Have you seen clustered cracks and deterioration in the surface or edges of your pool and patio? It’s called Alkali-Silica Reaction (ASR) – a chemical reaction that causes concrete in pools to crack, flake, and degrade, often called the unfortunate name of “concrete cancer”. It happens when alkalis in cement react and create slow, expanding pressure from within that damages the concrete and rebar over time. The alkali components are present as potassium and sodium fillers used in “Portland Cement” – common in many pool construction projects. Look closely for white deposits, rust stains, “up from underneath” water deposits on