How to Repair a Fiberglass Pool Slide

Fiberglass slides might need repair after many years in the sun.

Fiberglass slides are durable, but over time will develop stress cracks or fractures from normal wear and tear. For small damage such as fractures in the fiberglass, you can use fiberglass filler to repair them. Fiberglass filler is a putty-like substance that requires a catalyst to harden. You can find filler and gel coat, which is fiberglass paint, at a marine supply store.They are relatively cheap.

Things You'll Need

• Respirator
• Sanding block
• Sandpaper, 80-grit, 100-grit, 400-grit, 1,200-grit (wet)
• Rags
• Acetone
• Fiberglass filler
• Rubber gloves
• Catalyst
• Putty knife
• Small bucket
• Gel coat
• Paint stirrer
• Paint brush
• Boat wax

Instructions

1. Put on a respirator and sand any cracks or fractures using a sanding block with 80-grit sandpaper. Gradually taper the walls of any cracks as much as possible and scuff the surrounding 2 to 3 inches all the way around the damage.

2. Wipe the areas that you sanded using a clean rag and acetone. This will remove any contaminants that can cause the fiberglass filler to bond improperly to the slide.

3. Put on a pair of rubber gloves and prepare a small amount of filler following the directions on the containers. When the filler is one consistent color, it is ready to apply to the damaged areas.

4. Apply the filler to the affected areas of the slide with a putty knife. Smooth out the filler so it is level with the surrounding surface. Let the filler harden for a couple of hours.

5. Sand the filler smooth using 100-grit sandpaper on a sanding block, followed by sanding with 400-grit sandpaper. Clean the area with a clean rag and acetone.

6. Pour the amount of pre-matched gel coat that you will need in a small bucket and add 1 percent to 2 percent catalyst. Mix in the catalyst with a paint stirrer. Apply the gel coat to the sanded areas of the slide and let it cure.

7. Wet sand the gel coat using 1,200-grit wet sandpaper to remove any brush stroke marks in the gel coat. Rinse the area with clean water and let it dry. Apply a coat of boat wax to the wet sanded gel coat and let it dry. Buff the wax with a clean rag.

Tips & Warnings

• Always wear a respirator when working with fiberglass materials.

References

• Boat Owners Association of The United States: Gelcoat Scratch Repair
• Aquaskier.com: Gel Coat Repair

Resources

• 3M: 3M Fiberglass Fillers
• TAP Plastics: Gel Coat Repair, Gelcoat Repair, Gelcoat Scratch Repair, Fiberglass Repair