What is Mastic and Why is it Important?

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Here in Texas, we’re used to high temperatures and scorching summers. 

And while many of us enjoy this weather by splashing around in our backyard pools, the sheer heat of the Texan climate can impact pool maintenance from time to time. 

Pool mastic is one of the most important parts of your pool, and is something that can sometimes be neglected.

In this article, we’ll explore what mastic is and why it’s important.

What is mastic?

While a familiar term among pool builders and those in the construction industry, many people may be unaware of what pool mastic is. 

Essentially, pool mastic refers to the expansion joint caulking or sealant around swimming pools. 

It can be used to fill or seal gaps between building materials, preventing water, air, and insects from getting inside and causing problems.

There are so many different types of this product available, so if you need a pool mastic repair, it’s always best to consult professional pool builders, like Claffey Pools, to help you navigate through the options.  

What is mastic used for?

As mentioned above, pool mastic is an extremely important filler used to plug the gaps around your backyard pool.

Your pool’s coping acts as a cap around the swimming pool, stopping water from getting behind the pool’s walls when it gets splashed out. 

Mastic goes hand in hand with this coping, acting as a solid seal between the pool coping and the deck, which keeps it dry. 

This is extremely important, as the mastic will prevent cracks from appearing in the concrete deck or rot setting in if you have a wooden one. 

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Mastic is waterproof, extremely durable, and can expand and contract with temperature changes that affect your pool, meaning it will always be in the correct state to prevent damage from occurring. It’s also able to withstand all the various chemicals used during the course of your regular pool maintenance. 

Without mastic in place, you’ll likely experience severe damage to your pool and decking. 

Signs my mastic needs to be replaced 

Typically, pool mastic will need replacing every few years. This is because separation can start to occur after the mastic becomes dry. This separation can cause water to penetrate the decking, creating issues.

Some of the signs that mastic replacement is required include:

• Cracks in the decking – The most obvious sign that you require mastic replacement is if you notice cracks in your pool decking. This shows that the mastic may not be contracting and expanding as required with temperature changes, and needs to be replaced. Check your decking at least once a month, and if you notice any cracking, consult a pool expert immediately.
• Falling pool tiles – If pool tiles have fallen off the wall, it could be a sign that mastic needs replacing. While it could be something minor like glue wearing off, if the pool is significantly warping and causing tiles to fall, you should check the condition of your mastic.   
• Deck heaving – The term deck heaving refers to the process of your pool’s decking rising above the level of your pool. This usually occurs due to erosion or large temperature changes, but could also be a sign that mastic needs to be replaced.  
• Coping and decking separation – If your pool mastic isn’t correctly bonding to the concrete sections of your pool, you may notice separation occurring in your coping and decking. This could start as just a thin gap, but if neglected it could get much worse and cause severe damage. As soon as you spot even the slightest gap, make sure to call in professional help immediately.

It’s always best to have your mastic inspected before the colder weather sets in, and at Claffey Pools we’re here to help.

While a lot of pool owners may opt to replace mastic themselves, we’d always recommend professional support. As well as giving you peace of mind that the work is being carried out correctly, it means all you need to do is sit back and enjoy your swimming pool. 

At Claffey Pools, we provide a comprehensive pool service to customers in Southlake Texas, Colleyville & Coppell. We can visit your property, assess your mastic and, if necessary, carry out mastic replacements or pool mastic repairs. Get in touch with our team today to find out more.