Pool Crack Repair Information

	Structural Concrete Cracks, in Pool, Spas, Walls or Foundation are under expansion stress and cannot be simply fixed with epoxy.  The Torque-Lock systems uses staples, to stabilize the crack, making a permanent repair. Click any image for Product and Ordering Information.

How to make structural, concrete crack repairs in swimming pools and other applications? Swimming pools can develop cracks in the concrete that lies beneath the plaster finish, due to settling, ground shifting or erosion. Simple hairline cracks in the finish may not involve a leak and can, usually, be easily repaired. However, a crack that is structural in nature and is under stress cannot be simply glued in place or plastered over, as the forces involved will continue to pull the crack apart.  Such cracks must be stabilized in order to prevent the crack from widening and causing ongoing leak problems. A product, such as Torque-Lock, prevents cracks from widening and allows for a rock-solid repair. If problems arise, refer to the Pool Problems Page, as a source of problem-solving information, broken down into various categories.  Scroll down the page and click on the linked keywords, catch phrases or images, in the archived answers below, to access additional information, on that topic or product.

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► Cracked Pool Wall?

I have what started out as a hairline crack, in marcite, below the waterline. I used an epoxy based product to seal the crack and everything seemed OK. Now, it seems that the crack has widened very slightly. I am losing about 1/4" of water a day and, from what I have read, that is reasonably normal. Is there something that would be better to seal this crack. I'm afraid it could get bigger. Thanks for the help.

Carl R., San Diego, CA, 3/31/2010

It is hard to tell if you are losing water, at this time. If the crack widens, a leak will likely result.  If the crack is widening, it is probably an indication that the area is still under stress, due to settling, erosion, or shifting. As you have discovered repair compounds may solve the problem, but if there is ongoing stress you may need more repair efforts. The Torque-Lock Staple System will make a repair that will prevent expansion and will be rock solid. This is the right product, for your problem. I hope that this information proves helpful. Good luck with the repair.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/1/2010


► Unsettling Crack?

I had my pool and deck redone about 3 summers ago. I noticed the outer decking was sinking and now one end of the pool has raised. There is a crack in the in the deck next to the skimmer basket and is just starting in the tile. The deep end of the pool and inner deck has raised 2 and 1/4 inch. What should I do?

Julie, 7/28/2012

This is a construction problem and I am really not qualified to offer much in the way of specifics. Obviously, erosion, settling or water table level changes are entering into what has happened. How it can be best remedied is something that I cannot help with. You need to discuss this with several builders and compare the options. You can't just patch a crack, as it will continue to expand. If concrete is cracked and still under stress, the Torque-Lock product might be able to help solve the issues, at hand.  Good luck with the work and I hope that I have been of some help.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 7/28/2012


► Repairing A Pool Crack?

I have a small crack just below the tile border. If it matters the pool is in Florida. Any suggestions on what to do? I appreciate any help and thanks for the opportunity to email the question.

Dick S., Florida, 3/1/2009

There are several ways to do this, depending upon the pool surface. In the simplest case, you can use an epoxy or silicone repair material. Aesthetically, it make not be the most attractive repair. You could chip out the crack, seal with epoxy or silicone caulk and resurface the repaired area. How inconspicuous the repaired area will be a matter of being able to get the exact match on the pool surface. However, such repairs may not last, if there is settling or stress. The Torque-Lock System physically holds the opposite side together, so that when filled with epoxy, it will not pull apart. This will make a rock-solid repair!  Good luck and I hope that this information proves useful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/1/2009


► Surface Pool Cracks?

I am planning on repainting my gunite pool next year. I have notices a few cracks and defects on the surface. I am not losing any water, above normal, so far a I know. I would like to repair the problem spots this year and paint next year. I don't want to have to drain the pool to get at theses underwater areas. Is there something that will work under the water. Thanks for the help.

Mike H., Lakeland, FL 4/23/2005

It is a good idea to do something to prevent water getting behind the original plaster finish. Boxer Adhesives manufactures a complete line of product for making underwater repairs. One of the products is an underwater epoxy kit. The material is white and can be painted over when you're ready. In the meantime it will make a water tight repair, without having to drain the water. Just follow the simple directions. Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/23/2005


► Cracking And Draining?

Your website is really helpful. Can you give me some information on how do pools actually develop cracks? I have heard that if you drain all the water and leave the pool empty, it can crack? Thank you for your help.

Craig. 11/16/2008

Hairline crack could develop, as the surface dries out. However, the greater danger is that the pool will crack, due to shifting or settling. In cases where the water table is high, the pool can pop up out of the ground. The shorter the time, the better, when it comes to draining and make sure the water table is not unusually high. I hope that this information will be helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 11/16/2008


► Cracked Gunite?

We are in the process of putting in an inground gunite pool. The pool was dug and gunite was shot in 3 weeks ago. There is one area of the pool that we are noticing cracks about 4 inches long and 1/8 inch wide in the gunite that were not there 2 weeks ago. They have not yet put the plaster yet, but will do so soon. Should I insist that these cracks are repaired, or will the plaster seal them. I would rather deal with this now if it is an issue then later. Thanks.

Joan R., 5/20/2007

Cracks are subject to expansion. Just filling it in and plastering over will expose you to a cracked finish, at some future time. Insist on a proper repair or it may come back to haunt you. In my opinion, you need a product, such as Torque-Lock, to make a proper repair. It prevents expansion and allows the void to be filled in with epoxy. Once replastered, you won't know a repair was done.  I hope this information proves helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 5/21/2007


► Hairline Cracks And A Pool Leak?

Alan, I have gunite pool that has a small crack some where. My pool builder has already repaired some of them, but I still have a small leak. If I apply Fix A Leak, will it fix a small crack? I've read where this stuff is some what flexible. Is that true? Also, my builder did not install the hydrostatic valve. After having a lot of rain is when my pool cracks started showing. If the valve was installed, would the pool have the cracked from the rain?

Robert C., Florida, 10/21/2008

In order for hydrostatic pressure to become an issue, the ground water level would have to be higher than the pool water level. That would have made construction difficult, at the very least. The cracks might not be related to the water loss. Fix A Leak will not eliminate the cracks, but could help make a long lasting seal. There are dye solutions that can help you trace a leak. A drop or two can be added to a still pool, near possible sites of a leak, and can help trace the way to the location, as the water leaks out. There are easy to use dye solution, available at some pool stores. Fix A Leak: a product that can permanently seal leaks as big as 1/8" in diameter. It works in gunite, fiberglass or vinyl pools and in the plumbing, as well. Easy to use and will not require that the pool be drained. Patching compounds are available, that might be a close match to your pool finish. I hope that this information will be helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster. 10/21/2008


► Cracked Steps?

We have a 20X40 inground vinyl pool the steps have a crack in them . What is the best way to take care of this problem? Is there such a thing a replacement cover?

Tammy, 3/15/2006

You could try repairing the crack with an underwater epoxy from Boxer adhesives. It should be the right product. It may be possible to have a vinyl cover made for the steps. It won't be inexpensive, won't look as well and probably won't make you happy. Try the epoxy. It cures to a white finish and it should be hard to notice. Good luck.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 3/16/2006


► Avoiding The Need To Use A Liner?

We have a very old in-ground concrete pool. The pool has now developed a crack which is leaking fast. Except for the crack the pool is in very good shape. We have been told that a pool liner is our only option (by a pool liner company). They maintain that if we fix the crack, it will only be a temporary solution since the crack will open again. I am not sure how, but this is what they say. Do you share this view or do you think we should investigate other sealing options. Any advice will be appreciated. Many thanks.

Marius G., 4/23/2005

Such a crack must be stabilized, in order for it not to happen again. In that sense, they are correct. However, Torque-Lock will allow you to stabilize the crack, so that expansion will not occur. Do it before the pool is plastered and you will have it back to new.  Good luck and I hope that I have been helpful.

Sincerely. Alan Schuster, 4/24/2005

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