Repairing Guides

how to repair crack in fiberglass hot tub

by Octavia Graham MD Published 2 years ago Updated 1 year ago
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How to Fix a Crack in a Fiberglass Hot Tub

  • 1.. Drain the hot tub to expose the crack in the fiberglass. Turn off the breaker to the hot tub.
  • 2.. Protect your hands with vinyl gloves, and your eyes with goggles. Wear a respirator to avoid breathing in fiberglass...
  • 3.. Install a 1/16-inch drill bit into a cordless drill. Drill a small hole through the fiberglass at the...

Full Answer

How do I fix a crack in my fiberglass bathtub?

Repair A Cracked Bathtub

  • Overview. To repair your cracked bathtub, you’ll need to buy a bathtub repair kit. ...
  • Process. Pick up a bathtub repair kit from the hardware store or home improvement center. ...
  • Tips and Suggestions. Repairing the bathtub won’t be adequate if the bathtub doesn’t have the support it needs to prevent this from happening again.

What is the best way to repair a cracked bathtub?

Tools you will need when fixing your tub

  • You definitely need a putty knife.
  • A nylon-bristled paintbrush
  • A fiberglass mesh
  • Epoxy resin
  • A patch filler
  • Grit sandpaper
  • A utility knife.

How to repair a cracked bathtub the right way?

Repair any chips or cracks in the tub with a 2-component epoxy chip repair kit. Follow the instructions to mix the two parts of the epoxy in a small tray. Use a small brush, spatula, or the bottom end of a matchstick to apply thin layers of epoxy to any chips.

How to fix a crack in a fiberglass bathtub?

How to fix a crack in a fiberglass tub?

  1. Ensure that the area surrounding it is dry and clean. Clean the crack area using a cloth or sponge dipped in a home cleanser. ...
  2. Sand the crack’s surrounding region. After cleaning and drying the cracked area, sand it using fine-grit sandpaper. ...
  3. Apply the plaster when it has been prepared. ...
  4. Fiberglass filler should be used to fill the crack. ...

More items...

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How do you fix a crack in a fiberglass hot tub?

0:387:43How to Repair a crack in a Spa Shell. Fix cracks & burn marks ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo the method I'm going to use. And show you is by melting. This back together and to do that we'reMoreSo the method I'm going to use. And show you is by melting. This back together and to do that we're going to use a soldering iron or a soldering iron. I believe they're called in the States.

Can you fix a crack in a fiberglass tub?

No matter how bad a crack or an indentation may look, the process is the same as if it was a little pit. In either case, it's surprisingly simple. By using a basic epoxy kit with a few essential items, repairing a fiberglass tub takes as little as one day, with most of that time spent as the compound dries.

Can a cracked Jacuzzi tub be repaired?

0:081:15How to Seal Cracks in a Hot Tub With Acrylic : Hot Tub Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou would need to drain your hot tub down to where the crack is. Make. Sure it's very very dry. AndMoreYou would need to drain your hot tub down to where the crack is. Make. Sure it's very very dry. And then you can either use a two-part epoxy such as this you'd want to put equal amounts of each.

How do you fix a hairline 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 I know if my tub is fiberglass or acrylic?

Look around the tub's edges and see if it appears thinner; this could be an indication that it is acrylic. Acrylic tubs usually come in more colors than fiberglass tubs, as fiberglass tubs are commonly white. Acrylic also feels warmer to the touch than fiberglass, and tubs made of acrylic have smoother finishes.

How much does it cost to fix a cracked tub?

Fixing a cracked bathtub can cost you between $100 and $300, depending on the materials and length of the crack. Thankfully, it is possible to fix just the crack of the tub instead of having to replace the entire tub. Whether or not you should hire a professional for a job like this is a tricky decision.

Why did my hot tub crack?

Overexposure to Sunlight. The acrylic shell of the hot tub must not be exposed to sunlight when it's not in use (whether it's full or empty). The heat can influence the expansion and contraction of the surface, weakening the surface and increasing the likelihood of cracks.

Why do hot tubs crack?

Hot tubs shells can last for decades if they remain resilient and flexible. But if a tub sits empty for too long the shell can dry out and crack. Sometimes it looks fine until it is refilled and heated – then the sudden weight and temperature change cause it to crack.

How do you fix a ripped hot tub?

1:112:31How To PATCH an INFLATABLE HOT TUB/ POOL - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipBe sure to find the hole before you completely deflate the hot tub or else it'll be hard to findMoreBe sure to find the hole before you completely deflate the hot tub or else it'll be hard to find where the air is escaping. The third step is to clean the area which you're going to patch.

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.

What causes a fiberglass tub to crack?

Common Causes of Cracks Fiberglass is very flexible and easily bends under weight. Continuous pressure from weight combined with improper support can lead to cracks over time. A heavy object is the second culprit. When heavy objects are dropped in a bathtub, small divots and dents begin to form.

Can epoxy be used on fiberglass?

Epoxy is ideal for wetting out fibreglass You need to work hard to get an even, consistent coating – normally using a foam roller, brush or metal paddle roller. With epoxy, it's like using warm butter – the epoxy does the work for you.

How much does it cost to repair a fiberglass tub?

The average cost of the tub itself ranges from $500 to $7,500 or more. Tub repair and refinishing starts at $295. Prices can go as high as $1,000, but only in extreme cases. The average cost to repair and refinish a fiberglass tub is $550.

How do you repair a fiberglass tub?

0:153:14How to fix a Crack Hole in Bathtub - Fiberglass - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThey usually come with some kind of a putty a liquid hardener and fortunately with this one it comesMoreThey usually come with some kind of a putty a liquid hardener and fortunately with this one it comes with some sandpaper and mixing stick to make this a little bit easier.

Why would a fiberglass tub crack?

Common Causes of Cracks Fiberglass is very flexible and easily bends under weight. Continuous pressure from weight combined with improper support can lead to cracks over time. A heavy object is the second culprit. When heavy objects are dropped in a bathtub, small divots and dents begin to form.

How do you repair a crack in the bottom of a bathtub?

0:402:10How to Fix a Cracked or Chipped Bathtub - Epoxy - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThe epoxy mixture. So be careful to not press down the syringe yet when you are ready make sure youMoreThe epoxy mixture. So be careful to not press down the syringe yet when you are ready make sure you squeeze the epoxy. In the mixing tray that's provided for you.

What to use to fix cracks in hot tub?

A Drill and Rotary Bit. You’ll only need a drill for larger cracks. It should have a rotary bit, so you can grind down the edges of the crack. Hot Tub Cleaner. As a hot tub owner, you likely have a cleaner from your local dealer on hand. If not, a comparable acrylic cleaning product from a hardware store will do.

What to do if you find a leak in your spa?

If you find a leak, you’ll have to drain your spa and start over. Enjoy your soak! Repairing a scratch or crack in your spa’s shell is typically a quick and relatively simple task. In fact, the part that will likely take the longest is draining and refilling your hot tub.

What is the best towel for hot tub?

A Soft Towel. The softer the towel, the less abrasive it will be to the surface of your hot tub shell. Microfiber towels, like those used in automotive repair, are good examples of low-abrasion towels. Sandpaper.

How long does it take to repair an acrylic shell?

Even a little damage can be a big disappointment. Fortunately, fixing minor cosmetic damage to the acrylic shell usually isn’t difficult; it might take an hour or two and should require only a few inexpensive and easy-to-find supplies. But cracks and scratches are very important to address. Left untreated, cracks can grow, extending ...

How to fix a small crack in a wall?

If it’s a larger crack, use the drill and bit to grind the edges into a “v” shape, and then fill it with patch material. The bottom of the “v” should be the base of the crack, with the sides sloping out to provide a seat for your plaster material. Apply only enough material to fill the crack.

What is the best way to repair a shell?

Sandpaper. You’ll probably be able to repair your shell with the most common sandpaper grain s in stock at hardware stores. If you’re looking for a greater degree of control over the results, have a range of grains on hand.

What happens if you fail to repair a covered damage?

If you attempt to repair covered damage on your own and fail, the warranty will no longer be valid. Once you assess the issue, decide if it’s something you feel comfortable repairing.

Why does my fiberglass tub have a hairline crack?

Hairline, spider and stress cracks develop on fiberglass tubs due to frequent use, insufficient support, use of harsh cleaners, dropping the tub and hitting it with heavy objects. If not fixed on time, these small cracks develop into larger cracks which lead to leaks and eventually the bathtub breaks apart. Luckily, you can fix hairline cracks on fiberglass tubs quite easily.

How to repair cracks in fiberglass?

Put the cloth over the crack before the epoxy mixture dries up. Press it firmly into the epoxy mixture then run a putty knife over it to remove any air bubbles under the cloth.

What is fiberglass tub repair kit?

A fiberglass tub repair kit has the tools and chemicals you need to fix a cracked or damaged fiberglass surface. You can use it on bathtubs and other fiberglass surfaces to fix the damaged areas.

How to fix cracks in a wall?

Apply the epoxy mixture to the crack and the surrounding area using a brush. The epoxy mixture should cover at least 2 inches away from the crack as well for the best results.

What is a surface repair kit?

The surface repair kit has a polymer-based paint or tape for sealing the outer surfaces of cracks on fiberglass bathtubs.

Why does my bathtub crack?

Fiberglass bathtubs can develop cracks when placed on uneven ground since the weight of the user won’t be distributed evenly.

How much does a plumber charge to repair a fiberglass tub?

Plumbers often charge from $80 per repair which costlier than the price of fiberglass repair kits (about $50). However, plumbers know how to patch a fiberglass tub better given their skills and experience.

How to remove gel coat blisters?

The first thing you want to do is remove any blistering or loose gel coat by scraping or chipping out the repair this will include any cracks you may find. Cracks should be chipped out in a V-shaped pattern all along the crack. To speed things up you can use a rotary tool like a Dremel Tool.

Can you sand a hot tub?

Once cured you can sand the repaired areas smooth with the existing finish then buff with a clean dry towel until you reach the desired sheen and refill your hot tub. The repair is waterproof and chemical resistant.

Will Flex Seal Fix A Cracked Bathtub?

The most straightforward way people opt for when they face stress cracks in tubs is to apply flex seals. However, unfortunately, the flex seal doesn’t own materials and properties that can fill up the structural nitty-gritty or stress cracks.

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How much does it cost to repair a crack in a fiberglass tub?

You can repair a crack in a fiberglass tub yourself using a fiberglass repair kit, which can cost as little as $50 . If the crack is too big in the tub surround, you may need to get a professional to fix it for you. This will cost between $80 and $150 (sometimes even more). The other type of crack on your bathtub is a stress crack ...

Why does my fiberglass tub have cracks?

If your fiberglass tub is used frequently, does not have the proper support , or is hit by a heavy object , it is likely to develop hairline cracks with time.

How to repair a crack in a car?

With the instructions from the repair kit, mix the epoxy gel coat to a good consistency then use a paintbrush to apply it to the cracked area. Ensure the gel covers the whole crack and an inch around it as well .

How to get rid of air bubbles in epoxy?

Apply a fiberglass cloth. Before the epoxy gel drys up, cut a piece of fiber glass cloth the size of the area to be covered and place it on the crack using your hand. To eliminate any air bubbles below this cloth, use your putty knife by running it across the cloth.

Why does my bathtub have a crack?

The other type of crack on your bathtub is a stress crack that is caused by heavy objects damaging the surface but not going deep inside the bathtub. There is also the spider crack which looks like a spider in that there is a hole in the middle then hairline cracks going in different directions.

What do you need for a fiberglass repair kit?

A typical fiberglass repair kit will have the following items: Protective gloves. Besides the repair kit, you will also need the following items: Given that there are chemicals involved in this process, you need to have the proper ventilation in the work area to avoid getting choked.

How to fix a crack in a wall?

Take a piece of the sandpaper then slowly sand the area surrounding the crack. With a soft brush, brush away the dust to leave a clean (but slightly rough) area.

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