How to Use Pool Putty

Pool putty is one of the most versatile and useful tools in any pool owner’s arsenal. This putty is a one-size-fits-all solution to repairing leaks, cracks, and other damage in your swimming pool. This durable bond can withstand water and chemicals, making it the ideal solution to many of the issues you may encounter as a pool owner. But if you’re new to pool maintenance, you may wonder: how do you use it?

In this article, we will go over how to use pool putty, the benefits, the types of pool putty, tips for using it, and alternatives. Let’s dive in.

Main Takeaways

• You can use pool putty to repair the pool surface, the skimmer, the pool pump, the tile, and the coping, and you can even use it underwater.
• Pool putty is durable, easy to use, versatile, cost-effective, and can be applied underwater.
• When using pool putty, use only what you need, mix the putty properly before using it, and smooth it out with a wet sponge.
• Some alternatives to pool putty include waterproof tape, a vinyl patch kit, a fiberglass repair kit, peel-and-stick patches, and hydraulic cement.

How to Use Pool Putty

Pool putty is incredibly versatile and can be used to remedy many different situations regarding your pool. Here are the different ways you can use pool putty.

Repairing Cracks in Pool Surface

It’s inevitable that over time, your concrete pool may develop small cracks. This can happen for various reasons, including general wear and tear, temperature changes, and even ground shifts. If you notice a crack in your pool, it’s important that you address it immediately before it turns into a bigger issue.

How to Fix

Before you apply the pool putty, make sure you thoroughly clean the area. Then, mix the pool putty according to the manufacturer’s instructions. Press the putty into the crack so that it fills the entire space. Finally, smooth the surface to match the rest of the pool and allow the putty to cure fully.

Pump and Skimmer Repair

Are there any leaks in the pump housing, connections, or skimmer? You’ll need to fix this problem ASAP, as leaks in these areas can cause significant water loss and potential damage to your pool’s structure if not repaired quickly!

How to Fix

As always, clean the area before you begin working on it. Turn off the pump temporarily while you fix the leak. Mix the pool putty, then apply it around the skimmer’s edges or any visible cracks. Press it firmly to make sure it seals the leak. After applying, let the putty cure completely before turning on your pump again.

Tile and Coping Repair

Pool putty can also make a great temporary solution to loose or damaged tiles and coping stones around the pool. By using pool putty, you can prevent further damage from occurring before you hire a professional to permanently fix the issue.

How to Fix

Clean the area where the tile or stone has come loose. Mix the putty and press it into place beneath the loose tile or stone. Then, hold the tile or stone in position until the putty starts to set. Smooth out any excess putty around the edges and let it cure completely.

Underwater Repair

One of the significant advantages of pool putty is its ability to be applied underwater, making it ideal for repairs without needing to go through the effort of draining the pool to fix the issue.

How to Fix

For underwater repairs, first, make sure the area is free of algae or loose debris. Mix the putty and, while underwater, press it directly into the crack or leak. Apply more pressure to ensure a strong bond! Smooth the putty out with your fingers or a putty knife.

Benefits of Pool Putty

As you can see, there are many uses for pool putty, but what are some of the advantages of using this instead of an alternative fix?

Durable

Pool putty is waterproof and durable. Once properly cured, it can effectively prevent leaks. It can also withstand the harsh conditions of a pool environment, including constant water exposure, chemicals, and UV rays, ensuring that this fix lasts for many years with proper maintenance.

Can Be Applied Underwater

An absolute standout feature of pool putty is the fact that you can apply it underwater. This is super convenient for quick repairs that need to be done. Plus, you don’t waste any water by partly draining and refilling the pool when repairing any cracks on the pool’s surfaces. You can simply apply pool putty directly to the affected area, even while the pool is in use.

Easy to Use

Pool putty is incredibly user-friendly and requires no special tools or specific knowledge to apply. It typically comes in a two-part system that you mix by hand, following the manufacturer’s instructions. Once it’s mixed, you simply mold it onto the needed area.

Versatile

Pool putty is an incredibly versatile tool that you can use to repair a wide range of pool issues. Pool putty can fix cracks in concrete, seal leaks around pool fixtures, patch holes, and even secure loose tiles or stones. Furthermore, you can use pool putty on many different surfaces, including concrete, fiberglass, plaster, and even vinyl!

Cost-Effective

Rather than dealing with more extensive repair options and alternatives, pool putty is a budget-friendly solution to many pool issues. While the putty can’t fix anything that requires a full replacement, it is a quick and cheap solution to help extend the life of your pool and pool equipment by sealing small cracks and leaks. By addressing these small issues ASAP with pool putty, you can avoid more costly damage down the line.

Types of Pool Putty

Did you know there’s more than one type of pool putty out there? So, what are the different pool putty options to choose from?

Standard Pool Putty

A standard pool putty is sufficient for most pool uses. You can use standard putty to repair cracks and leaks in the pool concrete, plaster, vinyl, and most other pool surfaces. It’s super easy to use, hardens quickly, and can be sanded and painted over.

Underwater Pool Putty

While many pool putties can be applied underwater, some products are marketed explicitly as underwater putty. These putties are formulated to cure effectively while underwater, providing a quick fix for emergency repairs without draining the pool.

Epoxy Pool Putty

Epoxy pool putty is one of the most popular types of putty due to its strength and versatility. It comes as a two-part system consisting of a resin and a hardener. When mixed, epoxy putty forms a durable, waterproof seal that is resistant to chemicals, UV rays, and extreme temperatures. You can use epoxy putty for both above and underwater.

Top Tips for Using Pool Putty

If you want to try your hand at using pool putty to fix minor issues with your swimming pool, here are some tips to keep in mind to ensure the application process is smooth and easy.

• Mix only what you need: Putty sets relatively quickly, so mix smaller batches to help avoid waste.
• Mix properly: Mix according to the manufacturer’s instructions and ensure the putty is a uniform color before you begin applying it.
• Store properly: If you have leftover pool putty, store it in a cool, dry place and make sure it’s tightly sealed.
• Press firmly for underwater repairs: When using pool putty underwater, press it firmly into cracks or leaks to ensure a strong bond.
• Smooth it out with a wet sponge: After applying the putty, use a wet sponge to create a neat and tidy finish.

Alternatives to Pool Putty

So, now you know that pool putty is a great way to fix any minor leaks and cracks in your swimming pool. But are there any alternatives that you can use?

• Waterproof tape: This is a very temporary solution to hold a pool liner together before you call a professional.
• Vinyl patch kit: You can use this kit to patch up a vinyl liner.
• Peel-and-stick patches: These patches are perfect for patching up any leaks in a vinyl liner.
• Hydraulic cement: A fast-curing option to repair larger cracks in concrete pools
• Fiberglass repair kit: This is the best option for fixing any cracks and leaks in a fiberglass pool shell.
• Call a professional: In the case the issue is too large to handle, or you simply have doubts about taking care of it yourself, call a professional.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take pool putty to set?

Pool putty typically takes about 30 to 60 minutes to harden, but full curing can take up to 24 hours, depending on the product. Always check the manufacturer’s instructions for more accurate information.

Is pool putty a permanent fix?

Pool putty is a durable solution but not necessarily permanent. While it can last several years, exposure to water, chemicals, and weather can cause it to wear down over time, requiring reapplication or a more permanent fix down the line.

Does pool putty work on plastic?

Yes, absolutely! You can apply pool putty on plastic surfaces as well as metal, tile, concrete, glass, and stone.

Pool Putty to the Rescue!

Don’t worry if you see a little leak or crack in your pool or pool equipment; pool putty is a very easy solution to this issue. And it’s easy to slap it on and smooth it out before it becomes an even bigger issue down the line.

Do you have any more questions regarding pool maintenance? Let me know!