joliecher,

It sounds like your pool builders shotcrete subcontractor used "rebound" to form the steps. Using "rebound" is absolutely forbidden in normal shotcrete jobs, but seems to be endemic in pool construction. Also the shotcrete that is "trimmed" during finishing operations from the walls, etc is often reused to form benches and spas. This material, like "rebound" is not suitable for reuse.

"Rebound" is the shotcrete that does not adhere directly where it is sprayed. It is the stuff that bounces around and ends up on the floor. "Rebound" and "trimmings" should NEVER be used and should always be hauled away as debris.

Here is a great article about the problem. http://www.shotcrete.org/pdf_files/S...5FDryMix%2Epdf

Titaniumboy