how to repair fiberglass pool steps

How to Repair Fiberglass Swimming Pool Steps

• Preparing the Area. Once you have identified the crack, begin the pool step repair process by draining the pool water. ...
• Pool Step Repair. You’ll need a fiberglass repair kit to fill in the crack. ...
• Applying Epoxy Paint. Once the filler has completely dried, apply the epoxy paint. ...

Full Answer

How do you repair a fiberglass pool?

List of required tools:

• Electric disk sander
• Fiberglass repair kit – automotive kits can also be used
• Diamond-edged cutting wheel

How do you clean a fiberglass pool?

• Testing and maintaining your water is a crucial part of fiberglass pool maintenance.
• Fiberglass inground pools are smooth and non-porous, which allows easier cleaning.
• The gel-coat finish can be scratched, if you use abrasive cleansers or cleaning equipment.
• NEVER drain your fiberglass pool without expert assistance.

How to fix pool steps?

While you might have some of these tools at home, you’re likely to need:

• Shovels
• Hammers
• A hose
• Buckets
• Chisels
• Putty Knives
• Air compressor
• Power trowel
• Power sander
• Cement or mortar mixer

How to resurface a fiberglass swimming pool?

• Refinishing With Paint
• Cost to Re-Marcite or Replaster a Pool
• Resurfacing a Pool With Diamond Brite
• Resurface Pool With Pebble Tec, PebbleSheen, or BeadCrete
• Resurface a Pool With Tiles

How do you fix plastic steps in an inground pool?

0:484:14How To Repair Your Inground Pool Step - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf we do any kind of grease. Or dirt of any kind will be embedded into the plastic. When we go toMoreIf we do any kind of grease. Or dirt of any kind will be embedded into the plastic. When we go to use the acetone to actually smooth the scratches.

Can You Use Flex Seal on pool steps?

AquaBond® has the right products for any kind of inground swimming pool step repair. All are designed to provide a permanent flexible seal to stop water loss.

How do you fix cracked plastic pool steps?

Your Guide to Repairing Pool Stairs1) Drain/Remove Pool Water. ... 2) Clean & Dry the Pool Stairs. ... 3) Locate the Crack. ... 4) Clean & Prep the Crack. ... 5) Prepare the Rotary-Stone Drill Bit. ... 6) Remove any Coating with Sandpaper. ... 7) Apply Surface Primer & Bonding Filler. ... 8) Smooth the Crack for an Even Surface.More items...•

Can you replace pool steps?

Steps are an essential element of pool design, flowing seamlessly into the pool's appearance and function. While they're typically built into the pool structure, they can be added during a renovation with our inground pool steps replacement services.

How do you caulk around a pool step by step?

1:303:08Caulking Around Your Swimming Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI recommend using a glove because it's nasty stuff to wash off with water soap and a scrub brush. IMoreI recommend using a glove because it's nasty stuff to wash off with water soap and a scrub brush. I used a large nail to pierce the seal inside the tube. And i carried the tube on cardboard.

Can Flex Tape be applied underwater?

Wet or dry surface, doesn't matter. Flex Tape® works instantly on both. In fact, you can use it underwater too.

Can you fix a 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 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.

How long do pool steps last?

Because they combine exceptionally high impact resistance with an integral, one-piece design, our pool kit steps will last for years without corroding, splintering, delaminating or puncturing. In addition, outstanding resistance to UV light and to extreme weather and ground conditions means even greater longevity.

What are pool steps made out of?

Swimming pool stairs can be constructed from a wide range of materials, such as fiberglass, steel, and polymer, which each have unique pros and cons.

How do I remove my inground pool steps?

0:461:51How to remove a stuck inground pool ladder - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd hammer it down or a hammer. Anything heavy will do but you hammer that down and it loosens theMoreAnd hammer it down or a hammer. Anything heavy will do but you hammer that down and it loosens the wedge back up pushes the wedge down actually and it loosens the ladder.

Are pool ladders made of fiberglass?

They come in a wide range of material such as vinyl-over steel, vinyl over polymer, thermoplastic or acrylic fiberglass pool steps.

Is Flex Seal chlorine resistant?

It doesn't appear to work in a chlorine environment. Thank you for your purchase. This is not how we would expect our product to perform. Flex Seal Liquid is designed to be chemically resistant.

Does Flex Seal work in chlorine pools?

0:376:29Flex Seal on A Swimming Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo what did I do scored. It it all around it read to can two or three times it says good on metalMoreSo what did I do scored. It it all around it read to can two or three times it says good on metal good on water for good on rubber good on plastic.

What will flex seal not stick to?

A: PVC, Metal, Steel, Copper, Aluminum, Wood, Ceramic, Porcelain, Tile, Glass, Fiberglass, Stucco, Plaster, Stone, Cement, and Concrete. IMPORTANT: FLEX TAPE® ADHESIVE REMOVER may not be compatible with certain plastics, vinyl, paints, rubbers etc. Always test on an inconspicuous area before use.

Does Flex Seal stop water leaks?

Yes it does! Many users have had great success with using Flex Seal for a variety of uses. Whether you are using it to fix a leak, prepare for a storm or using it as a sealant, we know that you will be impressed with Flex Seal.

How to apply epoxy paint?

Once the filler has completely dried, apply the epoxy paint. Make sure to follow the instructions on the epoxy paint, which will tell you what to mix as well as how much to use and whether or not the epoxy needs to sit before use. Tape off any edges you don’t want the paint to touch with masking or painters' tape and evenly paint on the epoxy paint with a paint roller or paintbrush.

How long does it take for epoxy paint to dry?

Make sure that you give the first coat enough time to dry completely before continuing. This can take anywhere from four to eight hours on a sunny day but may take longer if the sky is cloudy. When dry, apply the second coat. Wait for the recommended amount of time (indicated on the epoxy paint instructions) to allow the second coat to dry completely. Once the paint is dry, you may refill the pool. It’s vital that the pool water is balanced as soon as possible.

How to fix cracks in fiberglass?

Put on latex gloves and a dust mask. Fit a rotary-stone drill bit that has a rounded tip into a cordless drill. Use medium pressure on the drill and grind the fiberglass along the crack from end to end. Remove residual debris with a damp towel. .

Why do people prefer fiberglass pools?

Many homeowners prefer fiberglass swimming pools because fiberglass is shiny and it resists algae better than plaster. The only drawback, however, is that fiberglass steps may develop cracks over time. Typically, larger or flexible cracks indicate a lack of support that requires a professional repair. But a do-it-yourself homeowner can repair minor ...

How long does it take for a plastic sealer to harden?

Immediately make another pass along the crack to smooth the surface. Allow the filler to completely harden. Depending on the air temperature, this may take up to 30 minutes.

How long does it take for a gel coat to cure?

Apply a uniform layer of the gel-coat resin at the filled crack and sanded area with the foam applicator. Allow the batch to cure for 10 minutes. Sand the coat lightly to remove minor imperfections in the finish. Remove debris with the towel.

What is William Machin's hobbies?

In 35 years, he's gained expertise in all phases of residential construction, retrofit and remodeling. His hobbies include horses, motorcycles, road racing and sport fishing.

Materials Needed

a towel or hair dryer to dry the step completely (exercise caution with electrical usage near water)

Step One: Remove Water

To repair your pool step, you’ll need your step to be clean and dry. This means draining your pool water at a minimum to a level below the part that needs to be repaired. For best results, we recommend doing step repairs when you are doing a liner replacement.

Step Two: Identify the Crack

In the photo below, you will see the step has a crack that has been previously repaired but requires a new repair.

Step Three: Clean and Prep

First, dry the area to be repaired with a towel or hair dryer. It must be dry to the touch.

Step Four: Apply Fiberglass Repair Kit

Directions for how to apply your fiberglass repair kit may vary depending on the equipment you use. Be sure to read and follow the instructions that come with your repair kit. In our example, we use a repair kit with a mesh patch to ensure a robust and solid repair.

Step Five: Sand and Smooth

Once your fiberglass repair kit application has had ample time to cure and harden, sand, and smooth the repair. A simple sheet of sandpaper should do the trick here, though we also recommend using a dust mask over your face, so you don’t breathe in any of the fiberglass dust while you work.

Can you buy fiberglass resin?

You could buy the fiberglass resin and you can buy fiberglass material itself. And you apply the resin to the step, you press the material in place, you let it dry and then you would add more resin on top of that and then more – and then gelcoat to finish it off.

Does East Texas have salt water pools?

ANDREW: Well, we were just chilling out in the pool one night and it’s got a brand-new liner in it. In East Texas, they use salt-water pools, so you have to line them. And my buddy was getting out of the pool. He stepped on the fiberglass steps, which were not brand-new. And unfortunately, his foot went through the steps.

Can you get steps out of a pool?

TOM: Yeah , if you can get the steps out of the pool, like disconnecting them out of the pool, the easy way to do that patch is with more fiberglass. You can go to an auto-repair store – like a Pep Boys or a place like that that sells, perhaps, auto-body supplies – and you can buy fiberglass.

What compound to use for structural repair?

When doing a dry repair, use AquaBond SRX-3000-400 Structural Repair Compound to adhere the new tread in place over the old one. Caulk thoroughly around the perimeter of the new tread using the SRX-3000-400.

What is a crack injection kit?

Polyurethane Foam Crack Injection Kit permanently repairs leaking cracks and voids in inground pool steps. It's used in conjunction with other AquaBond products. The white polyurethane foam in this low-pressure injection kit expands to 25 times its original volume. When cured, this permanent, waterproof resin maintains its volume and flexibility and is not subject to shrinkage, even through normal ground movement and thermal cycles.

What is SR 3000?

SR-3000 is a structural acrylic repair adhesive and it should be able to hold that together unless there’s a big void underneath that step - and then you would need to inject foam under there, which AquaBond carries. But that’s a bigger job and we would have to talk further about that issue.". Mark Barnes.

What is SRX adhesive?

Structural Repair Adhesive SRX is an extremely strong, fast-setting, two-part acrylic adhesive with added flexibility. It provides the high structural adhesion to dissimilar substrates necessary for permanent inground pool step repair... adhering the rubberized gaskets, the vinyl liner and the acrylic pool step. Our fastest curing product, it hardens in 5 minutes and requires little surface preparation.

What is Aquabond pool step repair?

AquaBond® has the right products for any kind of inground swimming pool step repair. All are designed to provide a permanent flexible seal to stop water loss.

What is a waterproof gap and seam filler?

Waterproof Permanent Gap & Seam Filler is a professional pool and spa sealant specially engineered to work like silicone caulk but with the added advantage of permanent flexibility! If the pool is drained below the step level, this is the most economical fix.

How to repair a crack in a concrete slab?

Chase the crack with a grinder, Dremel tool or saw blade to give the crack some depth and allow better adhesion for AquaBond SR-3000 Structural Repair Compound. Smooth and clean the prepared crack with sandpaper, then wipe with isopropyl alcohol or acetone to remove any residue and then apply the SR-3000 adhesive. Finish-sand the repair as needed or use Aquabond's patent pending polyethylene film application process to produce an amazingly smooth finish.