100% Silicone for Step Jet Returns - Says no Underwater Use

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gmason86

Bronze Supporter
May 13, 2017
97
Ontario, Canada
Hey all,

The pool is undergoing a facelift this year: new liner, and I also had the steps reno'd.

One thing I want to do, just as an added precaution against any future potential leaks, is to seal around the return jets at the steps. I had been advised to do this previously when fixing an actual leak (where I sealed both sides of the jet as I'd dug out behind the steps) and was told any 100% silicone would do the trick.

Based on another thread on here, I bought GE Silicone 2, specifically: General PDP Template. I believe the official product page is: Advanced Silicone 2<sup>®</sup> Kitchen & Bath Sealant | GE Sealants

When I was at the store, I noticed this (and all the other brands of 100% silicone) say "Not for underwater/aquarium use" or words similar to that.

I'm confused... Why do these say they can't be used underwater, but the advice on here is to use 100% silicone. I trust you guys more, but hoping you could help me understand.

If this is the wrong product, can you point me in the direction of some better options please? I'm in Canada, if that changes anything.

Thanks so much.
 
gmason86 said:
Hey all,

The pool is undergoing a facelift this year: new liner, and I also had the steps reno'd.

One thing I want to do, just as an added precaution against any future potential leaks, is to seal around the return jets at the steps. I had been advised to do this previously when fixing an actual leak (where I sealed both sides of the jet as I'd dug out behind the steps) and was told any 100% silicone would do the trick.

Based on another thread on here, I bought GE Silicone 2, specifically: General PDP Template. I believe the official product page is: Advanced Silicone 2<sup>®</sup> Kitchen & Bath Sealant | GE Sealants

When I was at the store, I noticed this (and all the other brands of 100% silicone) say "Not for underwater/aquarium use" or words similar to that.

I'm confused... Why do these say they can't be used underwater, but the advice on here is to use 100% silicone. I trust you guys more, but hoping you could help me understand.

If this is the wrong product, can you point me in the direction of some better options please? I'm in Canada, if that changes anything.

Thanks so much.
Click to expand...
From Enviroliteracy.org:

Aquarium-Safe vs. Regular Silicone: What’s the Difference?​

The key distinction lies in the additives. Aquarium-safe silicone is specifically formulated without anti-mildew or mold inhibitors. These additives, while beneficial in bathrooms and kitchens, are highly toxic to fish and other aquatic life. Regular silicone often contains these harmful chemicals, making it unsuitable for aquarium use.

Try this as it is designed for underwater use:
www.ebay.com

100% Silicone RTV Aquarium/Terrarium/Habitat Safe Sealant/Adhesive DIY/Repair | eBay

ASi 10.2oz Aquarium Silicone. Available in 1, 3, 6 and multiple lots in Clear or Black. ASI Aquarium Silicone Sealant is a non-slump sealant and can be applied to vertical surfaces without flowing or sagging.
www.ebay.com
 
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So is the worry with the stuff I bought not that it's not going to be effective, but that it contains anti-mildew / mold inhibitors? Is that an issue for people, or just aquatic life?

I did some more searching and found this in stock nearby: Silicone Ultra All-Purpose Premium Waterproof Sealant Aquarium Safe | DAP Global

Would this be better than my original one? Means another trip but I'll go if the original isn't the right thing.

Thanks for your help.
 
gmason86 said:
Also now found this well recommended. Reviews mention people using it in pools too:

Click to expand...
Loctite is a good brand. The package states it is for aquarium use, so it is good underwater. The concern is not that it contains toxic material as you aren't "breathing" the water as a fish would. It is that some products are designed for use underwater and some aren't. Given a choice, I would opt for the former.
 
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