How to repair a crack in a fiberglass pool

All in all, spider cracks are just a normal part of wear and tear on fiberglass pools. These hairline cracks form in the surface layer, or gelcoat, and are not structural — which means they will not impact the overall structure of your pool. In addition, they typically only impact one area of the pool instead of spreading to the entire pool. There are many different things that can cause these cracks to form, including improper installation or manufacturing too thin of slabs that cannot withstand the strain of shipping and lifting.

If the fiberglass arrives on-site cracked, it should be sent back and not installed. If the gelcoat is too thick, it is less flexible and more likely to crack. In addition, outside factors like a tree branch or other intrusion can put pressure on the pool and cause spider cracks to form post-construction. Ideally, the right manufacturer will create a level pool with the ideal thickness applied to the gel coat to help prevent spider cracks from forming in the first place.

In addition, a skilled contractor can properly level the pool and install the fiberglass with care and attention to detail. You need to apply an epoxy to cause the reaction — this should be included in your repair kit.

The higher the ratio of catalyst to putty, the quicker the dry time and the harder the putty will dry.

Once it has dried, use the electric sander to smooth the area and wipe it down with some acetone to remove any residual dust. Apply masking tape about 2 inches around the repair area and apply a gel coat with a paint roller or use an air sprayer for a more even coat. The fiberglass cloth should cover the entire 2-inch perimeter around the repair area.

To finish up, apply a coat of sealant and leave it to dry completely, which should take 2 to 3 days, depending on weather conditions, before refilling the pool. Alternatively, if the surface is too damaged, a technician could also advise you whether you would need to get your pool completely resurfaced with a new gel coat finish.

Fiberglass pools are the most low maintenance and if you take care of them properly, they should last decades. Algae is also less likely to grow on the smooth surfaces of a fiber glass pool.

While concrete pool owners often complain of having perpetual algae issues and murky pool water , fiberglass pools tend to stay sparkly clean with minimal maintenance. Even though fiberglass pools require less water chemistry maintenance than other types of pools, testing and keeping your water chemistry in balance is the most important part of the maintenance process.

This, too, should be in the repair kit. Before you use it, however, the putty must first be catalyzed. You have to put a catalyst on it, such as an epoxy. The putty will dry harder and faster the more catalyst you apply.

Ensure the application of the putty is smooth by using either a scraper or a putty knife to level it. Doing so will smooth the area. Finally, wipe the area down with acetone once more to remove any lingering dust. Now you need to allow everything to dry and set completely. It will take a few days to do that, depending on the weather. You should wait about three days before refilling your pool to be on the safe side. Fiberglass pools can actually last for dozens of years if you take care of them.

To guarantee your pool lasts as long as possible, you should clean it regularly. You should also make use of an automated pool vacuum and run your pool filter. Keep the water level above the pool skimmer and check the water chemistry regularly. Apply putty Next, once the bond coat has set, you can begin applying polyester putty. Use a paint roller and apply a layer of gel.