Solutions for Cracked Pool Pipes

Patch Kits

• One of the easiest ways to deal with cracked pool pipes is to purchase a patch kit from your local home improvement store. Many kits are available, ranging from vinyl patches to epoxy compounds, and the type you use depends on the type of pipe with which you are working. Always read the label on the patch kit to determine if it works with plastic PVC or metal pipes before you make your purchase to ensure you have the right patch kit for the type of pipe you have.

Pipe Cement

• Although pipe cement is more commonly used to bind two pieces of pipe together and keep the connection joints from leaking over time, it is also a quick fix for cracked areas of pipe that don’t necessarily need to be replaced, but simply patched up. This is a good option if you have leftover pipe cement from the initial pipe installation. Once the pipe has been dried off and cleaned you can apply the pipe cement, let it dry and then it should keep the cracked area from leaking.

Silicone Caulking

• Another option that can be done on the cheap is to simply cover the cracked areas with a layer of silicone caulk. Silicone is one of the most durable and waterproof types of caulking that you can purchase at your local home improvement store. Once the pipe has been cleaned and dried, you can apply a layer of silicone caulk on top of it and then let it dry according to the manufacturer’s instructions to keep the pipe from leaking in the future.

Replacing the Pipe

• Only hairline cracks can be patched for future use. If the cracks are larger than 1/16 inch you will need to replace the piece of pipe to keep the damage from spreading, because patching the pipe is no longer an option. In most cases, you will need to remove the broken section at the closest connection points and completely replace the entire section, rather than cutting out the broken piece and trying to patch together a new section of connections.