ideas for custom-built pools

ideas for custom-built pools

Repairing Cracks In Your Swimming Pool

by Anton Leinonen

Over time, swimming pools can sustain cracks that can become more serious if they're left unattended. Whether you have a fiberglass, concrete, plaster, or vinyl pool, most cracks can be repaired yourself if you have the correct tools and materials. Here is a guide to help you make some simple crack repairs on your pool.

Concrete

For concrete pools, cut the crack out a bit deeper and longer than what it currently is using a saw with a diamond blade or a concrete grinder. Wipe away excess debris. Then, apply caulk around the crack and patch up the crack with a pool patching kit or white cement. Be sure to smooth it down with a trowel and push downward, ensuring that all of the filler material is pushed down into the crack with no air bubbles. Cover the patch with a wet towel to keep it moist and allow it to cure for about two or three hours. Once it's cured, you can refill your pool.

Plaster

Plaster pools are repaired a bit differently from concrete. You'll need to use a chisel to disturb the cracked areas so that the replacement plaster will adhere correctly. Mix repair plaster with approximately 2/3 white sand. The consistency should be thick and not runny. Add an acrylic bonding agent and water to the mixture following the manufacturer's instructions. When completed the whole mixture should have the look and feel of peanut butter in terms of consistency. Wet the cracked surface with a spray bottle, and then apply the mixture to the cracks using a trowel. Smooth it down until you're happy with the way the surface looks and then immediately refill the pool with water.

Fiberglass

For cracks in a fiberglass pool, you will need to sand the area around the crack to loosen debris and create a smooth working surface. Apply a bond coating to the crack and allow it to dry until it feels "tacky" to the touch. Use a putty knife and fill the crack with a special pool-grade polyester blended putty. Smooth it down thoroughly, ensuring the putty completely fills the crack. Once it has dried, sand it down to smooth it and apply a mesh tape over the filling. Lay fiberglass cloth over the repaired area and apply gel coat over top. Let everything dry completely before you refill your pool.

Vinyl

Vinyl pool liners are prone to ripping and will need to be patched rather than have cracks filled. Cut a piece of patching material to approximately 1/2 inch larger than the size of the tear. Make sure the patch is cut into a round or oval shape and not a square so there are no sharp corners. Apply vinyl glue to the tear and then smooth down the patch over it. Smooth it down removing any bubbles. Wait approximately ten minutes and then push it down again to ensure it has cured and dried to the existing vinyl.

For assistance, talk to a professional like Guaranteed Pool Service & Repair.


Share

About Me

ideas for custom-built pools

The only thing that was missing from the home that my husband and I bought was a swimming pool. I knew that I wanted one before we sold our last house and purchased the new one. Not having a pool wasn't enough to keep me from buying the new house because I knew I could customize a pool to be installed. If you are considering having a custom-built pool installed on your property, this blog can give you some ideas that will help you create a wonderful setting for you, your family and all of your friends to enjoy.