This post is part of the Alchemy-Spetec Contractor Lens series, featuring views, news & case studies written by our customers. This article was written by Casey Messer of Camrock Foundations. If you're an Alchemy-Spetec customer and you'd like to discuss writing content for our blog, please send an email to marketing@alchemy-spetec.com today!

Swimming pools are great additions to any property. However, the installation process must be done correctly to ensure the longevity and stability of the pool. One problem that commonly arises is soil settlement around the pool area. In this blog post, we will discuss why soil settles around swimming pools and what can be done to prevent it.

Improper Compaction

When constructing a house, proper compaction of soil is necessary to prevent settling issues in the future. The same principle applies to swimming pools. Unfortunately, some pool installers neglect this important step. They dig a big hole, build the pool, and mound up all the loose soil around the shell before adding a deck on top. If the soil is not properly compacted, settling will eventually occur.

Pool Leaks

Another cause of soil settlement around swimming pools is leaking pipes. Continuous water seepage can cause soil to erode. In some cases, water leaks can lead to sinkholes. Therefore, it is crucial to address water leaks promptly. Our technicians are thoroughly trained in Alchatek’s Deep Lock® process, a highly effective way to stabilize the affected soil.

Insufficient Footings

When constructing a pool deck, it is essential to have proper footings to support the load. However, we have found that many pools do not have footers at all, and the load is sitting on just a 4-inch-thick slab, causing settlement issues. Additionally, if the yard pitches downward behind the pool, a deeper footing is necessary to prevent stem wall rotation.

Improper Drainage

If the pool is installed at a lower elevation than the surrounding land, proper drainage must be implemented. When water builds up around the pool, it can undermine the foundation and cause settling issues.

Pavers Settling

When pavers around the pool deck begin to settle, it is likely due to one of the soil issues mentioned above. Depending on whether the pavers have a concrete or crushed concrete base, different stabilization methods may be necessary. Our team will diagnose the issue and provide the best solution, whether it be through the Deep Lock® process or standard slab lifting.

Prevention and Repair

Soil settlement around swimming pools is a common issue that can be prevented. Proper compaction, addressing water leaks promptly, installing proper footings, ensuring proper drainage, and utilizing effective stabilization methods are all essential steps in preventing soil settlement. If you're looking for a soil stabilization or concrete leveling contractor near Tampa / St. Petersburg, Florida - click here to contact us today for a free inspection!

Want more information on the stabilization process?

We recently announced our new name - Alchatek. To celebrate this milestone, we are running a promotional contest. Whether you are a customer or a friend, we invite you to participate!

Alchatek Contest Prizes

• One (1) grand prize of a $1000 VISA gift card
• Two (2) second prizes of $500 VISA gift cards
• Ten (10) third prizes of $100 VISA gift cards

How to Enter the Alchatek Promo Contest

1. Entering the contest is easy. All you have to do is visit our contest page or scroll to the bottom of this page, and fill out the entry form. Once you have entered, you will be eligible to win any of the three prizes. 
   
   
2. To increase your chances of winning, you can also earn additional entries by following us on social media. After filling out the form, you'll be presented with links to our Facebook, Twitter, and LinkedIn pages. You will earn extra entries for each social media account you follow.
   
   
3. We want to make sure that as many people as possible get a chance to win. You can share the contest link via email or social media. Anyone who enters using your unique referral link will earn you additional entries into the contest. It's that simple.

We are excited to celebrate the launch of Alchatek with all of you. Thanks in advance for your participation in this contest!

Alchatek offers world-class custom-built pump systems for both slab lifting and soil stabilization applications. If you're looking for a full-sized trailer rig system, click here to read more on that subject. In this blog post, we'll take a look at two propriety systems designed by the professionals at Alchatek. 

The PolyBadger: Compact Lifting System on Wheels

The wheel-mounted PolyBadger two-component pump system is an extremely valuable addition to any slab lifter's arsenal. It is perfect for new contractors looking to make an initial investment and for experienced contractors looking to add a portable option for those hard-to-reach locations. Small enough to fit in the back of a pickup truck, this simple system requires minimal equipment.

• Lower Initial Investment
• Less Equipment Needed
• Easily Fitted to a Truck, Trailer, or Cart

The PolyShark: Skid-Mounted Soil Stabilization System

The skid-mounted PolyShark single-component pump system is essential for large-scale soil stabilization and void-fill projects. The PolyShark system includes a gas-powered high-pressure injection pump, two hose reels, and flow meters. The entire skid-mounted system can easily be fitted to a flatbed truck for efficient transport.

• Ideal for Large-Scale Jobs
• Complete System (Pump, Hose Reels, Flow Meters)
• Easily Fitted to Flatbed Truck

Want more info on Alchatek geotech products and equipment?

Tucker, GA, May 1, 2023 – Alchemy Spetec today announced that the company is changing its name and rebranding as Alchatek, to reflect a streamlined focus on a growing portfolio of advanced construction technologies. Alchatek will continue a rich history of providing the highest quality chemical grouts for Geotechnical, Leak Seal, and Seawall applications while continuously adding to its product offering to provide growth opportunities for customers. Known for industry-leading customer service and technical support, Alchatek will focus on helping customers thrive by building their businesses and completing the jobs most important to them.

Founded in 2012 Alchemy Polymers has long been a trusted manufacturer in the construction industry. Spetec, a Division of Resiplast N.V., has been producing high-quality waterproofing materials for more than 40 years. “Alchemy Polymers and Spetec were the first two brands in our portfolio from the formation of the current company in 2017,” says Alchatek co-founder and CEO Stephen Barton. “As we step into the future with our bold new plan for growth and expansion in the construction chemicals space, it makes sense for us to move these two brands, the Seawall Repair Network, and all future advanced construction technology brands under the Alchatek umbrella. Alchatek was created to continue a great tradition of partnership with our customers while at the same time showing them that we are completely committed to their future success.” 

The name change to Alchatek is effective immediately and the company will complete its branding and image transition over the next 90 days.

Alchatek is an international leader in the manufacture and supply of chemical grouts for Geotechnical, Leak Seal, and Seawall Repair applications. Providing solutions from its headquarters in Tucker, Georgia, and a West-coast manufacturing facility in Reno, Nevada, Alchatek offers high-value products and solutions for sealing leaks, stabilizing soils, lifting concrete, and repairing seawalls.

Want more information on Alchatek products?

In the current rapidly evolving industry of infrastructure repair, obtaining every possible advantage is crucial. Alchemy-Spetec considers the success of your business to be our highest priority. You will gain a significant competitive advantage over your rivals with our extensive range of high-quality materials, cutting-edge equipment, industry-leading technical support, and comprehensive marketing assistance. Our organizational values are centered on securing your success in this industry.

Polyurethane – Quality and Selection

Alchemy-Spetec offers one of the most advanced grout product lines available in the market today. Our range of Leak Seal materials is diverse, including injection resins for sealing leaking cracks, curtain grouting foams for stopping gushing leaks, acrylic injection resins that penetrate thin cracks and saturate soil, epoxy resins for structural repair, and preventative waterstop products. We also provide an extensive array of Geotech materials, comprising slab lifting foams, soil stabilization foams, and deep soil permeation and compaction foams. The exceptional quality of our materials ensures that your customers will experience fewer callbacks. Moreover, many of these products are certified safe for the environment and for contact with potable water.

Equipment and Accessories Selection

We are proud to offer a comprehensive range of products for polyurethane concrete repair, making us a one-stop shop for all your needs. Our equipment and accessory product lines are among the most versatile in the industry. After selecting the product that best suits your requirements, we provide everything you need, including pumps, hoses, packers or ports, and specialized accessories.

Tech Support – Experience and Dedication

Alchemy-Spetec is home to the industry's leading technical support team, providing unparalleled assistance when and where you need it. Our team boasts decades of experience, and we take pride in our exceptional responsiveness.

Training and Education

We provide the most comprehensive training and education programs for Leak Seal and Geotech polyurethane infrastructure repair in the industry. Our training workshops take place at distributor locations, and we provide on-site consultations to contractors. Additionally, we hold intensive training programs twice a year at our Tucker, GA headquarters. For current customers, we offer detailed online training videos to enhance their skills further.

Marketing Support

At Alchemy-Spetec, our Marketing Department offers qualified customers a variety of resources to promote their businesses. We provide product application illustrations and photos that can be used on websites, as well as customized brochure PDFs for printing, and truck signage graphics. Our educational videos and animations are also available for use. Moreover, we offer guidance on various marketing strategies, including online lead capture, internet advertising, and more.

Committed to Your Success

With everything we do, our top priority is ensuring our customers' success. The more successful our customers are, the more successful we are as well. Our team understands the interdependence between our customers' achievements and our own. Our commitment to the customer’s success is deeply embedded in our company's culture and values. 

Want more information on Alchemy-Spetec products?

Slab Lifting Overview

Over time, concrete surfaces settle and need to be lifted and leveled. Polyurethane foam is an effective slab lifting method. The process involves injecting polyurethane into voids beneath the concrete surface to lift and level the slab. Cost-efficient and effective, this method has become increasingly popular over time.

Slab lifting with polyurethane is non-invasive, quick, and causes minimal disruption to nearby areas. Small holes are drilled into the concrete and foam is injected through them. The foam expands, filling voids beneath the slab and lifting it back to its original position. 

Slab Lifting Products

AP Fill 420

AP Deep Lift® 420

AP Lift 428

AP Lift 430

AP Lift 435

AP Lift 440

AP Lift 475

Every member of Alchemy-Spetec's industry-leading technical support team is thoroughly versed in the art and science of slab lifting with polyurethane. Contact us today at 404-618-0438 for assistance with your next slab lifting project.

Want more information on slab lifting with polyurethane?

So, you have another clog in your boot? Well, your grain elevator boot that is. This means shutting down to clean your grain elevator. Which means loss of production, loss of grain, and delays. Drains and sump pumps clog and can be unreliable. 

A grain cooperative in Washington state contacted Kodiak Concrete Lifting. Alchemy-Spetec's Leak Seal Division Director of Technical Services, Charlie "The Grout Geek" Lerman, met Kodiak on-site and inspected the leaking boots in question. One was poured concrete and the other was poured concrete with a metal interior liner. Both had multiple areas of water intrusion and sumps that were not able to handle the leakage. Charlie worked with Kodiak on developing a grouting plan and an estimate for the co-op.

Powerful Polymer

Spetec PUR HighFoamer was the ideal grout for forming a positive side waterproof barrier known as a curtain wall without having to excavate and with very little downtime.

Spetec PUR HighFoamer is a highly expansive grout (40x-50x) and it is also NSF 61-approved for potable water use.

Painless Procedure

Pumping polyurethane grouts is done with a modified airless paint sprayer. Since this pump is lightweight, it is easy to mobilize in remote or difficult-to-access locations. Normally, the technicians would set up a 2’ on-center grid pattern for curtain wall grouting. With the elevator equipment layout, they had to adjust the spacing. By pumping hole to hole they ensured water-tight grout coverage even with the irregular port spacing.

Rapid Result

A few weeks later, Charlie Lerman and Kodiak met back on-site for the installation. While working in a grain elevator pit and working with urethanes can be a bit messy, the injections went well and the water intrusions were stopped in both pits on time and under budget.

Want more information on sealing leaks with polyurethane?

Unstable soil can be a real nightmare. Existing structures, new construction projects, and excavation projects alike require strong supporting soil. Rain, freeze-thaw cycles, erosion, poor compaction, and excessive water saturation all pose a threat. The planet consists of 70% water and 30% land. Unstable soil is everywhere.

Contractors use Alchemy-Spetec structural polymers to strengthen soil supporting existing structures, provide a firm foundation for new construction, and prevent soil collapse during excavation projects. When cured, these polymers are stronger than crystalline bedrock. Alchemy-Spetec structural polymers are environmentally safe and certified to NSF/ANSI/CAN 61 standards for contact with drinking water.

Soil Stabilization Products

AP Soil 600

AP Fill 700

AP Fill 720

AP SoilGel 200

AP Microfine 10

Every member of Alchemy-Spetec's industry-leading technical support team is thoroughly versed in the art and science of stabilizing soil with polyurethane. Contact us today at 404-618-0438 for assistance on your next soil stabilization project.

Want more information on stabilizing soil with polyurethane?

Alchemy-Spetec HQ in Tucker, GA

Registration Deadline - April 15th

May 2nd - May 4th
$745 Registration Fee
$665 for each additional participant from
the same company.

Get ready for a thorough education in Slab Lifting, Soil Stabilization, the Deep Lock® process, Crack Injection, and Curtain Grouting. You’ll get hands-on training from a technical staff with decades of on-the-job experience.

Agenda Items

• Geotech Product Line Overview
• Geotech Applications & Case Studies
• MixMaster Pro Slab Lifting Gun
• Slab Lift Rig Demonstration
• Pump Demos & Training
• PolyShark® / Soil Stabilization
• Deep Lock® 
• Ground Penetrating Radar
• PolyBadger® Mobile Slab Lifting System
• Crack Injection
• Curtain Grouting
• Estimating Material for Jobs

Repair Cracks and Joints in Concrete

AP SlabSeal 142 is a high-performance, single-component, moisture-cure, ultra-low modulus silicone sealant. It is ideal for sealing cracks and joints in concrete. This includes the most demanding dynamically moving joints. AP SlabSeal 142 is often used to put the finishing touch on concrete slabs after they have been lifted and leveled.

Features

• High-performance non-slump, one-part, moisture-curing, room-temperature vulcanizing (RTV).
• 100% silicone sealant specifically formulated for concrete joint applications.
• Protects joints and cracks from water infiltration.
• Ultra-high elongation.

Benefits

• Exhibits excellent unprimed adhesion to concrete, steel, and most other construction substrates.
• Will maintain its integrity on joints with movement.
• Unaffected by sunlight (ultra-violet rays), ozone, temperature extremes, rain, and snow.
• Clean appearance is ensured through professional installation.
• Long service life, under normal conditions it will maintain its physical properties between -60°C to 200°C (-76°F to 392°F).

Colors and Packaging

• Gray: 20 oz. Sausages, Case of 20 - Item #: ACP-142 cs - Gray
• Beige: 20 oz. Sausages, Case of 20 - Item #: ACP-142 cs - Beige

Want more information on geotech products and equipment?