Pool Crack Repair

The Guide to Repairing a Pool’s Cracking Concrete

Have you ever faced cracking concrete in your personal pool? Almost any pool owner will see the concrete or gunite chip, crack, and wear over time. While some can be prevented, cracks should be dealt with correctly and quickly when they arise. Neglecting to repair these flaws can exacerbate the problem by causing increases in pool filling costs and saturating the surrounding earth creating further cracking.

Cracks in pool concrete usually occur from shifting soil but can be caused by a variety of other factors. These can include pool pourers not allowing for ample curing time, not properly leveling the pool, and not correctly applying expansion joins in the concrete. “Pop-ups”, or small chipping and cracking, are not an uncommon sign in any pool. They are usually the result of the gunite shifting underneath the surface plaster. Plaster wearing also occurs as pools age, allowing the gunite below the plaster to be seen. Regardless of the cause, most pool owners must deal with cracking at some point.

How to Repair the Crack

Once the crack has formed maintenance should be performed as soon as possible:

Step 1: Drain the Pool

The pool basin should be completely drained and allowed to dry for at least two days. Electric equipment will be needed so no water should be left standing to create a hazard.

Step 2: Cut into Damaged Area

Cut into the damaged area by a 1/2″ and then extended up to 1″ on each side. Smaller cracks can be easily cleared with a diamond bladed saw, but some may require a large grinder.

Step 3: Dry and Clear Debris

Water will probably have leaked into the area. The crack should be given time to dry and debris should be cleared away.

Step 4: Seal the Crack

Seal the crack with a bead of caulk, leaving leave at least 1/4″ gap below the surface plaster. This will allow the caulk to be completely covered and remain unexposed to the water.

Step 5: Mix up the Pool Patch

Once the seal has dried, mix equal parts pool patch, an acrylic based cement bonding agent, and white sand. Portland cement can also be used in place of pool patch, which is usually found at a pool supply company. The mixture’s consistency should be akin to thick peanut butter. Once mixed the plaster will dry quickly so stir as needed and add very small amounts of water if the surface solidifies.

Step 6: Create a Coating

Using a putty knife create a smooth coating over the crack. Softly brush with a sponge to create a texture similar to the rest of the pool.

Step 7: Fill the Pool

Once applied the pool should be filled within a few hours. This is part of the curing process. To prevent the new plaster from cracking cover the area with a wet cloth while working on other cracks.

Tools & Supplies

Before beginning the process it is a good idea to ensure all materials are available.

• A large grinder or diamond bladed saw can be rented or purchased from a hardware store.
• Pool patch can usually be found at any pool supply company or large home improvement store. Some will offer patching kits that already have the materials needed.
• If the cement is colored a dye can be purchased from a cement company.

Quick Prevention Tips

Once this process is complete it will leave the damaged area in essentially new condition. It is up to the pool owner, however, to make sure it stays that way. Anchor specialists can service reappearing cracks by adding support to surrounding concrete. Preventing any other unnecessary soil movement is also important. It is essential to no dig more than a couple of feet near the pool and to ensure rain water drains properly away from the pool area. Stopping cracking all together is impossible, but prevention can make maintenance much easier in the future.