A Fibreglass pool is known for strength, durability, and flexible design collections to fit the needs and desires of any user. However, like with every good product, a time comes when these pools show signs of damage like cracks or splits. Once this happens, it is time for a Fibreglass pool repair.
Repairing a Fibreglass pool is one of the best ways to retain its beauty and guarantee its durability. This guide gives in-depth knowledge on fixing a Fibreglass pool, from the necessary tools to the step-by-step process and much more.
How Do I Know My Fibreglass Pool Need Repair?
A telltale sign the Fibreglass pool needs repairs is the presence of bubbles, blemishes, or cracks. If these are not fixed on time, the next sign would likely be a leaking pool.
Nevertheless, it is unnecessary to wait to see these signs before resurfacing the pool. If the Fibreglass is old, has structural deficiencies, or lacks proper drainage, consider resurfacing it at least once in a few years to keep it in great shape.
How Long Does it Take for Fibreglass Pool Repair?
The time it takes to fix the Fibreglass pool depends on the size of the crack and the extent of the repair. For minor damages, 1-2 days should be more than enough, while more extensive repairs might require 2-4 days or more. After repairs, it takes another 2-3 days for the gel or sealant to dry.
Tools Required for Fibreglass Pool Repair
When the Fibreglass begins to crack or bulge, owners can call a professional or take the DIY route. Since professionals are at the top of their game, the tools to fix the pool are nothing new. DIY repairers, however, need basic knowledge of these tools and their functions.
The tools needed for Fibreglass pool repair are:
- The Electric Disk Sander is for sanding down the places surrounding the swell or splitting to remove filth or cracking paint. Using this electric sander gives a much better result than regular sandpaper.
- A Diamond-edged Cutting Wheel is to cut out the area around the crack.
- The Fibreglass Repair Kit contains the putty knife, bond coat, polyester putty, epoxy, gel coat, and other materials needed for the repair.
- A Painter’s Tape covers some inches around the damaged area to avoid getting paint or gel on unnecessary parts
- Paint Roller or Spray Gun is used to apply the gel coat.
How to Fix a Fibreglass Pool
Repairing a Fibreglass pool is not as difficult as most people think. It can begin immediately the right tools are in place, and the necessary knowledge is intact. All that\’s left to do is assign sufficient time to guarantee a great outcome.
The following steps should be followed for a Fibreglass pool repair:
Step 1: Empty the Pool and Examine the Damage
- Empty the pool and leave it till it’s dry so the damaged area can be thoroughly examined.
- Another reason to empty the pool is so water doesn\’t enter the cracked area and disturb the repair process.
- Once the water dries up, examine the damaged area to determine the extent of damage and the method of repairs. Repairing a small crack is so much different from larger ones.
Step 2: Sand & Cut
- Get the electric sander and use it to smoothen the cracks or swells and their surrounding area. Doing this gets rid of dirt and removes cracking paint or any other particle that has become slack.
- When the area is smooth, dirt, and paint-free, mmeasure2 inches around the ruined site using a marker or pen.
- Substitute the disc of the sander with the diamond-edged cutting wheel and carve out the marked-out area to the level of the crack adequate to get rid of the entire damaged section.
Step 3: Smear the Bond Coat
The bond coat fills out the cutout hole to ensure it is at the same level as the pool\’s surface. Before smearing the bond, check if the damaged area is dripping water. If it is, spread over the hydraulic cement first. Then,
- Mix the bond following the instructions in the repair kit.
- Smear the bond coat to the slit using a putty knife.
- Wait for a while for it to set. A proof that it is ready is its gummy uniformity.
Step 4: Smear the Polyester Putty
- The first thing to do in this step is to catalyze the putty to cause a chemical reaction.
This chemical reaction is possible by applying epoxy, which can be found in the repair kit. The catalyst is used, the quicker the putty dry and the harder it gets.
- Smear the polyester putty over the bond coat and make it uniform using a scraper or putty knife.
- Once it is dry, pick up the electric sander and smoothen the area.
- Clean the sanded area using acetone or a wipe cloth to get rid of residual dust.
Step 5: Smear the Gel Coat and Apply the Fibreglass Cloth
- Use the painter\’s tape to cover approximately 2 inches around the area undergoing repairs.
- With a paint roller or spray gun, apply the gel coat. The spray gun is preferable for a more uniform finish.
- While the gel coat is wet, ensure the Fibreglass cloth is in place and use a ridged roller to remove folds and bubbles.
Note: the Fibreglass cloth must enclose the 2 inches boundary around the repair area.
- Smear another layer of gel coat and leave it to dry.
- Once the skin is dry, sand it using the electric sander and remove residual dust using acetone.
- Complete the process by smearing a coat of sealant and leaving it to dry.
If each of these steps is followed doggedly, be rest assured that the Fibreglass pool would be in good shape―if not a better shape than it was before. Between 2-5 days, the coat of sealant should dry completely, meaning the pool is ready for fresh, clean water.
How Much Does it Cost to Repair a Fibreglass Pool?
Hiring a professional for the Fibreglass pool repair costs roughly $400 – $600 depending on the pool\’s age, size, design, finishes, and the extent of the damage. This price range is majorly for fixing up small cracks on the collection. Additional repairs and total resurfacing of the Fibreglass pool would incur extra costs. On the other hand, taking the DIY route to fix up the pool might cost more or less depending on the tools available and the skill set. If the devices are readily available, the cost is reduced.
For either the professional or DIY route, extra expenses come from draining and refilling the tub and applying the right chemical.
Final Thoughts
The best time for Fibreglass pool repair is when a crack or chip is noticed or a part of the pool shows signs of swelling. Postponing the repairs would only cause more harm than good because the more time the crack or swell is left unattended, the more water seeps through it, making the gap more significant and expensive to fix. Fibreglass pool owners can decide to hire professionals or take the DIY approach to improve it; however, it might be better to contact a professional for a satisfactory result.