Your swimming pool is the centerpiece of your backyard, a place for relaxation, fun, and making memories. But over time, the wear and tear from sun, chemicals, and constant use can take a toll. Unsightly cracks and stubborn stains can appear on your pool’s surface, detracting from its beauty and potentially signaling deeper issues.
Fortunately, you don’t have to live with a worn-out pool. A surface renovation can restore its pristine appearance and protect your investment for years to come. This guide will walk you through how to identify common surface problems, understand their causes, and explore the best methods for fixing cracks and stains for good.
Understanding Your Pool’s Surface
Before diving into repairs, it’s helpful to know what kind of surface you’re working with. The most common types of inground pool surfaces are plaster, fiberglass, and aggregate (like pebble or quartz finishes). Each has its own unique characteristics and repair needs.
- Plaster: This is the classic pool finish, a simple mixture of white cement and marble dust. It’s affordable but also the most susceptible to staining and cracking over its 7-10 year lifespan.
- Aggregate: These finishes mix cement with materials like pebbles, quartz, or glass beads. They are more durable and stain-resistant than standard plaster and can last 15-20 years.
- Fiberglass: This is a smooth, non-porous gel coat applied over a fiberglass shell. It’s highly resistant to algae and staining but can develop spider cracks or fade over time.
Knowing your surface type will help you choose the right products and techniques for a successful renovation.
Tackling Stubborn Pool Stains
Stains are one of the most common complaints from pool owners. They can be frustrating, but identifying the cause is the first step toward removing them. Pool stains generally fall into two categories: organic and metallic.
Identifying and Removing Organic Stains
Organic stains are caused by natural debris like leaves, algae, berries, or worms that are left to sit on the pool’s surface. These stains are typically green, brown, or bluish-purple.
How to Fix Them:
- Shock Treatment: Often, a powerful chlorine shock treatment is enough to break down and eliminate organic stains. Brush the stained area thoroughly before and after shocking the pool to help lift the blemish.
- Enzyme-Based Cleaners: For persistent organic stains, specialty enzyme cleaners can be very effective. These products work by breaking down the organic matter without using harsh acids.
- Vitamin C: A simple and surprisingly effective trick for many stains is using ascorbic acid (Vitamin C). You can purchase it as a pool-specific product or even use crushed Vitamin C tablets on a small spot to test. If the stain vanishes, an ascorbic acid treatment across the surface may be your solution.
Erasing Metallic Stains
Metallic stains are caused by metals dissolving in your pool water and settling on the surface. This can happen if your water source has high metal content or if metal components like ladders, pipes, or heaters begin to corrode.
- Reddish-Brown or Dark Blue/Black Stains: These usually indicate the presence of iron or manganese.
- Light Green or Teal Stains: These are almost always caused by copper.
How to Fix Them:
- Acid Washing: For plaster and aggregate pools, an acid wash is the most effective way to remove widespread metallic stains. This process involves carefully draining the pool and washing the surface with a muriatic acid solution, which strips away a thin top layer of the finish, revealing a fresh, clean surface below. This is a hazardous job that is best left to experienced professionals.
- Stain-Lifting Chemicals: There are various chemical products designed to lift metal stains from the surface and sequester (trap) the metal particles in your filter. This is a less invasive option than acid washing but may require multiple treatments.
- Prevention: The best way to handle metallic stains is to prevent them. Use a metal sequestering agent regularly as part of your chemical maintenance routine, especially if you know your water source has high metal levels.
Repairing Cracks in Your Pool Surface
Cracks are more concerning than stains because they can indicate structural problems. Like stains, it’s important to identify the type of crack you’re dealing with before attempting a repair.
Surface and Plaster Cracks
These are small, shallow cracks that only affect the top layer of your pool’s finish. They often look like spiderwebs or fine lines and are typically a cosmetic issue rather than a structural one. They are common in plaster and aggregate finishes as the material ages and shrinks.
How to Fix Them:
- Underwater Epoxy: For minor surface cracks, you can use a two-part underwater epoxy putty. Simply mix the putty and apply it firmly into the crack, smoothing it over with a putty knife.
- Plaster Patch Kits: Similar to epoxy, plaster patch kits are designed to fill in small cracks and chips. The key is to find a color that closely matches your existing plaster for a seamless repair.
Structural Cracks
Structural cracks are more serious. They go all the way through the pool’s shell (the concrete or gunite structure) and are often a sign of ground movement, improper engineering, or soil pressure. These cracks are usually wider than a credit card, run deep, and may extend across the entire pool. They are a primary cause of water loss.
How to Fix Them:
- Professional Assessment: If you suspect a structural crack, your first call should be to a pool renovation or structural repair expert. They can determine the cause and extent of the damage.
- Staple Injection Method: The most common and reliable method for fixing structural cracks involves “stapling” the crack. A professional will drill holes along the crack and inject carbon fiber staples, which are then sealed with high-strength epoxy. This method stabilizes the crack and prevents it from expanding further.
- Complete Resurfacing: After the structural crack is repaired and stabilized, the pool will need to be completely resurfaced to create a new, waterproof seal and a uniform appearance.
When Is It Time to Resurface?
While patching stains and cracks can work as a temporary fix, there comes a point when a full surface renovation is the better long-term solution. Consider a complete resurfacing if:
- Your pool surface is covered in numerous cracks and stains.
- The surface feels rough or abrasive to the touch (a condition known as “etching” in plaster pools).
- You are constantly battling algae blooms because the porous old surface provides a place for it to hide.
- Your pool is losing water and you can’t find a specific leak.
Resurfacing your pool is a major project, but it gives you a chance to not only fix all existing issues at once but also to upgrade your pool’s look with a modern, durable finish.
Take the First Step to a Beautiful Pool
Don’t let cracks and stains keep you from enjoying your backyard oasis. Whether it’s a simple patch or a full renovation, addressing surface issues will improve your pool’s appearance, safety, and longevity.
Ready to restore your pool to its former glory? Contact a trusted pool professional today to discuss your options. They can provide an expert diagnosis and help you choose the best renovation plan for your needs and budget, ensuring you can dive back into a beautiful, worry-free pool.