Crack in the deep end and need to stop the water leak

[CKS]

Hi, I have a 30 year old fiberglass pool that has many issues right now - chalking, blistering, and most importantly, a crack in the sidewall in the 8 foot deep end that started small about 5 months ago and is continuing to get bigger - likely due to undermining of the base as a result of separation of the pool from the concrete skirt.

I am in the process of finding a proper expert to overhaul my pool near Philadelphia, PA, but I can't find anyone available to do the repairs for 6+ months. I am currently losing about 1/2 inch of water every hour. I know I need to prevent too much water loss or else bad things happen. I do have a hydrostatic relief valve.

I have tried JB Water Weld, and it holds for a few weeks, but the crack lengthens (it's about 8-10 inches long right now) and I lose water fast. I need to use something to stop the leak for the next 6 months. What should I use? Can you recommend a repair company?

Thank you!
Colleen

 

[ajw22]

Post pics of your pool and the crack.

I hate to suggest this but you have an unusual problem. Try Flexseal tape on the crack. You need something that is flexible and waterproof.

Flex Tape

SUPER STRONG WATERPROOF TAPE Powerful adhesive with a thick, flexible rubberized backing that conforms to virtually any shape and surface, even underwater. Gets stronger with time and pressure. UV resistant, VOC- free, withstands extreme temperature and weather conditions. • Plumbing repairs •...

flexsealproducts.com

Although I am not sure your pool will survive 6 months without stabilizing it on the ground.

Any patch on the crack will not keep the crack from growing. You need to get under the pool and stabilize the shell to stop the cracking.

@Texas Splash may have ideas.

 

[Texas Splash]

Wow, sorry to hear. I'm at a loss about a good underwater sealant. Maybe @MAPR-Austin might have an idea from the field. In the meantime, I would consider a back-up plan to stabilize the shell if you wish to keep it. Consider some lumber secured inside from wall-to-wall to brace the sides at the very least. You may need more than one set of braces stretched across the pool. If the hydrostatic valve doesn't appear to provide enough relief, you may need to consider drilling some additional relief holes. They, like the other work, can be repaired next season.

 

[CKS]

Thank you so much for your responses and advice for what may come over the next few months. Attached are pictures of our pool as well as the crack as of yesterday before we worked on it. My husband swam down there to stop the water loss and now, 12 hours later, it is holding water. For now. I know the crack will likely lengthen. Today, I am contracting a repair professional to address the entire pool in the spring. I just want to minimize further damage at this point and through the winter as best we can.

Last night we filled the crack with Aquabond. The crack sucked in the whole container. We then put JB Water Weld over that to close the gaps. We then put a long piece of Flex Tape over top. Some parts of the Flex Tape did not adhere at all to the walls despite hitting it with a scrub brush first. I'm guessing it's from the chalking. Fingers crossed that we can use these bandaids (repeatedly, if needed) and keep the shell intact until the contractor comes in the spring.
Thank you so much!