Caulking Used in Chlorinated Water

Types of Caulking

• Chlorinated water requires special caulking that can stand up to the corrosive effects of the chlorine. The two brands recommended by pool manufacturers are Deck-o-Seal and Vulkem. Both of these brands are specifically designed for pool expansion joints and will protect the joints from water entry.

Caulk Maintenance

• Expansion joint caulking is built to last, but must be inspected annually. To do so, circle around the pool and deck and check the caulking for any cracks or peeling. If the caulk is peeling away or cracking, it’s time to replace the caulk. If not, you're good to go for another season.

Preparation

• Before caulking the expansion gap, pull out all the old caulk and the backer rod under the caulk. As you go, you should be able to remove both together by pulling on the back rod. Calculate how much caulk you’ll need by measuring the pool's perimeter. Finally, clean any debris and dust from the gap before caulking.

Caulking

• Install a new backer rod, pressing it firmly into place with a putty knife. The backer rod should be at least 1/4 inch from the crack’s surface. Place your caulk into the caulking gun and cut the top off the tube. Squeeze the caulk trigger and fill the crack up to the surface. Wipe away any spills from outside the crack with a paper towel or a sheet of cardboard, as it will dry too stiffly to remove. Let the caulk dry for 24 hours before using the pool.