That sinking feeling in your stomach is all too familiar. You’re getting your in-ground plaster pool ready for summer fun, and then you see it. A crack, a hollow spot, or worse, a section of failing plaster on the sidewall. Your first question is probably, “Can I repair the plaster sidewall of my in-ground pool, or is my entire summer ruined?” I’m here to tell you not to panic just yet. The answer to if you can repair the plaster sidewall of an in-ground pool is often yes, but it really depends on the type and size of the damage.
You have options, and in many cases, a solid repair is completely possible with a little bit of work. We’ll walk through exactly how to figure out if your pool plaster is salvageable. Our team can provide further assistance for pool repairs in Richboro to stop any more damage from occurring.
Is Damaged Plaster a Lost Cause?
Seeing damage to your pool’s finish is scary. That plaster wall is holding back water and providing the smooth, durable surface for your pool, and any weakness feels like a major problem. It is totally normal to feel like it is game over for your pool.
But that is not always the case. Small hairline cracks, minor etching, and even shallow spalling can be repaired effectively. The main task is understanding the difference between a simple patch job and a serious structural failure.
A hairline crack from normal curing is very different from a deep crack that indicates shifting pool shell movement. The first is a cosmetic fix; the second requires a professional structural assessment. Your first step is always a calm, careful inspection of the plaster pool wall. If you are ever unsure, contacting a trusted retailer like Mt. Lake Pool & Patio for their expert opinion can save you a lot of time and worry.
Assessing the Plaster Sidewall Damage
Before you buy any supplies, you need to know what you are dealing with. Put on your detective hat and take a close look at the problem area. The right fix depends entirely on the type of damage you’ve found on your pool wall. Look closely for tiny flaws that may not be immediately obvious. Below is a breakdown of common issues.
- Hairline Cracks: These are very narrow, surface-level cracks, usually less than $1/8$ of an inch wide. They are often cosmetic and caused by normal curing shrinkage. They are the easiest type of crack to patch.
- Deep Cracks: If a crack is wider than ⅛ of an inch, or if it runs from the tile line to the floor, it could indicate movement in the pool shell itself. These are serious and usually require professional injection or patching of the pool shell, not just the plaster finish.
- Hollow Spots (Spalling and Pop-Outs): Spalling is when the plaster surface is brittle or flakey, often caused by poor water chemistry. A hollow spot is an area where the plaster has detached from the underlying concrete shell. You can find these by tapping the surface with the handle of a screwdriver; a hollow spot will make a distinct, empty sound. These areas must be chipped out and re-plastered.
- Etching and Staining: While not structural, these are cosmetic flaws often caused by aggressive or unbalanced water chemistry. They usually require acid washing or professional re-surfacing, not a patch.
Gathering Your Repair Supplies
Once you’ve sized up the problem, it is time to get your materials together. For a common crack or small spall repair, you will need specialized materials. Having all your pool equipment ready beforehand makes the whole process go much smoother.
Here’s a basic list of what you will likely need for a standard plaster repair (a bonding agent is critical):
- Chipping Hammer and Cold Chisel: To chip out the damaged or hollow plaster down to the concrete (gunite/shotcrete) shell.
- Specialized Plaster Patch Material: A small batch of pool-grade plaster mix or a pre-mixed hydraulic cement patching compound.
- Bonding Agent: A liquid cement bonding agent is essential to help the new patch adhere to the old plaster and pool shell.
- Trowel and Margin Trowel: For mixing and applying the plaster patch smoothly.
- A Bucket and Drill Mixer: For mixing the patch material and water.
- Safety Gear: Including gloves and eye protection.
When you need parts or a replacement, a dedicated pool supply store like Mt. Lake Pool & Patio can help you get the right materials for your specific finish. Our team can provide many options for pool services in Pottstown so your family can enjoy swimming.
How to Repair an In-Ground Plaster Pool Wall: A Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, you’ve assessed the damage and have your supplies. Now it is time to get to work. Remember to be patient and thorough, because a good repair depends on good preparation.
- Drain the Pool Water: The water level must be at least a foot below the damaged area to remove pressure and allow you to work safely and effectively on a dry surface.
- Prepare the Area (The Critical Step):
- For cracks, use a chipping hammer and chisel to widen the crack into an inverted ‘V’ shape (wider at the bottom than the top) to lock the new plaster in place.
- For spalling or hollow spots, chip away all the loose and hollow plaster down to the solid concrete pool shell. Square off the edges of the repair area.
- Clean and Wet the Surface: Brush away all debris and dust. Then, dampen the exposed concrete shell and old plaster surface with clean water. The surface should be damp but have no standing water.
- Apply the Bonding Agent: Brush or roll a coat of the liquid cement bonding agent onto the exposed surfaces of the repair area. This helps a chemical and mechanical bond between the old and new material. Allow it to set according to the product directions (usually until it’s tacky).
- Mix and Apply the Plaster Patch: Mix your plaster or hydraulic cement patch material. It should be the consistency of a stiff putty—moist but not soupy. Using a trowel, force the new patch material firmly into the prepared area.
- Trowel to a Smooth Finish: Use the trowel to smooth the new patch to match the surrounding existing plaster. If possible, keep the patched area damp and covered for a few hours to slow the curing process, which helps prevent new cracks.
- Cure and Refill: Allow the patch to cure completely before refilling the pool. This can take anywhere from 24 hours to several days depending on the patch material. Check the product instructions. Once cured, you can carefully refill the pool, paying close attention to the pool’s water chemistry immediately after refilling.
Preventing Future Plaster Damage
An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure, right? After going through the trouble of a repair, you will want to avoid doing it again. Luckily, the most important factor in protecting your plaster is water chemistry.
- Maintain Proper Water Chemistry (The Most Important Rule): Unbalanced water is the number one cause of plaster degradation. Regularly test your water and keep your Langelier Saturation Index (LSI) balanced. Low pH and alkalinity can etch and corrode plaster (acidic water), while high calcium can cause scaling and staining (basic water).
- Brush the Pool Regularly: Plaster pools need to be brushed regularly to remove any sediment that can bind to the surface and cause staining or etching.
- Address Cracks Immediately: Don’t let a small crack grow or allow water to seep behind the plaster. The sooner you fix it, the less damage is done.
So, you found yourself asking, can I repair the plaster sidewall of my in-ground pool? As you can see now, the answer is often yes, you can. For tiny cracks and small spalling, a DIY repair is a perfectly good solution to get your pool back in action.