Cracked Fiberglass Steps in a Swimming Pool

Leak Detection

• Some leaks in fiberglass pools will be obvious as will some cracks as well. But in the event you are having a hard time finding a crack in the fiberglass pool steps, perform a dye test to the suspected areas. Mix a dark red food coloring mix in a bowl. Inject the dark red food coloring with a turkey baster near the cracks and corners of the steps. If the red dye disappears into any area of the pool, then you have a leak in that particular location.

Materials

• The right materials are crucial to performing the repair correctly. Fiberglass repairs kits can be purchased at pool supply retailers, and paint or marine supply stores as well. These kits are also useful for repairing blistering fiberglass steps. The color might not be an identical match, but at least the stairs will be structurally sound. You will also need a disk sander, diamond blade saw attachment. The fiberglass kit will include everything you need to finish the job.

Preparation

• Sand the surface of the crack to clean it of dirt and debris. The disc sander will even out the surface for you. Extend the cut with your diamond disc blade that can attach to your drill in the same way the disc sander does. Extending the cut ensures new even surface for the bond coat to adhere to. Apply the fiberglass kit bond coat to the crack. Let it dry until it becomes tack. Then you can apply the polyester putty to the same area. Allow this to dry and then sand the area again with the disc sander.

Finishing

• Apply the gel coat with a paint roller around the affected area. Use some masking tape to outline the repair to keep the gel coating from extending onto already finished areas of the fiberglass steps. Lay the kit's fiberglass cloth down onto the surface and roll another layer of the gel coating on top of the cloth. The repair will take 24 to 72 hours to dry completely. Sand again to even out the surface and apply the kit's finishing coat.