The recent rise in Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) cases has raised serious concerns within the pool industry. ASR, commonly referred to as “concrete cancer,” is an insidious issue that compromises concrete integrity, causing cracks and degradation that can render pools unusable. With hundreds of pools across Central Texas impacted this year, the urgency for contractors to use top-tier products to waterproof pool vessels has never been more evident. As builders scramble to address these challenges, a new solution is emerging: Basecrete Xtreme. This advanced waterproofing product is set to make its U.S. debut, promising improved durability, flexibility, and ASR remediation.
What Is ASR and Why Is It Detrimental to Pools?
ASR occurs when the silica in concrete aggregates reacts with alkali in cement under moist conditions, forming a gel that expands and creates internal pressure. Over time, this pressure leads to cracking and structural weaknesses in the concrete. Vito Mariano, President of Basecrete Technologies, describes it as a “cancer” because of its unpredictable nature. “It’s cancer, so you don’t know where and when it’s going to pop up, how bad it is, or if it’s going to continue to grow,” Mariano explains. “Right now, we’re focused on slowing it down and stopping it in its tracks with new materials.”
Texas has been particularly hard-hit, with ASR issues stemming from changes in material availability during the pandemic. The use of alternative materials like fly ash and other cement additives—intended to address supply shortages—may have exacerbated the problem. According to Mariano, “Even during the shortage due to COVID, ASR cases kept cropping up in certain areas. Arizona saw it, but Texas has been hit the hardest.” Builders have been forced to confront lawsuits and repair projects, placing a premium on finding products that can repair ASR-damaged pools and prevent future deterioration.
Enter Basecrete Xtreme: The Ultimate Waterproofing Solution
In response to the growing demand for effective ASR mitigation and waterproofing, Mariano and his team developed Basecrete Xtreme. “I’ve spent the last three years working on this material,” Mariano shares. “Starting in Europe, from Italy to Portugal, I refined it to ensure it was ready for North America.” With its upcoming launch in the U.S., Basecrete Xtreme offers contractors a versatile tool for pool vessel repairs and ASR remediation.
The new formula features advanced fibers and cold polymers that make the material more flexible and impact-resistant. Mariano explains that this innovation allows the product to adapt to the movement of pool structures without sacrificing strength. “The material is more flexible, with no wicking from the fibers, so it performs exceptionally well in high-stress environments like swimming pools,” he says. The increased flexibility also makes Basecrete Xtreme ideal for applications where traditional materials might fail, such as elevated pools or decks that experience more movement.
Suitable for ASR Repairs and Future-Proofing Pools
While Basecrete Xtreme isn’t a silver bullet for eliminating ASR, it provides a critical tool for slowing down the damage and restoring affected structures. “Our repair material helps stop the degradation process,” Mariano explains. “We’re still working toward a complete solution, but Basecrete Xtreme gives builders a way to stabilize and repair ASR-damaged pools.”
Mariano notes that the product is easy to use, allowing contractors to spray or squeeze it into place during application. This versatility makes it well-suited for repairing spider cracks, veneer issues, and pool joints that are prone to movement and stress. “Concrete is unpredictable—it’s going to crack,” Mariano acknowledges. “But with Basecrete Xtreme, we can bridge those cracks and prevent leaks.”
In addition to its ASR-related applications, the product is gaining interest in the Insulated Concrete Form (ICF) industry, which is rapidly becoming a preferred construction method. “ICF is the future of pool construction,” Mariano says. “Basecrete Xtreme integrates seamlessly with ICF systems, giving builders more flexibility and reducing the need for mesh reinforcement.”
Designed for Durability and Longevity
One of the standout features of Basecrete Xtreme is its enhanced durability in harsh environments. According to Mariano, the product maintains the same high permeability rating as other Basecrete solutions while offering superior bond strength. “We’re getting PSI ratings of 6,000 to 8,000, which makes it an excellent choice for high-strength repairs,” he says. These qualities make the product ideal for pools, parking decks, and other structures that experience significant wear and tear.
The product’s ability to prevent water penetration is a key benefit for pool builders. “Water is the number one enemy in construction,” Mariano emphasizes. “It carries salts, acids, and other contaminants that accelerate deterioration. Basecrete Xtreme acts as a shield, preventing water from entering cracks and causing further damage.”
A European Success, Now Available in the U.S.
Basecrete Xtreme has already proven itself in Europe, where it has been used in projects ranging from ancient monasteries to modern hotels. “We started in Europe because the need to preserve historic buildings was more urgent,” Mariano explains. “After seeing the success there, we decided it was time to bring it to the U.S.”
With demand growing, Mariano expects Basecrete Xtreme to quickly become a go-to solution for American contractors. “We’re already seeing a lot of interest from builders and engineers who want to use it for ASR repairs and other waterproofing projects,” he says.
Training and the Road Ahead
To ensure proper use of the product, Basecrete is offering training sessions across the U.S. “We want contractors to understand how to install waterproofing materials correctly,” Mariano says. “Our goal is to provide the knowledge they need to do it right the first time.” The training will cover everything from ICF applications to advanced waterproofing techniques, giving builders the tools they need to succeed.
As the pool industry continues to evolve, products like Basecrete Xtreme will play an essential role in maintaining the integrity of pool vessels. With its ability to address ASR-related challenges and provide long-lasting waterproofing solutions, Basecrete Xtreme is poised to become a critical asset for pool builders across the U.S.
For more information on training sessions and product availability, contractors can contact Basecrete directly at [email protected]. With Basecrete Xtreme, builders can look forward to fewer worries about cracks, leaks, and ASR—ensuring their pools remain as beautiful and functional as the day they were built.
Ready to take a deeper dive?
Listen to our entire conversation with Vito Mariano on the Pool Magazine podcast where we discuss Basecrete Xtreme and it’s use in ASR remediation.
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