How to Fix Plaster Cracks With Gunite Pools

Gunite pools are manufactured with a spray-gun-applied concrete material. It's a popular option for in-ground pool owners, particularly for free-form swimming pools. Fixing cracks in a plaster-covered gunite pool is a task you can do at home if you'll give attention to detail. Recognizing and repairing a crack in your pool immediately can help you avoid further structural damage, which will eventually cost even more time and money. You'll need to clean out and fill the crack to ensure a seamless and permanent bond.

Submersible pump
4-inch grinder saw
Silicone caulking
Plaster patch
Putty knife
Trowel

Instructions

- 1
  Drain the pool with a submersible pump to expose the crack in the pool. Plug in the pump, connect a hose and turn it on. Drop the pump into the pool and lead the hose to a drain in your yard. Instructions for submersible pumps can vary.
- 2
  Clean the crack out with the grinder saw. Cut through the crack 1/2 inch deep and extend the crack 1 inch in both directions. Brush off any small debris and dust. This helps prepare the surface for repair.
- 3
  Fill the crack with silicone caulk about halfway down. Leave at least 1/4 inch to apply the new plaster.
- 4
  Fill the rest of the crack using a putty knife and a generous amount of plaster patch. Use the trowel to even out the surface. Fill the pool up after applying the patch. If the pool will take several hours to reach the cracked surface, place a moist towel over the plastered patch to prevent cracking.

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