Repairing Guides

how to repair a crack in a fiberglass pool slide

by Karianne O'Reilly Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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How to Repair a Fiberglass Pool Slide.

  • Step 1 – Sand the Surface. Wear a pair of protective gloves and a respirator when working with fiberglass. Using an 80 grit sandpaper, sand down the ...
  • Step 2 – Clean the Area.
  • Step 3 – Apply the Fiberglass Filler.
  • Step 3 – Sand the Repaired Area.
  • Step 4 – Apply Gel Coat.

Part of a video titled Plastic Pointers #8 - Cracked Inground Pool Slide - YouTube
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All right so we will begin by dropping some plastifix powder along the repair. So what we're doingMoreAll right so we will begin by dropping some plastifix powder along the repair. So what we're doing here is we're just going to build up a layer of plastifix.

Full Answer

How do you repair a fiberglass pool slide?

How to Repair a Fiberglass Pool Slide. 1 Step 1 – Sand the Surface. Wear a pair of protective gloves and a respirator when working with fiberglass. Using an 80 grit sandpaper, sand down the ... 2 Step 2 – Clean the Area. 3 Step 3 – Apply the Fiberglass Filler. 4 Step 3 – Sand the Repaired Area. 5 Step 4 – Apply Gel Coat. More items

How do you fix a cracked pool?

The first step is to drain your pool of water so that you have complete access to the crack and surrounding surface area. Depending on the size and depth of the crack, there are different ways to address the issue.

How do you fix a split in a fiberglass boat?

Smaller cracks will require a different method of repair to larger splits in the fiberglass. Use an electric sander to sand down the area around the crack or bulge to remove any loose dirt and peeling paint before applying acetone to get rid of any residual dust.

Can a fiberglass pool be maintained?

Maintaining a fiberglass pool can mean more than simply cleaning it on a regular basis. Any damage that it sustains will also need to be repaired. By following the necessary steps, you will find it possible to repair any cracks that may appear.

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Can you fix a fiberglass slide?

Fiberglass slide cracks are more common. It can be small stress cracks in the Gelcoat surface, or in rare cases, the fiberglass shell itself can become cracked. Gelcoat repair kits can be purchased, or your slide could be completely recoated, by a local boat repair company.

How do you fix a crack in fiberglass?

Here's how.Drill a tiny hole at each end of the crack. This will stop the crack from extending any further.Examine the crack. ... Wipe the crack with a dry rag to make sure it's clean and dry. ... Fill the crack with a fair amount of fiberglass epoxy resin, using a plastic applicator. ... Let the epoxy dry for a day.

How do you restore a fiberglass pool slide?

1:057:27Polishing Pool Slide With HDSPEED!! - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipGet some polish polishing done there and lay some wax behind. So that's what we're going to do thereMoreGet some polish polishing done there and lay some wax behind. So that's what we're going to do there. And I'm going to use a clay bar.

How do you fix a hairline crack in a fiberglass pool?

For minor cracks, simply cover it with fiberglass paint. For more severe cracks, generally cracks that measure between ½-inch deep and extend 1-inch in length on both sides, the crack and surrounding area may need to be sanded down, with any loose particles removed.

Can JB Weld be used on fiberglass?

The results of the JB Weld Plastic Bonder fiberglass repair were excellent. Not only was the process quick and easy, but the panels look like they did from factory. The bond is strong; we would use this stuff on just about any plastic or fiberglass component that needed to be repaired.

Does Gorilla Glue work on fiberglass?

GorillaWeld is an incredibly strong and heavy duty steel bond epoxy. The formula has a 4250 PSI bond strength and sets in just 10 minutes. GorillaWeld is also waterproof and versatile, creating a long lasting, permanent bond to: metal, plastics*, concrete, ceramics, PVC, fiberglass and more!

How do you resurface a water slide?

2:347:20Pool Slide MAKEOVER! How to Paint a Pool Slide. - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOr we may grab a gray Koh handheld ultra max and spray it with that because we don't need very muchMoreOr we may grab a gray Koh handheld ultra max and spray it with that because we don't need very much for a slide probably less than a quart yeah that's gonna take less than a quart.

Can you paint a fiberglass water slide?

According to In The Swim, the only kind of paint that should be used on fiberglass pools is an epoxy pool paint. For fiberglass pool slides, use a product made specifically for this, such as EP Epoxy Pool Paint. This works on painted and unpainted surfaces and produces a tile-like, high-gloss finish.

Can I spray paint a slide?

Paint the slide using even coats of spray paint, allowing it to completely dry between coats. I gave our slide three coats of spray paint for lasting durability.

What happens if a fiberglass pool cracks?

Fiberglass pools have a gel coating that can develop hairline cracks over time. These cracks typically only penetrate the gel coat and do not affect the pool's structural integrity, nor do they indicate leaks. If you see blisters as well as cracks, this is a sign that the gel coating was applied too thinly.

How much does it cost to fix a crack in a fiberglass pool?

Fiberglass Pool Repair Cost The cost to get your fiberglass pool professionally resurfaced is about $6500, but it depends on the size, shape and age of your pool, as well as the finishes.

How often do fiberglass pools crack?

The reality is that the vast majority of fiberglass pools do not need repairs within the first 20 to 40 years. However, sometimes issues arise that merit repair work. It could be something small, like a rock flying up and hitting the pool during shipping, or a structural crack.

Can fiberglass be repaired?

In comparison to traditional building materials, Fibreglass composite materials are generally easier to repair. It is important to note that once the original fibreglass laminate is damaged, any repairs to the original are considered as secondary bonds.

Does epoxy stick to fiberglass?

One reason that an epoxy product such as WEST SYSTEM® Epoxy is so useful for fibreglass boat repairs is that it's an incredibly effective adhesive. It creates a resilient bond to fibreglass, cured polyester laminates, wood and metals – even when you only use a thin film.

Can you use Bondo on fiberglass?

Bondo Body Filler cures fast, shapes in minutes and is formulated to be a non-shrinking and permanently durable material. In addition to its uses on vehicle exteriors and other metal surfaces it is also a suitable repair option for wood, fiberglass and concrete.

What causes fiberglass to crack?

The main causes are: Swelling of the resin due to water diffusion. Wave action and rigging stresses. Direct sunlight or thermal shock on darker colored gelcoat can cause warping, delamination and blistering.

What to do if you notice a crack in a fiberglass pool?

If you notice a crack in your fiberglass pool, you’ll want to inspect and repair it as soon as possible. The first step is to drain your pool of water so that you have complete access to the crack and surrounding surface area.

Why is my fiberglass slab cracked?

There are many different things that can cause these cracks to form, including improper installation or manufacturing too thin of slabs that cannot withstand the strain of shipping and lifting . If the fiberglass arrives on-site cracked, it should be sent back and not installed.

What is spider crack?

All in all, spider cracks are just a normal part of wear and tear on fiberglass pools. These hairline cracks form in the surface layer, or gelcoat, and are not structural – which means they will not impact the overall structure of your pool. The crack usually does not extend into the structural laminate layers of your pool, and that’s a good thing.

How deep is a crack in a car?

For more severe cracks, generally cracks that measure between ½-inch deep and extend 1-inch in length on both sides, the crack and surrounding area may need to be sanded down, with any loose particles removed. The entire defective section may need to be removed and replaced.

Can spider cracks be seen in a fiberglass pool?

Not only are they hard to see, but in addition, they don’t typically cause any problems, so they aren’t usually something to worry about. All in all, spider cracks are just a normal part of wear and tear on fiberglass pools.

Why is my pool cracking?

But even with proper maintenance, being exposed to harsh chemicals and other elements can cause havoc to your pool and can lead to cracks and bulges appearing. Follow the steps below to help repair these unsightly blemishes to your pool’s surface.

How far below the water level should you clean a fiberglass pool?

Make sure to collect samples at least 18 inches below the water level on either side of the return jet. When cleaning a fiberglass pool, always ensure you use nylon bristles so that you don’t scratch the surface of the pool and use a pool vacuum that is heavy enough to remove dirt and debris that has sunk to the bottom.

How to make putty dry faster?

The higher the ratio of catalyst to putty, the quicker the dry time and the harder the putty will dry. Make sure it’s smooth by using a putty knife or scraper to level it. Once it has dried, use the electric sander to smooth the area and wipe it down with some acetone to remove any residual dust.

How to remove peeling paint from crack?

Use an electric sander to sand down the area around the crack or bulge to remove any loose dirt and peeling paint before applying acetone to get rid of any residual dust. Don’t manually sand the area with sandpaper as it won’t produce as smooth a result as an electric sander does.

How long does it take for a pool to dry?

To finish up, apply a coat of sealant and leave it to dry completely, which should take 2 to 3 days, depending on weather conditions, before refilling the pool.

Do fiberglass pools need maintenance?

However, although pool installation has come a long way, fiberglass pools are still subject to everyday wear and tear and require basic maintenance to ensure they stay in top condition and don’t end up devaluing your property.

Is fiberglass pool technology advanced?

When fiberglass pools first came on the market , fiberglass technology wasn’t as advanced as it is today. They used to be poorly constructed and designed and when installing them, concrete would be poured up to the edge of the pool and then covered with fiberglass, leaving the top edge of the pool exposed, which was unsightly.

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Tools and Materials

  1. Fiberglass filler
  2. Catalyst
  3. Acetone
  4. Rags
  1. Fiberglass filler
  2. Catalyst
  3. Acetone
  4. Rags

Step 2 – Clean The Area

  • Use a clean rag soaked in acetone to clean the areas that you have sanded down. If you don’t do this, contaminants will remain which will affect the adhesive properties of the fiberglass filler.
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Step 3 – Apply The Fiberglass Filler

  • Following the instructions supplied by the manufacturer, mix a small quantity of the fiberglass filler. This will be ready to start applying to the repair area as soon as it is a consistent color. Apply it to the pool slide using a putty knife. Make sure that the surface of the filler is as smooth as possible, making it level with the surrounding fiberglass surface. Leave the fiberglass filler fo…
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Step 3 – Sand The Repaired Area

  • Using the higher grade 100 grit sandpaper, sand down the repaired area once it is completely dry. Wrap the sandpaper around a sanding block to make this easier. Finally, clean the area with the acetone soaked rag again.
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Step 4 – Apply Gel Coat

  • The gel coat should match the color of the pool slide. Mix this coating, adding about one percent catalyst to the mix. Stir the mixture together and apply it to the areas that you have repaired. Leave it for an adequate amount of time to set and dry as directed to by the label on the product.
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Step 5 – Sand The Repaired Area

  • When the surface is dry again, use the 1200 grit sandpaper. The sandpaper should be wet. This is to remove any brush marks or lines in the gel coating. Rinse the surface down after doing this and leave it to dry.
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Step 6 – Apply The Wax

  • Apply a thin coat of the fiberglass wax to the repaired area. Allow this to dry and then buff it using a dry, clean cloth. The slide should be ready to use again.
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