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Can a Fiberglass Swimming Pool Be Repaired?

Chad Maag • June 29, 2022

Fiberglass swimming pools are beautiful, require less maintenance than concrete pools, and can even keep the water warmer than other pool types. While these pools are very durable, there will still be times that you’ll need to make some repairs.

Let’s look at some of the most common problems you could run into with a fiberglass pool as well as how those repairs are carried out.

Some of the most common problems with fiberglass pools include:

Small cracks within the gelcoat.
Older repairs that don’t match the original color.
Bulging of the pool walls.
Leaks and issues with the plumbing settlement.

Now that we know these frequently-faced issues, let’s look at how they happen and how to fix them.

Small Cracks within the Gelcoat

Of all the issues you might face with your fiberglass pool, having small cracks in your gelcoat is the least serious problem, and it's more of a cosmetic issue than a structural one. In fact, in many cases, these cracks are barely visible even when the pool is empty.

With that said, many pool owners prefer to handle these hairline cracks before they become more visible. It’s important to note that this type of crack only occurs on the top layer of gelcoat. In other words, it will not affect any of the structural layers of the pool. Along with that, small cracks in the gelcoat tend to stick to one area and do not often spread.

To fix these spider cracks, your pool contractor will apply a layer of fiberglass paint to cover the affected area. If the crack is more severe, the contractor will usually sand down the affected area, remove any loose material, and repaint the surface.

Older Repairs That Don’t Match the Original Color

When your pool needs repairs, a contractor will often finish the job by applying fresh gelcoat to the part of the pool they’ve fixed. While they might get quite close to the original look and finish, it’s all too common for repair finishes to look just a bit off.

The best way to solve this problem is to apply what’s known as a solid surface finish. This is a gelcoat layer that only needs a single application to best match the original look and finish in your pool.

As Bob Vila notes, proper maintenance can ensure that you get to enjoy your fiberglass pool for 25 years or more. When you also consider that fiberglass pools can cost 50-75% less to maintain than other pool types, a minor repair like this is well worth it.

Bulging of the Pool Walls

One of the most common and concerning problems you might have with your fiberglass pool, bulging walls happen when the sand backfill surrounding your pool liquifies. This problem is especially common in areas with a high water table, where groundwater can mix with your backfill.

The best way to prevent this is to have the pool installed using a gravel backfill, or at the very least a gravel-sand mix. If the bulge is minor, your pool contractor can dig into the existing backfill and reinforce it with gravel. Over time, the bulge should disappear on its own. In more severe cases, backfill correction plus fiberglass repair might be required.

Leaks and Issues with the Plumbing Settlement

Another issue that frequently pops up when sand backfill is used has to do with the pool’s plumbing settling lower than it should, causing leaks in your pool. When you have a backfill that’s at least partially gravel, your pool’s plumbing should generally stay where it’s installed. But with a sand backfill, the substrate can settle much lower, bringing the plumbing down with it.

Since the plumbing settlement level is entirely dependent on the backfill, your contractor can fix this problem by introducing gravel into the mix and re-settling the plumbing at an appropriate level. This should stop leaks and prevent plumbing problems in the future.

Conclusion

While fiberglass pools are well-known for their durability and longevity, it is possible for problems to crop up over time. With that said, proper maintenance and timely repairs can give you decades of fun in the sun!