Crack in gunite spa - how to fix?

[NomenNescio]

I have about 10 years old gunite pool and spa in Texas. The system has been losing water a couple of summers. Not huge amounts but more than just evaporation. Now I noticed this crack in the spa, see the pictures. The vertical part about 10 inches and horizontal some 5 inches.

http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/4281/crack2uf3.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crack2uf3.jpg) http://img264.imageshack.us/img264/3320/crack1vc2.th.jpg (http://img264.imageshack.us/my.php?image=crack1vc2.jpg)

Simple question, what would be the best way to fix it? I would prefer to try to do it myself (and ask for professional help afterwards).

[huskyrider]

Do you want to simply patch the leak or attempt to match your existing pool finish?
Either route you take will require draining the spa and using a diamond or cup wheel and a chipper to work the flanks and crevice of your crack. Then you can fill it in with some pool patch.
If you want to attempt to match your finish you'll need to purchase a bag of the plaster utilized on your pool, or you could make your own mix for base and look for some similar aggregate.
This is simple work; grind ,chip, mix, and fill.

See ya,
Kelly

[CarlD]

You CAN also use pool epoxy--it can be applied underwater. It will patch the leak, if that's your goal, but it will be ugly and grey.

[NomenNescio]

Thank you very much for your quick responses. The good news for me is that simple patching would be enough. I thought that use of anchors or something would be overkill in this kind of case. But with my usual luck, you never know. :-)

The crack is in the lower part of the spa seat. It is not really visible from there. The spa is currently almost empty so I have access to the crack.

The epoxy path sounds suitable in this case. Would it be enough just squeeze / inject epoxy in the crack and not grind the crack all open? Any references to exact brand of epoxy that works and would be available at Home Depot or Lowe's?

[huskyrider]

Go to your local pool supply and ask for two part "pool putty" epoxy.
Mix them equally and smush it into the crack.

See ya,
Kelly

[CarlD]

Remember, "Smush" is the highly specific technical word! :D

Do try to feather the edges of the epoxy so there's nothing to grab on, especially when cleaning. And it's lots easier to use on dry surfaces, but it does work underwater. Almost all pool stores stock the stuff. It looks "poolish" in a pair of blue and white tubes.

[waste]

As a quick note, a wet finger does an excellent job of smoothing and feathering, rewet finger as needed.

[huskyrider]

Remember, "Smush" is the highly specific technical word

LMAO

I thought "smush" rather clearly described the application process!!! LOL

When using pool putty I don't really even try to feather the edges. I simply fill the void and try to wipe it back to the existing edge. I've never considered it to be a permanent fix. It's simply something I'll do as a courtesy on a service call to a customer who doesn't want to drop the coin on a legitimate repair. I'm not calling it a bad repair, rather it's a stop gap measure that could last anywhere from a year to four or five. It's also virtually impossible to blend with an existing pool finish even when the pool is white and your using white pool putty.

See ya,
Kelly