Nothing beats the joy of splashing around in your own pool during the scorching summer months.
But with time, wear and tear can take a toll on your pool’s appearance and functionality.
The good news is that you don’t need to break the bank to keep the fun flowing in your backyard oasis.
With some DIY know-how and a bit of elbow grease, you can tackle common swimming pool repairs and renovations so that you can enjoy a refreshing swim, season after season.
DIY pool repairs and renovations can be a cost-effective way to maintain and enhance your pool!
However, it’s essential to note that swimming pool repairs can vary significantly in complexity, and some may require professional assistance if you’re not confident in your skills.
Today, we’ll review some tips to keep you cool! Read on to learn about the top-four most common DIY swimming pool repair projects.
1. Concrete Decking Repairs
Your concrete pool deck is the ultimate relaxation zone, but cracks and weathering can dampen the experience.
Fortunately, you can easily revive it with some DIY TLC, and the process is actually quite simple.
How-To:
Begin by inspecting your pool deck for cracks or damages. If you spot any, you can patch them using concrete patching products readily available at your local hardware store.
Before you start, gather the necessary tools and materials, such as a trowel, a bucket, and the patching compound.
Clean the cracked areas thoroughly, removing any loose debris or dirt.
Follow the instructions on the patching compound packaging for the best results. In most cases, you’ll mix the compound, apply it to the cracks, and smooth it out evenly.
Allow it to dry completely–this is called curing.
Afterward, consider pressure washing the entire concrete deck to remove grime and brighten the surface.
Once cleaned, you can reseal the deck to protect it from further damage and maintain its appearance.
Concrete deck sealers are available in various finishes, so choose one that suits your aesthetic preferences.
By addressing concrete decking issues promptly, you’ll not only enhance the look of your pool area but also ensure the safety and longevity of your deck.
2. Coping Repairs
What is coping?
This is the border around your pool’s edge that provides a smooth, finished appearance.
Coping stones can suffer wear and tear over time, but fret not–you can tackle coping repairs as part of your DIY swimming pool repair project.
Start by inspecting your coping stones for any signs of damage or displacement.
If you notice individual stones that are cracked or loose, they can often be replaced one at a time. Let’s go over the process.
How-To:
Come prepared! It’s often best to gather your tools and materials ahead of time.
You’ll need a chisel, masonry adhesive, a trowel, and replacement coping stones that match (or complement) your existing ones.
Next, you need to remove the damaged stone.
Carefully chisel out the damaged coping stone, taking care not to damage the surrounding stones or the pool’s edge.
Once the damaged stone is removed, clean the area thoroughly to remove any debris and old adhesive. Scrub hard!
When it’s clean, apply a layer of masonry adhesive to the back of the replacement coping stone, and then carefully set it in place. Ensure it is level, and aligns with the adjacent stones.
Now, we wait. Just as you need to let a concrete patch set, you must allow masonry adhesive to cure.
You should expect to wait at least 24 hours before putting your pool back in operation.
The process of regularly changing out broken coping tiles can help you maintain the aesthetics and functionality of your pool.
By addressing both decking and coping repairs, you’re well on your way to a pool that’s both inviting and structurally sound once again!
3. Vinyl Liner Patches
Vinyl pool liners are a popular choice for both above-ground and in-ground pools due to their reasonable cost and durability.
Vinyl liners keep pool ownership affordable–but they are susceptible to punctures or tears.
This damage can lead to water leakage and, if not addressed promptly, more significant problems.
Luckily, you can easily patch smaller problem areas in your vinyl pool liner with some simple DIY steps.
First, let’s go over a list of materials you’re going to need for this project:
- Vinyl patch kit (available at pool supply stores)
- Scissors
- Pool water-resistant adhesive (typically included in the patch kit)
- Clean cloth
- Rubber gloves
- Plastic card, or small rubber spatula
Now that you have everything you need to patch your pool, we can jump into the process and get your liner back to its prime condition!
How-To:
You’ll need to begin by identifying the location of the hole or tear in your vinyl liner. This can be done with a pool leak detection dye kit.
After you’ve located any damaged areas, you may need to drain your pool based on the type of patch kit you chose.
Whether your patch kit can fix a patch underwater or requires you to drain the pool, your first step will be cleaning the damaged area thoroughly using a clean cloth.
Be sure to remove any dirt, debris, or algae. For the patch to adhere properly, the area must be clean.
Next, prepare the patch. The vinyl usually comes in a larger size, so you can make multiple repairs.
Cut a piece of the patch material from the kit, ensuring it’s large enough to cover the damaged area with a little extra to spare.
When you’re ready to attach it, apply a thin layer of the pool water-resistant adhesive to the back of the patch material.
Pro tip: Wear rubber gloves to protect your hands from the adhesive!
Carefully position the patch material over the damaged area, pressing it firmly to ensure good contact and a secure bond.
Use a smooth, flat tool, like a credit card or a plastic spatula, to smooth out any air bubbles and ensure the patch is flat against the liner.
Be sure to allow the patch to cure for the recommended time specified in the patch kit instructions. Typically this takes a few hours, to overnight. Be patient!
After the patch has dried, inspect it to ensure it’s securely adhered.
Most vinyl patches are just that simple! But, you’ll need to decide if your liner issues are small enough to patch, or warrant a full liner replacement.
Full replacement liner kits are available, but this might be something best left to the professionals.
4. Fiberglass Pool Repairs
Fiberglass pools are known for their durability and low maintenance requirements, but like any pool type, they can encounter issues over time.
Common problems with fiberglass pools include minor cracks, gelcoat damage, or blisters.
Fortunately, many of these issues can be addressed with DIY fiberglass pool repairs, saving you both time and money.
Prepare for your project by gathering up all the supplies you’ll need, including:
- Fiberglass repair kit (available at pool supply stores)
- Sandpaper
- Fiberglass resin and hardener (possibly in your kit already)
- Paintbrush
- Plastic spreader
- Safety goggles and gloves
Fiberglass repairs can lead to sticky situations! It’s best to always put safety first.
You should always wear safety goggles and gloves to protect your eyes and hands during the repair process.
As with any repair, you’ll need a clear surface to bond your patch.
How-To:
Begin by thoroughly cleaning the damaged area using soap and water. Remove any loose debris, algae, or contaminants.
An extra step is needed for fiberglass swimming pool repairs to ensure the old resin bonds with the new; a textured surface!
Use sandpaper to sand down the damaged area gently. This helps create a rough surface for the fiberglass resin to adhere to.
Fiberglass resin doesn’t come ready-made…Closely follow the manufacturer’s instructions to mix the resin and hardener to a proper consistency.
Only use a clear container, and be precise with the ratios–proper mixing is crucial for a strong bond.
Warning: Resins will stiffen quickly, so you must be prepared to apply it immediately after it’s mixed.
Using a paintbrush, apply a layer of mixed resin to the damaged area.
Then, place a piece of fiberglass mat or cloth over the wet resin. Continue layering resin and mat until the damaged area is adequately covered.
Use a plastic spreader to smooth out the fiberglass mat and remove any air bubbles.
Ensure the repair is level with the surrounding surface, and there are no gaps at the edges of the patch.
Although resins stiffen quickly, they still need time to cure. This generally takes a few hours, but some resins require a full twenty-four hours before they can be submerged.
Once the repair has cured, sand it down to create a smooth surface that matches the rest of the pool. Be patient and take your time to achieve a seamless finish.
Optional: If necessary, you can apply pool paint or gelcoat over the repaired area to match the pool’s color and finish. Follow the product’s instructions for proper application.
After completing the repair and allowing it to dry, inspect it carefully.
Ensure there are no visible defects or irregularities, and refill the pool to check for any leaks.
Fiberglass swimming pool repairs can be a bit more involved than some other DIY pool projects, but with patience and attention to detail, you can restore your pool’s integrity and appearance.
If the damage is extensive or structural, it’s advisable to consult a professional swimming pool repair specialist for guidance and assistance.
With the right approach, your fiberglass pool will remain a source of relaxation and enjoyment for years to come.
Swimming Pool Repair Experts in Edgewater, MD
Sometimes the issue is too serious to warrant a DIY fix, and that’s okay!
While DIY swimming pool repairs can save you money, they may also come with risks if not done correctly.
If you’re unsure about any aspect of the repair or renovation, it’s wise to consult with a pool repair professional.
At Arundel Pool and Spa, we have an entire team dedicated to swimming pool repairs!
Contact us when you need to get your pool back up and running quickly, or when you want to add a spa or swim spa to your backyard oasis.
