Why We Do Not Have Concrete Cancer

Stop me if you’ve heard this before: You’ve made a big investment in a new pool, only to find cracks forming in the concrete within a few years. Repairs pile up, and suddenly, what was supposed to be a luxurious addition to your home has turned into a costly headache.

For homeowners looking to install a pool, concrete quality is critical. One of the biggest, yet lesser-known threats to your pool’s long-term durability is ASR (Alkali-Silica Reaction)—a chemical reaction that can weaken concrete over time, leading to cracks and structural issues.

At Gary Pools, we’ve never had an ASR-related warranty claim in all our years of pool building. How do we ensure such consistency? We control every aspect of the concrete process, from sourcing limestone aggregates directly from the quarry to mixing the concrete ourselves using our own volumetric trucks. Even when we rely on external concrete suppliers, we meticulously review their mix designs to ensure your pool is protected against ASR.

In this article, you’ll learn exactly what ASR is, why it matters for your pool’s longevity, and how Gary Pools goes above and beyond to ensure your pool stands the test of time—without the cracks or costly repairs.

What Is ASR?

ASR, or Alkali-Silica Reaction, is a chemical reaction that occurs between alkalis (commonly found in cement) and certain types of reactive silica present in some aggregates. When water is introduced, these elements react, forming a gel that can absorb moisture and expand. Over time, this expansion causes cracks and structural damage to the concrete.

In simpler terms, ASR is like a slow-motion ticking time bomb for concrete. When the wrong materials combine with moisture, the concrete starts to break down from within. The visible cracks are just the beginning—if left unchecked, this reaction can seriously compromise the durability of your pool, leading to expensive repairs down the road.

Fortunately, ASR doesn’t affect all types of concrete. The key to avoiding it lies in selecting the right mix of materials and maintaining strict control over the concrete-making process—something that Gary Pools has mastered over decades of pool construction.

Why ASR Matters in Pool Construction

When it comes to building a pool, durability is everything. A pool is constantly exposed to moisture—whether from the water it holds or from the surrounding environment. Concrete, the backbone of most pools, needs to be able to withstand these conditions for decades. This is why ASR is such a critical factor for pool construction.

If ASR occurs, it can lead to cracks forming in the concrete structure of the pool. Cracks not only compromise the structural integrity but can also result in leaks, costly repairs, and even the need for complete pool replacement. For homeowners, this is a nightmare scenario—one that can turn a dream pool into an ongoing maintenance headache.

This is where Gary Pools comes in. By using the right concrete mix, we ensure that the risk of ASR is eliminated from the start. We focus on sourcing the right materials, controlling the concrete mixing process, and ensuring that your pool will remain strong and crack-free for years to come.

Why Gary Pools Does Not Have Concrete Cancer

At Gary Pools, we take concrete quality seriously because we know it’s the foundation of a durable, long-lasting pool. Our approach to preventing ASR is unique in the pool industry, and it’s one of the key reasons we’ve never had an ASR-related warranty claim.

Here’s how we do it:

1. Full Control of the Concrete Batching Process

Unlike many other pool builders, Gary Pools doesn’t rely on third-party concrete suppliers for most of our projects. Instead, we own and operate volumetric trucks that allow us to mix concrete on-site. This means we control the entire process, ensuring that every batch of concrete is consistent,

high-quality, and made to exact specifications. By maintaining full control, we reduce the risk of variability that can lead to ASR.

2. Using Volumetric Trucks for Consistency

Consistency is critical in preventing ASR. When we send a volumetric truck to a job site, we’re delivering the same mix of materials every time, which ensures that the pool shell is built with concrete that meets our high standards. Other builders who depend on local concrete suppliers can face variability in the mix, which can lead to ASR problems.

3. Sourcing Limestone Aggregates Directly

Another key factor in ASR prevention is the use of limestone aggregates. Gary Pools sources these aggregates directly from quarries, which means we know exactly what’s going into our concrete. Limestone is less reactive than other types of aggregates, which dramatically lowers the risk of ASR. In fact, more than 50% of our mix consists of limestone, further safeguarding your pool from this issue.

4. Rigorous Review of External Concrete Mix Designs

In cases where we must use external concrete suppliers—such as in projects located farther from our operational base—Gary Pools doesn’t leave anything to chance. We thoroughly review the concrete mix design from each supplier to ensure it won’t trigger ASR. This step adds an extra layer of protection that many other builders simply don’t provide.

By taking these steps, Gary Pools ensures that ASR isn’t something you ever need to worry about. Whether we’re mixing our own concrete or reviewing external sources, our process is designed to protect your pool from day one.

Why Consistency Is Key

When it comes to concrete, consistency isn’t just a matter of convenience—it’s crucial to the long-term durability of your pool. One of the main risks of relying on external concrete suppliers is the variability in materials, especially when using aggregates from different quarries. Even a slight difference in the mix can increase the likelihood of ASR developing over time.

Many pool builders use concrete sourced from various batch plants depending on the location of the project. The problem is that these batch plants often use different types of aggregates based on what’s available in the region. For example, a project on the east side of town may get concrete with aggregates from a different quarry than a project on the west side. This variability introduces a higher risk of reactions like ASR, as the mix is less predictable.

At Gary Pools, we eliminate this risk by maintaining control over our concrete mix. Our volumetric trucks ensure that every batch is made with the same high-quality materials, using the same reliable mix design, no matter where the pool is being built. This means there’s no risk of getting a different mix depending on location or supplier. We ensure the same level of consistency, from project to project, eliminating any chance of ASR creeping into your pool's foundation.

Even in situations where we have to work with an outside supplier, our rigorous review process ensures the same level of consistency in the materials and mix design. By focusing on consistency, Gary Pools provides homeowners with a reliable, durable pool that will stand the test of time.

Gary Pools’ Track Record

At Gary Pools, we’re proud of the fact that we’ve never had an ASR-related warranty claim. This isn’t just a matter of luck—it’s the direct result of our commitment to quality, consistency, and careful control over the concrete used in every pool we build.

For decades, homeowners have trusted us to deliver pools that stand the test of time. Our approach to preventing ASR by using volumetric trucks, sourcing high-quality limestone aggregates, and reviewing external concrete mixes ensures that every pool we construct is built to last. Unlike many other builders who face the risks of variability from different concrete suppliers, we’ve made it a priority to eliminate these risks entirely.

Our track record speaks for itself. Homeowners who choose Gary Pools aren’t just getting a pool; they’re getting peace of mind knowing that their investment is backed by a company with a flawless history of protecting pools from ASR-related damage. This is why so many of our clients return to us, and why we’re known as a leader in the pool construction industry.

When you choose Gary Pools, you’re not just buying a pool—you’re investing in quality, durability, and decades of experience.

Conclusion

Building a pool is a significant investment, and the last thing you want is to worry about cracks, leaks, or costly repairs down the road. Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) may not be something most pool buyers think about, but it’s a very real risk when concrete is made without the proper materials or oversight.

At Gary Pools, we’ve made it our mission to eliminate that risk. Through our unique approach—mixing our own concrete with volumetric trucks, sourcing limestone aggregates directly, and carefully reviewing any external concrete supplier’s mix—we ensure that your pool will be durable, consistent, and free from ASR-related issues. With a proven track record and decades of experience, you can trust Gary Pools to build a pool that lasts.

When you choose Gary Pools, you’re choosing more than just a pool builder—you’re choosing quality and peace of mind.