Concrete Pool Repair in 6 Steps

Even with the best of concrete in-ground swimming pools, you will eventually find cracks, hollow spots, and chips on the surfaces as they age. But, with the proper tools and materials, you’ll find that concrete pool repair can be easy if you use the six steps as described below.

Step 1 – Remove Damaged Substrate

Remove any patches or foreign materials from the substrate or surface. If the substrate has cracks, use a concrete grinder to cut them out and extend the cutout at least an inch beyond both ends of the original crack. When working with a grinder, wear safety gloves and goggles.

Create a few pockmarks on the surface of the pool with your chisel and hammer. Patching material will bond better to the pool’s new surface if these holes are present.

Step 2 – Find Hollow Spots

You will be able to see cracks in the pool’s surface easily, but it may not be easy to find places where the outer plaster has separated from the shotcrete or gunite beneath it. Eventually, if these spots exist, they will separate completely. If you are repairing the surface of your pool, it’s a good idea to repair these potential trouble spots as well.

By gently tapping the pool’s side, you can easily locate these areas. There will be hollow sounds at places where the plaster is separating. Removing the loose plaster and replacing it with the mixture you will use to fill cracks and holes is the first step.

Step 3 – Clean the Substrate Surface

The surface you are repairing should be free of dust, grit, and concrete pieces. After that, it should be rinsed with acid.

Work with acid can be dangerous if you don’t take the necessary safety precautions. Wear rubber gloves, boots, splash-safe eyegoggles, and an approved respirator while handling the product. It is also important to note that you should never add water to an acid; always add acid to water. By reversing this process, you could cause an explosive reaction on your skin.

Step 4 – Fill Cracks and Depressions

Caulk the crack, leaving a 14.5-inch space between the caulk and the crack’s top. Plaster can then be applied later without creating uneven places on the surface. Wait 24 hours after caulking is completed to apply plaster over it.

Step 5 – Apply a Fill Mixture

A mixture of white concrete, white sand, acrylic cement bonding agent, and enough water to make it thick like putty should be applied. Fill all divots, holes, and corners with the mixture, being careful not to let air bubbles escape. After the mixture is smooth and level, use a trowel to smooth it over the surface. Smooth the surface again with your trowel after the mixture has set up, about 15 minutes.

Step 6 – Texture the Surface

As long as the old surface has a rougher texture than your newly patched spot, you should match the textures as soon as your newly patched spot is wet. To do this, use a damp sponge to texturize the area.

After you have repaired your pool surface, you should fill it with water right away. Spread towels over the newly repaired surface if you expect a delay in filling your pool.