How To Repair Crack In Fiberglass Pool

Spider cracks are a form of fiberglass damage that occurs from minor flexing or impacts. They can occur in any form of fiberglass, including cars, boats and swimming pools. Small cracks form in the outer surface of the fiberglass, spreading out from a central point like a spiderweb. These cracks do not affect the structural integrity of the fiberglass, but are an aesthetic issue. Fortunately, spider cracks are not difficult to repair.

How to Repair Fiberglass Swimming Pools Step 1 - Drain Pool. Drain all the water completely from your swimming pool. Let the empty pool dry. Step 2 - Repair Larger Cracks. If you have cracks bigger then 1/8 inch you may want. Step 3 - Sanding Pool. You will want to sand entire surface area to. How to Repair Fiberglass Pool Steps 1. Drain the Pool. You'll need to remove enough water from the pool to expose the steps. Dry the Step. You'll need to have the repair site and any adjoining areas completely dry for. You're going to need a dust mask on your face and gloves on. Place the repaired fiberglass pool filter back into position in the pool pump compartment. Screw the valves back on the filter. Twist the water valves counterclockwise to restore the flow of water. Close the lid on the pool pump compartment. Restore the electric power. But a do-it-yourself homeowner can repair minor cracks using a fiberglass repair kit that you find at swimming pool stores and marine supply outlets. Similar to many projects, preparation is the. Some of these issues include cracked return fittings, settlement of the pool shell, inadequate drainage around the pool shell, separation of the pool and patio, wall bulges, etc. If you are considering the purchase of a new fiberglass pool, take a look at our fiberglass pool designs.

Step 1

Clean the area with acetone and a rag to remove any dirt or other impurities.

Step 2

Sand the damaged area with 100-grit sandpaper to roughen the surface. You can sand by hand or with an electric sander.

Step 3

Wash the area with acetone a second time to remove all sanding dust.

Step 4

Mask off the area around the cracks with masking tape and plaster to protect against drips.

Step 5

Pull all of the loose bristles out of a cheap paint brush. Loose bristles may become embedded in the gelcoat.

Step 6

Measure a small amount of gelcoat, which is a thick form of fiberglass resin, into a paper bucket. If the fiberglass will be exposed to water, the gelcoat should be marine grade.

Step 7

Mix catalyst into the gelcoat following the instructions on the container. Precision is important: if you add too much catalyst the gelcoat will cure faster than it can be used, but if you add too little it won't cure at all.

Step 8

Brush a thin layer of gelcoat onto the sanded area, feathering it out a bit onto the surrounding fiberglass surface.

Step 9

Allow the gelcoat to sit for three hours, then spray it lightly with Polyvinal Alcohol to help it fully cure.

Step 10

Step 11

Step 12

Sand the area with 300-grit sandpaper to begin smoothing it. Re-sand it with 600-grit, then 900-grit and so on. Keep jumping 300 grit at a time until the repeated sanding has produced as smooth of a finish as you require.

Step 13

Prime and paint the fiberglass to match the surrounding surface if needed.

Warnings

Wear rubber gloves when working with gelcoat.
Work in a well-ventilated area.

Items you will need

Acetone
Rag
Sandpaper
Electric sander (optional)
Masking tape
Plastic sheeting
Paintbrush
Gelcoat
Paper bucket
Catalyst
Mixing stick
Polyvinyl Alcohol
Spray gun
Soapy water and sponge
Primer and paint (optional)

References

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