10 Easy Steps to Repair Your Swimming Pool Stairs

Recently, the Covid-19 “stay-at-home” order compelled people across the country to pursue home improvements. From constructing a vibrant garden to building a trendy outdoor bar, they passed time by completing projects around the house.

To that end, a crack in your pool stairs is one of the easiest and affordable issues a pool owner can fix, even if they lack the experience! Everyone loves to follow a list, so, follow along with these 10 manageable steps, which include all the materials that you will need to fix your swimming pool stairs!

Materials You Will Need to Fix Cracked Pool Stairs

Before you begin repairing the stairs in your luxury in-ground pool, make sure that you have the following items on hand.

• A cloth/towel to dry the wet stairs and crack
• Hose
• Sandpaper (100-grit)
• Gloves to protect your hands
• Rotary-stone drill bit
• A Fiberglass, Vinyl, or Concrete repair kit (depending on the finish of your swimming pool step)
• Dust mask (optional)
• Epoxy paint/Paint Brush
• Putty Knife (some repair kits include this)
• Primer (some repair kits include this)

Your Guide to Repairing Pool Stairs

Most people enjoy following along to a video or even to a guided list. This allows the eager pool owners to check off each step as they complete each step.

1) Drain/Remove Pool Water

Attach the end of the hose to the pool’s drain outlet on the filter. Next, drain the water into an area of the yard that will NOT destroy any existing structures. Once the hose is in place, open the drain valve, and turn on the filter. Once the water level exposes the crack, close the drain valve and turn the filter off.

2) Clean & Dry the Pool Stairs

It’s crucial for the stairs and crack to be clean, dry, and free of any chlorine particles

3) Locate the Crack

Pinpoint the crack and mark it with a pencil to eradicate any mishaps.

4) Clean & Prep the Crack

Clean the crack one more time.

5) Prepare the Rotary-Stone Drill Bit

Pull some gloves on and throw a dust mask on. Insert the rotary-drill bit into the drill and keep it on medium pressure. Use the drill to pulverize the material throughout the crack. Wipe away dust with a clean, damp cloth.

6) Remove any Coating with Sandpaper

Sand the area around and on the crack until it reaches a dull finish. Wipe away dust with a clean, damp cloth again.

7) Apply Surface Primer & Bonding Filler

Generously apply surface primer to the crack and let dry. Once dry, add a decent amount of bonding filler onto the putty knife (usually comes in the repair kit). Apply the filler using pressure from one end of the crack to the other overlapping the sides. Make sure to keep smoothing every time you make a pass. You must let filler completely dry before moving onto the next step.

8) Smooth the Crack for an Even Surface

Use some sandpaper to over the filler on the crack. Apply as much pressure as needed to create a fluid texture. Use a clean damp cloth to wipe away dust with a damp towel. Finally, wait for the filler to dry before smoothing it with sandpaper.

9) Administer Epoxy

Instructions for applying whichever Epoxy you purchased will be on the back of the box. Follow along with those instructions for amounts to use and what to add. After applying a decent layer of the gel coat, gently sand the applied Epoxy just to remove any imperfections.

10) Polish & Repaint

This will be the last round of cleaning. Clean the pool stairs, including the repaired crack, very well. Keep in mind that some stairs don’t require you to repaint them. Next, turn on the filter system; then refill the pool to desired water level, and walk down the newly fixed in-ground pool stairs!

Fixing Pool Stairs for Your Private Oasis

Although fixing a crack in your pool stairs requires hands-on work, a lot of pool owners skip the research and hire someone to do the job. Still, most homeowners can benefit from hiring a professional pool repair and restoration service. For more tips about pool maintenance, visit Shoreline Pools, the leading pool service company in the New York Tri-state area. Dial (203) 357-1544 to speak with one of our pool construction specialists.