Imagine you’re enjoying a relaxing swim in your backyard when something catches your eye: a crack in your pool.
A dozen questions can flood your mind: can a crack in a fiberglass pool be repaired? How extensive is the repair process? How much is this going to cost?
The good news is that a crack in a fiberglass pool is incredibly rare — this type of pool typically only shows damage after decades of use, a major weather event, or if it was installed poorly. Needless to say, if a crack does form, there are ways to repair a fiberglass pool quickly.
How to Repair a Crack in a Fiberglass Pool
While pool crack repairs may sound straightforward, they are best handled by a trained pool professional. The most time-consuming and critical part of the process is properly draining the pool and allowing it to completely dry. Even slight moisture at the repair site can compromise adhesion and lead to future leaks or failure.
Once the pool is fully dry and properly prepped, repairing a crack requires specialized tools, materials, and experience, including surface sanding, cutting to the precise depth of the crack, applying bond coats, polyester putty, and finishing with a gel coat while ensuring no air bubbles remain. Each step must be done correctly to restore the pool’s structural integrity and appearance.
Because improper repairs can result in recurring damage, water loss, or costly rework, we strongly recommend contacting a licensed pool professional to assess the issue and perform the repair. A professional ensures the repair is done correctly the first time so you can confidently refill your pool and get back to enjoying it without worry.
Cracks in Fiberglass Pools Vs Other Pools
Leaks are one of the biggest concerns for any pool owner. But are some pools more prone to cracks and leaks than others?
Yes.
Concrete pools swell and contract with temperature changes. At the same time, the soil surrounding the concrete can also shift. This is especially true here in Texas, where we have high quantities of expansive soil. These constant small changes can put pressure on the pool, eventually leading to cracks. These can be minor cosmetic cracks or even major structural splits.
Vinyl liner pools are even more predisposed to leaks because the soft liner can more easily be punctured than the tough wall of a concrete or fiberglass pool. Rather than cracks, the vinyl liner experiences tears. These can occur from tree branches falling during a heavy wind or someone throwing a pool toy too hard at the wall. While some tears can be patched, a severe rip will require an entirely new vinyl liner. These typically last between five and nine years before needing to be replaced.
Fiberglass pools are considered one of the most durable types of pool on the market, and many pool owners don’t experience any cracks, leaks, or damages for the first 20 years of owning the pool. Many owners can go as long as 40 years before needing any repairs. Much of this longevity comes from the quality of the manufacturer who makes your pool and the expertise of the technicians who install it.
How to Prevent Cracks & Damages
Not all fiberglass pools are created equal. Some manufacturers will use substandard fiberglass materials or will try to use shortcuts during the extensive manufacturing process. To ensure you’re getting a high-quality fiberglass pool, ask the manufacturer to describe their process in detail and show you reviews from customers who have had their pools installed for many years. Some of the best companies will even offer lifetime warranties on their pools.
If you have a high-quality fiberglass shell, the installation process becomes the most important step in preventing cracks. Do your research to make sure you’re working with a company who will properly level and backfill the pool while also providing appropriate drainage channels for your unique soil make-up.
By working with the right pool company, you’ll find that you shouldn’t even need to ask the question of “can a crack in a fiberglass pool be repaired?” for many years if ever.
Partner with a Trusted Pool Installation Company
At FiberLux Pools, we’ve helped hundreds of families select the perfect fiberglass pool to fit their backyard and lifestyle. If you want to learn about our high standards when it comes to manufacturing and installing pools, reach out to us today.