Repairing Guides

how to repair a pool slide

by Taryn Wunsch PhD Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
image

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
1:37
5:30
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 slide on a refrigerator?

Surface Cracks – Newer rotomolded and acrylic slides rarely crack, but if they do, it can be fixed. It requires a plastic welder and PE plastic which can be purchased in flat rods. After preparation, new material of a similar color is melted into the crack, sanded and polished. Fiberglass slide cracks are more common.

How to clean the slide on your pool?

Often, a quick wipe with a soft clean cloth and some windex is all that’s needed. Use Bon Ami for scale build-up on aluminum. For saltwater pools, indoor pools or pools by the ocean, it is recommended that the slide surfaces be rinsed daily to remove salt buildup. Cleaning schedules should be accelerated too, to keep the slide looking good.

How have pool slides changed in the last 10 years?

In the last ten years, pool slide construction materials have changed, and this has led to presumably less maintenance or repair issues. For instance, slides are no longer made from a fiberglass shell, with a thin gelcoat surface. Rotomolded polyethylene, or thermoplastic acrylic surfaces are used nowadays, with the color all the way through.

image

How do you restore an old 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 hole in a plastic water slide?

Cut a patch that is at least ½ inch bigger than the tear, spread small amounts of glue around the square, and place the patch onto the glue to cover the tear. Then let the glue dry on the patch for at least 24 hours.

What are old pool slides made of?

About Pool Slides If you have an older pool slide, it is like it's made up of a fiberglass shell with a coated surface. The more modern pool slides are typically made from a rotomolded polyethylene or a thermoplastic acrylic with the color infused throughout.

How do you fix a kids slide?

0:161:52How to fix a broken plastic slide for your children fixing a ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's not an easy fix because you can you can you can try to put in some you can put you can try toMoreIt's not an easy fix because you can you can you can try to put in some you can put you can try to move you some tape. But they're gonna get the tape down.

How do you fix an inflatable pool slide?

0:157:34How to repair an inflatable slide - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm gonna show you how we take care of that. Okay so we got this hauled in the garage here I've cutMoreI'm gonna show you how we take care of that. Okay so we got this hauled in the garage here I've cut a patch ideally. I would have fabric similar to this or a nice vinyl.

How do you fix a hole in hard plastic?

When plastic is punctured, it seems tricky to fix at first. Luckily, there are ways to fix and patch plastic without completely replacing it. A makeshift cement from super glue and baking soda can fill small holes in a pinch. Larger holes in plastic can be filled with melted plastic or epoxy.

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 restore a plastic slide?

How to Make a Slide Slippery the Safe WayMake a Cleaning Solution. Make a cleaning solution using warm water and a mild dish detergent. ... Scrub Down the Slide. You'll want to use an abrasive rag or hand towel to scrub the slide from top to bottom. ... Let it Dry. ... Wax the Slide Itself. ... Sand the Slide Surface (If Needed)

Can I paint a plastic slide?

Spray paint is considered the best option for plastic playground equipment and toys. It's so much easier than dealing with buckets and brushes and clean-up. Spray paint is manufactured specifically to stick on glossy surfaces like plastic play equipment.

Can you fix broken slide?

The usual practice of repairing a broken slide is to use Scotch Tape; but often fine splintering with loss of some part of the slide results in loose-jointed coherence, making impossible placing the slide on the stage of a microscope or filing it in a slide box with compartments.

How do you repair a plastic slide for kids?

0:122:55Weld and repair a playground Slide using a plastic welder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI'm going to use a grinder. And a scraper to grind away the oxidization. And the debris. TheMoreI'm going to use a grinder. And a scraper to grind away the oxidization. And the debris. The injectibles has a lot tear. As soon as I touch the tip on the pocket it will melt into the plastic.

How do you fix plastic polymers?

1:506:42How To Repair Polymer Parts - Wrenchin' Up - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the reason we're using nitrogen is that nitrogen will melt the plastic without burning. It. WhenMoreAnd the reason we're using nitrogen is that nitrogen will melt the plastic without burning. It. When we eliminate the oxygen. It will melt the plastic cleanly with no combustion.

How long does it take for a fiberglass pool slide to set?

Leave the fiberglass filler for approximately two hours to set.

Is a fiberglass pool slide easy to repair?

A fiberglass pool slide is quite cheap and easy to repair. Its high durability, low cost and relatively low maintenance demands are what makes the fiberglass slide so popular. Nonetheless, with normal wear and tear, a fiberglass pool slide can develop cracks or holes in it over time.

What are the signs of a slide?

Chips, scratches, cracks, scummy build-up and other indicators of a well-loved slide add up to a rough and potentially hazardous ride. Though routine, ongoing maintenance will go a long way toward keeping these towering attractions operating safely, repairs are inevitable.

What is bare fiberglass slide?

Bare fiberglass — A new slide fresh from the factory comes with a protective top coat over the fiberglass laminate. Most manufacturers use gel coat. Though durable, gel coat will wear away over time. That creates the potential for the fibers to protrude through the laminate surface.

Is a water slide waterproof?

Waterslide Repair. Funny thing about water slides: They’re not exactly waterproof. Just as a river will smooth rock to stone, thousands of gallons of rushing, chemical-laden water and abrasive swimsuit-clad bodies will take an eventual toll on fiberglass flumes. Water slides are durable, not indestructible.

How do I clean a pool slide?

Clean the Pool Slide. First, remove any dirt and loose paint with a pressure washer. This should be no less than 2000 psi. Let the surface dry thoroughly. Most pool slides are made from fiberglass, so you’ll then need to scrub the surface with TSP (Trisodium phosphate).

What happens if you put too thick coat on a slide?

A coat that's too thick will result in bubbles, blisters, and having to redo the entire project.

image

Tools and Materials

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 area to be repaired. Try to make the walls of the cracks and holes taper towards the inside while smoothing the area.
See more on doityourself.com

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.
See more on doityourself.com

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…
See more on doityourself.com

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.
See more on doityourself.com

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.
See more on doityourself.com

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.
See more on doityourself.com

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.
See more on doityourself.com

A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P Q R S T U V W X Y Z 1 2 3 4 5 6 7 8 9