Repairing Stucco Pool Underwater
Understanding Stucco Pool Damage
When you’re about to tackle underwater stucco repair for pools, first things first: get to know what’s cracking. Stucco on your pool gets battered by water and pool chemicals over time, leading it to show its age with cracks and blemishes. It’s all about spotting these troublemakers early to keep your pool looking good and strong for a long time.
Stucco takes a beating, and tiny cracks might appear—that’s just part of the wear and tear. Mostly, these little guys don’t mean much, but if water starts sneaking in behind the stucco because things like the flashing or drainage are off, you’ve got bigger fish to fry. This kind of seepage can really mess things up if ignored.
If you’ve got water finding its way around windows or nearby structures and it’s messing with your stucco, staining and moisture are not far behind. Checking for damp or mushy wood in these areas early on is key, so you don’t have to tear out and swap pricey wood bits later on (Homeowners Hub).
To stop stains and keep stucco solid, take some simple steps like repainting windows, sealing cracks, and using water blockers like Thompson’s repellent. Give the stucco a good power wash to banish any junk that’s causing problems.
Stucco, along with other kinds of siding, should let water pass. Don’t try to make it waterproof—proper water drainage is a must to avoid rotting the wood beneath. Issues from poor flashing or drainage scream for regular upkeep and quick fixes to keep that pool’s stucco from falling apart (Homeowners Hub).
Knowing what wrecks stucco pools helps you fix things right. Sort out the root problems and use the right repair tricks so your pool stays in shape without the hassle of draining it or disturbing your swim season.
DIY vs Professional Repair
Choosing between doing it yourself or calling in the pros for your stucco pool repairs can feel like a big deal. Knowing the difference between those pesky surface cracks and the scarier structural ones is the first step to nailing the proper pool repair without yanking out all the water.
Patching Surface Cracks
Those tiny cracks in a stucco pool, such as little hairline ones or ones that look like a spider’s web? They’re usually just beauty marks that you can tackle on your own. All you need is some handy Patch-It waterproof cement, a trusty putty knife, and a grout sponge to get the job done right (Sublime Pools & Spa) (Leslie’s Pool Blog).
| Steps You Can Take | What to Do |
|---|---|
| Scrub the Crack | Kick off by cleaning out any dirt or junk from the crack. |
| Fill It Up | Slap on that Patch-It waterproof cement and don’t skimp on the coverage! |
| Smooth Things Over | Get the edges looking nice and neat with your putty knife. |
| Top Up the Pool | After you’ve patched it up, refill your pool and keep an eye out for new cracks. |
For those minor surface cracks, DIY repair can save you a bundle and keep your pool looking top-notch without needing to empty it.
Addressing Structural Cracks
On the flip side, structural cracks? Those mean business. They’re usually bigger, wider, or causing parts of your pool to shift. If you spot these, it’s time to call in someone who knows their stuff. Structural cracks can mess with the whole pool if left unchecked.
For these, it’s best to call on the experts. Not only do they have the know-how, but they also have the right tools to assess the damage and fix it properly. This way, your pool stays safe and solid for years to come.
So, while you might feel like a weekend warrior tackling those minor cracks, when the more serious ones show up, it’s wise to get the pros involved. Understanding the difference means you can handle your stucco pool issues without messing up the water level or pool’s performance.
