5 Effective Ways to Fix a Crack in Your Inground Pool

 

A crack in your inground pool is not just unsightly, but it is also unsafe. If left unrepaired, cracks in your inground pool can worsen. It also makes them more challenging to fix. Some cracks can be fixed quickly, while others require the services of a pool expert.

There are 5 effective ways to fix a crack in your Sarasota inground pool:

  1. Fix minor surface cracks in a concrete pool with screwdriver and putty.
  2. Fix minor surface cracks in a vinyl liner pool with a vinyl patch.
  3. Fix minor surface cracks in a fiberglass pool with a fiberglass pool repair kit.
  4. Fix major surface cracks or minor structural cracks with a grinder and pool plaster.
  5. Fix structural cracks with staples.

Before I go on with the details on how to fix cracks in your inground pool, let’s first go over the different kinds of inground pools. Next, we will look into the types of pool cracks and what causes them in the first place. Then, we will dive into the details of fixing cracks in your inground pool.

This article also looks into the possible dangers if cracks in your inground pool are not managed. Finally, I’ll share with you how to avoid having cracks in your inground pool. 

Kinds of Inground Pools

There are three kinds of inground pools: 

  • Concrete or gunite
  • Vinyl liner
  • Fiberglass

Concrete or gunite pools are popular for their durability and potential for customization. Some of the most beautiful pools are inground concrete pools. It’s the best choice in terms of style and elegance. Concrete pools also last for a lifetime, often with a lifespan of more than 40 years. 

Vinyl liner pools are the most affordable to install among the three types of pools. It is named for its lining made up of vinyl, the world's most versatile plastic, used to make everything from food wrap to auto body parts. Most people who decide to build their pool themselves, have a vinyl liner pool. 

Fiberglass pools are the fastest to install among the three. It takes only a few days to install a fiberglass pool. However, one disadvantage of a fiberglass pool is that it cannot be customized. They are commonly rectangular shaped, with sizes ranging from 10x20 feet to 16x40 feet. 

The inground pools in Sarasota and Bradenton are commonly made from concrete or fiberglass.

Kinds of Pool Cracks

Pool cracks may be categorized as either surface cracks and structural cracks. 

Surface cracks are shallow breaks that sometimes occur because of shrinkage during the curing process of the pool. They may be unsightly, but they can be fixed easily.

Structural cracks, on the other hand, are extensive and may lead to a pool leak. They can be found in different areas of the pool. You might see them on the sides, bottom, or corners of your pool. They may also run vertically or horizontally. If you see deep cracks in your inground pool, it might be necessary to call an experienced pool service provider.

You can distinguish a surface crack from a structural crack by looking at the depth and length of the crack. Surface cracks are often smaller and appear in clusters. With surface cracks, you might see the plaster flaking, but underneath, the concrete is still intact. 

On the other hand, a structural crack is deeper, almost like a crevice in your pool. It runs either down the side of a pool from the tile or through the bottom coping down the walls. A significant water loss is another indicator of surface cracks in your pool.

However, it is not always easy to determine if a crack is superficial or structural. It is still best to consult with a pool expert like Nelson Pool Company. 

5 Effective Ways to Fix a Crack in Your Inground Pool 

Here are the details on the 5 effective ways to fix a crack in your inground pool:

1. Fix minor surface cracks in a concrete pool with screwdriver and putty

First, scrape the full length of the minor surface crack with a flathead screwdriver. Next, using a special putty designed for pools, cover every inch of the crack. Make sure that you mold and squeeze it in carefully to ensure that all cracks are filled.

2. Fix minor surface cracks and punctures in a vinyl liner pool with a vinyl patch

Minor cracks and tears in a vinyl liner pool can easily be repaired with a vinyl patch kit. Since most kits can be repaired underwater, you won’t need to drain your pool. To fix punctures in your vinyl liner pool, first cut the vinyl patch in a circle or oval shape. The size of the path should be at least ½ inch bigger than the size of the crack or puncture. Next, put some vinyl glue onto the patch and fold it together for about three minutes. After that, unfold the patch and put it on the crack or puncture. Seal it by rubbing out all the air. Let it sit for around 10 minutes and rub again to ensure complete coverage.  

3. Fix minor surface cracks in a fiberglass pool with a fiberglass pool repair kit

First, drain the pool until it reaches the level below the cracked area. Next, sand the cracked area and cut around the crack with a diamond-bladed saw. Fill the crack with hydraulic cement if it is leaking water. Next, apply the bond coat, followed by the mixed polyester putty. Wait for the putty to cure before sanding it. After that, apply the fiberglass layer. This is done by applying a gel coat, a fiberglass cloth on top of it, and then another gel coat layer to completely seal the crack. Note that the fiberglass layer has to overlap the existing pool fiberglass by at least 2 inches on either side to completely seal the crack. Finally, sand the surface when the gel coat is completely dry to smoothen it and apply a fishing layer of gel coat. 

4. Fix major surface cracks or minor structural cracks in a concrete pool with a grinder and pool plaster

Drain the pool completely. Remove at least two hydrostatic relief plugs from the pool floor. Using a 4-inch grinder, widen the crack and make it into a reverse V shape. Next, dampen the crack. Ensure that it remains moist as you apply a bonding additive until the crack is filled up. Use hydraulic cement if it is over an inch deep, then add pool plaster for a smooth finish. However, it is best to get the best pool repair service in Sarasota, especially if your pool has structural cracks.

5. Fix structural cracks in a concrete pool with staples 

Make a horizontal cut on the crack. Drill a hole on both ends of the cut. Put a steel or carbon fiber staple to fuse both sides of the crack. This process is actually more complex than it seems. An experienced pool repair professional can help you ensure that structural cracks in your pool are completely fixed.

DIY repairs might be great for fixing surface cracks. Structural cracks, however, are best left for experts. Fixing them on your own might do more harm than good. Getting the best pool repair service in Sarasota will do wonders for your pool. Click here to see what one of our clients says about our services.

What Causes Pool Cracks

There are 3 significant causes of pool cracks:

  1. Improper Design and Engineering
  2. Poor Workmanship
  3. Soil Issues

Improper Design and Engineering

If a pool is improperly designed and engineered, there is an increased tendency for structural cracks to occur. For instance, failing to test the soil for its load-bearing capacity and stability can cause it to give way, which in turn affects the pool’s structural integrity.

Poor Workmanship

Pools may be designed and engineered properly, but if the construction plan is not followed to the letter, cracks will occur. Taking shortcuts in building a pool can cause structural cracks. If the rebar is not carefully tied in place while the pool is being built, it may cause cracks later on. 

Even adding too much water to the gunite when spraying it to the rebar can cause cracks. Another mistake that might cause cracking in your pool is not keeping it moist enough after the concrete is sprayed on, especially during hot days or in areas with hot climates.

Soil Issues

Natural events such as earthquakes and surface movements on hillside properties can cause pool cracks. Building a pool on poorly compacted soil may also result in pool cracking. Certain types of soils also make a pool prone to cracking. Soils that easily collapse may not be able to bear the weight of your pool, which in turn will cause it to crack. A pool built on expansive soil, or the kind that contains clay, is also prone to cracking. 

Preventing Cracks in Your Inground Pool

If you’re planning to have a new pool installed or a pool renovation in Sarasota, there are 3 things that you can do to prevent pool cracks in the future:

  1. Test the soil and the topography of the surface where the pool will be built 
  2. Work with an expert to know the best pool design that fits your home
  3. Work with a licensed pool contractor to ensure excellent workmanship.

The Hidden Dangers of Pool Cracks

You might be tempted to ignore those pool cracks because they seem small and shallow at the moment. Here are 4 hidden dangers of pool cracks:

  1. Unrepaired pool cracks may compromise your pool’s structural integrity.
  2. It may lead to leaks or more pool cracks.
  3. It may pose a safety risk to the users of your pool.
  4. In a worst-case scenario, it can affect the structural integrity of your home if the foundation starts to sink because the ground has been soaked with too much water.

Why Hire a Pool Repair Expert to Fix Cracks in Your Inground Pool?

There are 5 great reasons why you need to hire a licensed and experienced pool service provider in Sarasota:

  1. Get the desired outcome
  2. Be protected by insurance coverage
  3. Get expert advice and professional service
  4. Avoid costly mistakes
  5. Get your pool fixed faster

You need a pool repair expert who is reliable and professional. Nelson Pool Company meets all these criteria and more. We provide the best in-ground pool leak detection & repair in Sarasota. All our services are fully insured and licensed. Best of all, we offer our services at an affordable price.

Call us, Nelson Pool Company, at 941-256-4079 today, and we will help you get your pool in tiptop shape again. 

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