Seal hairline cracks now. Stop four figure repairs
Small crack today = major repair tomorrow. Fall rain, cooler nights, and deck movement widen gaps fast. Act now and protect plaster, tile, and structure.
Why tiny cracks matter
Water finds the weakest path. It stains plaster, rusts rebar, loosens tile, and spikes chemical spend. Early sealing blocks damage and stops leaks before storm peaks.
Where cracks start
Scan these high-risk zones first.
Tile line and skimmer throat
Light niche gasket and conduit entry
Returns, main drain collars, step corners
Beam and coping edges
Expansion joint mastic between deck and coping
Tip: Clean the area, dry what you can, and mark crack ends with a wax pencil. Snap photos for a one-week comparison.
Fast DIY checks
Confirm movement before you patch.
Run a quick dye test with the pump off. Any draw signals seepage.
Tap around the area. Hollow sound hints at delamination.
Track water loss for 24 hours with a bucket test. Bigger drop in the pool than the bucket suggests a leak.
Temporary fixes that buy time
Use pool-rated materials only. Follow cure times.
Underwater epoxy putty: Small weeps at light rings, returns, and skimmer throat. Press in, smooth, and feather edges.
Hydraulic cement or plaster patch: Pinholes and hairlines in plaster. Prep, press, hold, and trowel flat.
Pool-grade silicone or polyurethane mastic: Split expansion joints at deck and coping. Cut out loose material and recaulk for flex.
Regrout tile line: Replace brittle or missing grout to block capillary wicking.
Tip: Label every patch on your photo set. Recheck in seven days for creep or staining.
When to call a pro now
Do not wait if you see any of these.
Crack crosses the beam or runs through step corners
Brown or rust halos that grow week to week
Repeating algae line over the same seam despite proper chlorine
Loss greater than 1/4 inch per day outside heavy wind or heat
Hollow-sounding areas that spread beyond the initial spot
Post storm audit
After heavy rain, lower to mid-skimmer, empty baskets, brush seams, and re-dye test suspect spots. Document changes. Move fast on anything that grows.
Enjoy your pool stress-free. >>>
Let our experts handle the rest.
Enjoy your pool stress-free. >>> Let our experts handle the rest.
Book a Crack and Seal Audit
We map every flaw, run dye tests, seal priority points, stabilize chemistry, and set a simple watch plan before rainy weeks hit.
