. Basically, when certain chemicals in the concrete mix react with water, they cause the concrete to expand, crack, and slowly self-destruct from the inside out.
So how did this happen? Turns out, some concrete / Gunite suppliers decided to change their mix recipe, removing essential additives like fly ash that help prevent ASR. And they did it without telling anyone. Pool builders didn’t know, gunite crews didn’t know, and now thousands of homeowners across Texas are left dealing with the aftermath.
Is Your Pool at Risk? Look for These Warning Signs
If your pool was built between 2019 and 2022, keep an eye out for:
✅ Cracks in the plaster that go deeper than the surface
✅ White, chalky buildup around cracks and joints
✅ Steps or pool walls separating from the structure
✅ Water loss that seems worse than normal
Not every crack means your pool has ASR, but if you’re seeing multiple signs, it’s time to get it checked out. The only way to know for sure is to send a core sample to a lab for testing—a pricey but necessary step if you want to get ahead of the damage.
The Real Problem? Shoddy Construction Practices
Here’s the thing: not every pool built during this timeframe is falling apart. Some are holding up just fine, while others are cracking left and right. So what’s the difference?
While ASR is a real issue, poor construction practices are making things way worse. Many builders rushed through projects during the pool boom, skipping critical steps like soil reports, engineered plans, and proper mix designs.Instead of making sure the foundation was solid, they just shot gunite into a hole and called it a day. Now, homeowners are left footing the bill for their shortcuts.
At Austin Dreamscapes, we’ve been building pools for over 35 years without using fly ash in our concrete mix—and our pools are still standing strong. No Fly Ash EVER! - We use the same stuff used for roads and bridges that last for decades. The difference? We build pools the right way from the ground up.
What Can You Do About It?
If you suspect your pool has concrete cancer, don’t wait until the cracks get worse. Here’s what to do next:
1️⃣ Get a Professional Inspection – A trained expert can tell if your pool’s issues are cosmetic or a bigger structural problem.
2️⃣ Find Out Who Built Your Pool – If your builder is still in business, check what concrete vendor they used. If they’re not answering the phone (or have disappeared completely), that’s a red flag.
3️⃣ Work With a Trusted Pool Builder – If you need repairs or a full rebuild, go with a team that actually knows what they’re doing.
Why Choose Austin Dreamscapes?
At Austin Dreamscapes, we don’t just fix pools—we build them better, stronger, and built to last. If your pool is cracking, separating, or just not holding up like it should, we’ve got you covered. Whether it’s structural damage, poor craftsmanship, or just time taking its toll, we’ll diagnose the problem and make it right.
No quick fixes—just quality work that lasts.
✔ We Overbuild Everything – Stronger materials, better craftsmanship, and no cutting corners.
✔ We Keep It Straightforward – No BS, no runaround—just honest answers and quality work.
✔ We Know Texas Pools – With 35+ years of experience, we understand the unique challenges of building in this region.
If your pool is showing signs of trouble, don’t wait until the damage gets worse. call us (512)883-POOL to learn more, or call us today to schedule an inspection. Let’s turn that backyard headache into the oasis you deserve.