subject: Lines, and cracks and holes, oh my! How to patch your pool [print this page] Lines, and cracks and holes, oh my! How to patch your pool
Your pool is starting to show some wear and tear, how do you address it?Do you need to call in a professional to patch it or can you do it yourself? It depends on whether you want to undertake the task or let your pool maintenance professional tackle it.
If you decide that it's a project you want to handle on your own, here are some of the tools you'll need before you start the job:
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pool epoxy, epoxy paint, paintbrushes, pool supplies, and a pool trowel.
If you have a fiberglass or concrete pool, you can repair hairline cracks in the pool with a coat of chlorinated rubber or epoxy swimming pool paint. For a fiberglass pool, a hairline crack may not need repair as it could be a sign of weathering if you're concerned though you might want to check on the evaporation levels of your pool.
If you have something larger than a hairline crack you can patch it with a concrete epoxy compound made specifically for concrete or fiberglass pools. Follow manufacturer instructions.
If your pool is afflicted with a crack or hairline fracture that is larger than 1/8 inch or longer than one foot, you should definitely call in a pool maintenance professional.
For tears in a swimming pool liner, you might be able to patch a rip with a pool repair kit that you can pick up at a pool supply store. There will be instructions on the repair kit but essentially you will apply a waterproof bonding agent to the vinyl patch material and place it over the rip (this can be done under water without having to drain the pool. Take your time and smooth away any air bubbles from under the patch and make certain the edges lie flat.
Unfortunately, if the tear is too large, you may have to replace the liner. It is less expensive to replace a liner than it is to have a fiberglass replacement liner installed.
Top five pool patch and repair tips:
It can be a do-it-yourself project as long as you buy the right tools and follow the instructions on the patch kits
Address the cracks and tears immediately because if water is allowed to keep penetrating the crack or tear it will damage the pool's substrate and cause rot.
Don't immediately drain the pool because you need to determine there is no water under the pool. Draining the water from a fiberglass pool can cause the pool to float out of its hole and cause major plumbing and pool damage
Contact a pool professional if the crack, rip or tear is longer than one foot and wider than 1/8 inch.
Large cracks that appeared suddenly can indicate serious structural damage and require the immediate attention of a pool maintenance professional
