How to Caulk a Pool
The space between the pool coping and pool deck requires caulk to prevent water from going behind the coping and eroding the soil behind the deck. Without the caulk, the soil can wash out and the decking sink away from the surface, creating an irregular surface that is expensive to repair. The expansion rod and caulking deteriorate over time, so you should lift your pool coping annually and inspect the joint behind the coping and caulk if necessary. Does this Spark an idea?
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Things You'll Need
- Flat blade, such as a spackle blade
- Wet/dry vacuum
- Scrub brush
- Backer rod
- Utility knife
- Self-leveling exterior-grade silicone caulk
- Caulk gun
Instructions
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1
Lift the pool coping out of the track according to the type of coping installed on your pool.
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2
Remove dried, cracked and loose caulk and the old backer rod from between the pool coping and pool deck by pressing a spackle blade against each side and lifting the caulk and backer rod out of the cavity.
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3
Remove any remaining pieces and debris with a properly grounded wet/dry vacuum. Scrape the sides of the cavity to remove all of the old caulk.
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4
Use a scrub brush and water to scrub the surfaces free of oil, chemicals and soil. Allow to dry thoroughly.
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5
Press new backer rod into position in the cavity all the way around the pool.
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6
Cut the tip of a tube of caulk on an angle. Pierce the inner seal with a nail or the rod attached to a caulk gun. Insert the tube of caulk in the caulk gun.
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7
Squeeze a bead of caulk that is thick enough to cover the backer rod and fill the cavity completely.
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Tips & Warnings
This task will take a day or two to complete. Choose a time when the pool will not be in use to prevent injuries from the exposed pool edge.
References
- Photo Credit Jupiterimages/Photos.com/Getty Images
