Caulking Your Swimming Pool: How to Get it Done - Pools NJ

Caulking Your Swimming Pool: How to Get it Done

Are there cracks and holes around your pool? These can certainly look unsightly, not to mention, they’re dangerous because they can cause damage and introduce water leaks. Fix these problems right away with caulking to cover up those cracks and keep everything dry.

As the temperature fluctuates through the year, your pool expands and contracts. As such, this is the reason concrete pools are built with expansion joints, which connect the concrete to your pool so no damage occurs. You’ll notice the joint is sealed with caulk to prevent water from getting in. Expansion joints are included in all concrete pools, although you will sometimes see them in vinyl pools too. Because this caulking gets dry and brittle over time, you’ll need to replace it at some point. Skip this task and you may face expensive repairs down the line.

Is your pool caulking is starting to look brittle, it’s time to re-apply. Check out these tips.

You’ll need the right supplies: You can get these items at your local hardware or pool store:

• Water-proof silicone caulk (color of your choice)
• Caulking gun
• Cloth
• Flat cardboard
• Foam backer rod
• Sand (optional)

Wear work clothes, as you’ll be doing some pretty hard work on your knees.

Follow these steps to caulking cracks in your pool:

• Clear the entire area of leaves and debris using a leaf blower.
• Scrape off the old caulking and use the leaf blower to get that all off as well.
• Put the foam backer rod inside the crack, pressing firmly for a good adhesion.
• Place the cardboard on the ground near your work area. That’s where you’ll place your caulking gun when you’re taking a break. This way, none of the caulking will get on the pool area itself.
• Pulling the trigger on the caulking gun, run a long bead of the caulk over the whole area.
• Use a damp cloth to wipe away any excess caulking.
• Go over the entire area to ensure you got all the cracks and holes.
• Sprinkle sand in the caulk if you're looking to match the color and texture of the concrete.
• Allow to dry. If you desire, you can do another layer.

Caulking is messy and takes time, but it’s important not to skimp on this task. Good news is, any DIY’er can accomplish this job on their own. Do this every so often to extend the life of your pool and surrounding decking, so your family can enjoy it for many years to come.

If you need assistance with any aspect of pool maintenance or repair, rely on the experts at Central Jersey Pools. It’s easy to schedule an appointment for our technicians to visit your home.