How to Patch Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are common because of the strength and durability of the fiberglass, but pools, no matter what they're made from, will get punctures or cracks in them over time from normal wear and tear. When a pool gets a leak it's important to seal it quickly to avoid further damage and a waste of water. Patching fiberglass, if it's done right, will restore the failure back to its original strength and will last for a long time. All fiberglass supplies can be found at your local marine supply store. Does this Spark an idea?
Things You'll Need
- Garden hose
- Respirator
- 80-grit sandpaper
- Rags
- Acetone
- Rubber gloves
- Marine fiberglass filler
- Methyl ethyl ketone peroxide (hardener)
- Small buckets
- Stir sticks
- Putty knife
- 200-grit sandpaper
- Palm sander
- Marine gel coat
- Felt roller
Instructions
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1
Drain the water from the pool using a garden hose. Suck into the end of the hose until water begins to come out. Let the pool completely dry out.
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2
Sand a square-foot area around the leak using 80-grit sandpaper. Scuff the surface until it's completely dull, and sand the edges of the leak smooth.
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3
Clean the sanded area using a rag and acetone. Remove any grease or dust that is on the effected area.
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4
Put on rubber gloves and mix the fiberglass filler with the catalyst as directed on the containers. Use a small bucket and a stir stick to thoroughly mix the filler.
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5
Apply the filler to the leak using a putty knife. Smooth the filler out so it's level with the surrounding fiberglass. Let the filler harden.
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6
Sand the filler using 200-grit sandpaper and a palm sander. Sand it until the edges of the filler blend in with the pre-existing fiberglass. Clean the surface with the rag and acetone.
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7
Pour the gel coat into a small bucket and add the hardener, following the recommendations on the containers. Use a stir stick to mix the gel coat.
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8
Apply two coats of gel coat to the repair, using a felt roller. Let the first coat become tacky before applying the second coat. Let the gel coat harden for 24 hours.
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Tips & Warnings
Always wear a respirator when working with fiberglass.
