Common Issues and Questions

Why do steps crack?

Steps may crack or fracture due to unseen forces of nature acting beneath the surface or the design/engineering flaws of older pool stairs. Support and fracturing issues are very common in older pool stairs.  Keep in mind, the installer and/or installation process plays a major role in the longevity of a step as well.

What are my pool steps made of?

There are many different step composites.  The old steps can be gel coat, acrylic or polystyrene.

The following are three types of steps and their general issues.   

  1. Gel coat steps: Fracturing, blistering, stress from ice expansion, and support issues.
  2. Acrylic steps: Delamination, support issues, fractures, blistering, and ice expansion fractures.   
  3. Polystyrene steps: Support issues, fractures, as well as ice expansion fracturing.                             

Can my stairs be saved?

In the majority of cases, yes. A very high percentage of steps can be re-supported, repaired, and re-coated, giving the unit many more years of service.

How much does the process cost?

Price does vary due to the amount of support material required, the degree of physical damage, and time required to complete the repair process.

We have a fairly accurate process to determine cost.

  1. Contact us via email or phone.
  2. Give us a description of the pool stair, damage, and the age of the unit (if known).
  3. Send us a series of clear pictures of the damage and the entire set of stairs.
  4. That is usually enough information to give us an accurate estimate window. Unfortunately, we cannot determine the amount of material that is required until we are onsite and the process has begun. We are unable to see what is happening under the stairs until we arrive.
  5. Our estimates are fairly accurate. This is based on determining the amount of surface damage, support material required, and time required to perform the entire repair based on experience. Other factors (if known) that help us determine cost is the geographical region you are located, the installer, and the amount of time since the water loss began.

The Good News…

The price is a mere fraction of a total replacement!