SR Smith Pool Slide w/ Hail Damage

[Mapmgr]

I have a pool slide that has a few cracks due to hail damage a few years ago that let some water leak onto the deck. Coupled with the ball valve that won't shut off, I'm losing water. Any recommended sealant that I can use that won't adversely affect the action (low friction) of the slide?

-- Glenn

 

[JVTrain]

Is this slide fiberglass? What model is it? Can you share a link to the slide from here? Pool Slides - Official S.R. Smith Products

 

[Mapmgr]

Hi Joel,

The slide is the discontinued original Rogue Funslide with right-turn. Not quite sure of material, either white plastic or white fiberglass. Not as nice looking as the Rogue2. The damage is actually worse than I remember. I had a piece of gorilla tape over a hole about 1/2" diameter, near the edge, but still on the runway surface. Another crack near the lower sprinkler head and one more a few inches further to the drop-off.

Thanks in advance!

-- Glenn

 

[JVTrain]

It's going to be quite a bit of work, but you can repair that slide. Check out my slide refinishing thread here: Refinishing slide and the link included in my first post.

The difficult areas will be the large hole where you should lay in some fiberglass mesh patching and repair resin in several layers. Before patching, sand those areas well with ~120 grit sandpaper so the resin can bond to the surrounding areas. I'd even carefully chip out the very bad looking areas and repair rather than cover them. You may have to apply several layers of mesh/resin. More thin layers is better than thick layers for strength so don't try to repair in one patch. You'll likely want to patch from both side if the crack/hole is all the way through. Smaller holes and chips can be fixed with 2-part plummers epoxy or JB Weld, then sanded flat and painted.

An orbital sander with 120 grit and 220 grit will really help. Getting the right paint and studying the videos on its application will make a big difference.

 

[Mapmgr]

Thanks Joel! Just saw your reply; still getting used to the forum and how it notifies. Got some reading and watching to do!

One other thing I need to do is to replace the valve that controls the slide. The internal mechanism is stuck in the ON position. Unfortunately I'll have to dig in the pump house a little since the bottom of the existing valve is almost flush with the dirt and gravel floor.