Mike the Poolman

Swimming Pool Rebar Repair:
Rebar Bleeds / Rebar Stains

A rebar stain in a swimming pool or spa is a serious issue.
Rusting rebar will continue to corrode within the pool structure until all corrosion is removed. Although the bleed through stain may be small in size, the corrosion beneath the plaster (in the gunite) is always larger in scale (see photos for examples).
Left untreated, rusted rebar will eventually rust the entire pool.

We have two methods to repair rebar stains:
1- Underwater (without draining the pool, using scuba gear and special tools), or
2- Dry (we drain the pool and expose the rust with chipping hammers)

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 


Rebar stains occur in swimming pools and spas when the rebar is not properly encapsulated with Gunite (or Shotcrete). Lack of gunite coverage over rebar and/or poor workmanship work are common causes of rebar corrosion.
Click here for an excellent article by pool engineer Ron Lacher about gunite workmanship issues.


Customers frequently ask if resurfacing the pool will solve the problem. No, it will not.
If the pool is replastered without removing the corroding rebar, the stain will work its way through the new plaster causing a new stain on your new plaster. The corrosion must be removed!

 

Please CONTACT us to make an appointment to evaluate your situation.
We also encourage you to send photos via email. We are happy to provide our opinion input on your circumstances.

 

Click on a photo to read the captions:

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The classic swimming pool rebar stain-1
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The classic swimming pool rebar stain-2
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The classic rebar stain-3
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Rebar stain on the wall under the cleaner line
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Same rebar stain, with hand for perspective
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Same stain, corrosion exposed
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Rebar stain on top of the love seat (also known as the Swim Out)
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Rebar stain on side of love seat-1
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Rebar stain on side of love seat-2
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Rebar stain on side of love seat-3
Rebar stain on side of love seat- repaired, side view
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Rebar stain on side of love seat, repaired
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Rebar stain under perimeter tile-1
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Rebar stain under perimeter tile-2
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Rebar stain under perimeter tile-3
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Rebar stain on Tahoe Blue plaster-1
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Rebar stain on Tahoe Blue plaster-2
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Rebar stain on wall. Notice how the stain "drips" down the wall. Part of the gassing off process
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Rebar stain on side of bar stool bench
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Three stains next to our square. The rebar is rusting through in three areas. If all corroded rebar is not removed, this will occur throughout the pool
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Rusted rebar exposed. Notice where the rebar is rusted and where it is "clean"

 

 

 

 

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The classic rebar stain. More photos below...

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mike the Poolman

705 East Bidwell Street, 2-299 Folsom, California 95630

(916) 985-7665 or 484-7665

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