Hairline crack in plaster, small air bubbles coming up.

[USMC-DAV]

Hello all. Long story short: We closed on a home with an older pool (approx. 30 yrs old) on 1 June. Pool was black/green so I drained, acid/pressure washed and refilled. The stucco is in pretty bad shape (has places worn/chipped to the concrete, blisters everywhere, etc.) and I know it has to be refinished (next year project). But for this year, we wanted to make use of the pool. While cleaning the pool, I noticed a hairline crack in the stucco on the stairs. Today (after having the pool open/filled for over a month) I noticed some very small bubbles coming up from the hairline crack. I assume this is a leak but it is obviously very slow as there is no noticible water loss. I have seen a product called eazy-patch and was wondering if anyone has used it? And what product would you recommend for a repair? Thanks in advance for your help.

https://picasaweb.google.com/1066573...eat=directlink

[Marin]

If you want a temp fix to hold you off a year until you replaster, use whatever. Even 2 part marine epoxy. Doesn't have to be pretty.

I'm really surprised you're getting water loss from a hairline crack. It happens, just not common.

And just for information's sake, it's plaster, not stucco.

[USMC-DAV]

Hello Martin,

Thanks for the reply, much appreciated! While there are tiny bubbles and I assume the water is leaking, I have not noticed any water loss. But then again, we've had lots of rain as of late and that could be replentishing any small loss. Next year for the re-plaster (thanks for the clarification), is it advisable to take the plaster all the way down to the concrete?

[Marin]

You're welcome.

Are you going to try to replaster yourself? I've encountered very few cases of that being a successful DIY, but then again people don't call me when things are going well. Let me know and I'll let you in on the process (for the most part).

No need to remove all the old plaster. The crack does need to be dug out down into the gunite and patched. We use hydraulic cement.

[USMC-DAV]

Yes, I do plan on doing the job myself. At the end of May as I had the pool empty, I checked the plaster for soundness using the good ol broom handle method. The only area found to be suspect was the top stair where this small crack is. While there is a few worn/chipped areas, the plaster is secure and not lifting/seperating anywhere which kind of surprised me for being as old as it is. (There are no other cracks). I did notice that the tile was put on with mastic and not thinset. I plan on using full-flex w/addmix for a secure, flexible bond. After roughing/grinding existing plaster, I was thinking bonding agent (then again, I would follow selected product recommendations), what are your thoughts and what product would you recommend for the replaster? I've floated floors, put in plenty of shower pans/floors so I do have a slight concrete background. I must admit, I have no stucco/plaster finishing experience but am willing to give it a shot. The coping is in good shape and none are cracked or loose so I figure I would leave that alone. They are red brick so I was thinking about sealing them? What are your thoughts about sealing brick coping? Thanks again Martin for your willingness to provide input and advise, I very much appreciate it.

[Marin]

Acid wash & neutralize the existing plaster.
Cut out the crack in a V shape (cross section view) and fill with hydraulic cement.
Remove the light to the deck, remove all fittings.
Chip away the plaster around the light, all fittings, steps. If you're replacing all tile, remove it.
Roll out SGM Bondcote.
Do any facing work necessary for setting the tile, then set. It should stick out a little past the bond coat. If not, you'll need to chip away under the tile. The removal of old plast around fittings & such is so that the new plaster can be trowelled flush.
Grout the tile.
You're ready for plaster. I would really, really recommend hiring this out. You should be able to find a pool plaster company that will bid the job based on you doing all the prepwork. You doing the prep work should save you roughly 1/3 of a full bid. If you are planning on doing it by yourself, I'll have to add another "really" to the 2nd sentence of this paragragh. Even on a small pool (~85') we have a 6 man crew working it, 4 of which are trowellers. The plaster has to go down all at once (seamless) and will fail prematurely if overtrowelled or trowelled when too dry.
There are nuances to each job so I know there is something on yours I haven't addressed. Let me know if you have any more questions.