Knowledge Builders

how do you fix a crack in a fiberglass hot tub

by Dr. Itzel Heaney Jr. Published 3 years ago Updated 2 years ago
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  1. Drain the hot tub to expose the crack in the fiberglass. Turn off the breaker to the hot tub.
  2. Protect your hands with vinyl gloves, and your eyes with goggles. Wear a respirator to avoid breathing in fiberglass dust and any fumes emitted by the repair product.
  3. Install a 1/16-inch drill bit into a cordless drill. Drill a small hole through the fiberglass at the tip of the crack where it starts, and drill another hole ...
  4. Insert a grinding bit into a cordless rotary drill. Use the tool to create a "V" shape in the fiberglass along the crack, increasing the crack depth to at ...
  5. Wipe the surface of the hot tub along the crack with a soft cloth or paper towel. ...
  6. Place a small amount of acetone on a soft cloth. Wipe the prepared crack with the acetone to remove any dust and debris from the grinding and sanding.
  7. Pour the paste and activator from a fiberglass tub repair kit into a small disposable container. ...
  8. Apply the mixture to the crack with a clean craft stick. ...
  9. Allow the repair product to dry for at least one hour or until the product becomes hard to the touch.
  10. Apply the rubbing compound that comes with the repair kit to the sanded surface of the hot tub. ...

Part of a video titled How to Repair a crack in a Spa Shell. Fix cracks & burn marks ...
0:36
7:43
So the method I'm going to use. And show you is by melting. This back together and to do that we'reMoreSo the method I'm going to use. And show you is by melting. This back together and to do that we're going to use a soldering iron or a soldering iron. I believe they're called in the States.

Full Answer

How do you repair a cracked fiberglass tub?

  • Clean the area around the crack.
  • Sand the area with the crack.
  • Apply adhesive from the repair kit.
  • Apply the filler using a putty knife.
  • Sand again with a grit sandpaper.
  • Apply the gel coat.
  • Apply a fiberglass cloth.
  • Apply the sealer.

How to repair a fiberglass crack in a bathtub?

On This Page:

  • Repairing a Fiberglass Tub Tools Needed Assessing the Extent of the Damage Purchasing a Kit Steps
  • Repairing a Fiberglass Shower Pan
  • Care & Maintenance Tips
  • Acrylic Tub & Shower
  • Fixing a Tile Pan Tools Steps
  • DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

Can a crack in a fiberglass bathtub be repaired?

You can repair a crack in a fiberglass tub yourself using a fiberglass repair kit, which can cost as little as $50. If the crack is too big in the tub surround, you may need to get a professional to fix it for you.

How to repair a scratched fiberglass tub?

How to Remove Scratches from Porcelain Tub

  1. Soak the Tub in Bleach. Bleaching your tub can sometimes remove light scratches without you needing to do any scrubbing. ...
  2. Use Baking Soda. Sprinkle baking soda onto the tub’s scratches. ...
  3. Buff with Toothpaste. A pasty white toothpaste can penetrate deep scratches and act as a filler, rendering them unnoticeable.
  4. Smooth with a Pumice Stone. ...

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Can a cracked hot tub be repaired?

Repairing a scratch or crack in your spa's shell is typically a quick and relatively simple task. In fact, the part that will likely take the longest is draining and refilling your hot tub. But once it's refilled, you're done, and you can spend the rest of the afternoon relaxing in your freshly repaired spa.

Can you repair a crack in a fiberglass hot tub?

2:369:03Hot tub shell crack repair - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipAnd the crack is nice and clean so the product and we're gonna be using to repair this crack isMoreAnd the crack is nice and clean so the product and we're gonna be using to repair this crack is called Plast aid.

How do you fill a crack in a hot tub?

0:081:15How to Seal Cracks in a Hot Tub With Acrylic : Hot Tub Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipYou would need to drain your hot tub down to where the crack is. Make. Sure it's very very dry. AndMoreYou would need to drain your hot tub down to where the crack is. Make. Sure it's very very dry. And then you can either use a two-part epoxy such as this you'd want to put equal amounts of each.

What glue is best for hot tub repair?

Gorilla glue or superglue may hold your inflatable tub together long enough for a short use (or until your repair kit comes). You can use these in a similar way to the silicone suggestion from the last section. Alternatively, tape has been the go-to fix for punctures by parents for decades!

Does Flex Seal work on hot tubs?

Technically, Flex Seal does work with hot tubs. You'll be able to use it to fill a hole or a crack, but there are a few things to factor in about its usability: It should only be seen as a temporary fix: As strong and effective as Flex Seal is, it's not magic.

How do you fix a crack in fiberglass?

Here's how.Drill a tiny hole at each end of the crack. This will stop the crack from extending any further.Examine the crack. ... Wipe the crack with a dry rag to make sure it's clean and dry. ... Fill the crack with a fair amount of fiberglass epoxy resin, using a plastic applicator. ... Let the epoxy dry for a day.

Why did my hot tub crack?

Overexposure to Sunlight. The acrylic shell of the hot tub must not be exposed to sunlight when it's not in use (whether it's full or empty). The heat can influence the expansion and contraction of the surface, weakening the surface and increasing the likelihood of cracks.

How do you repair an acrylic tub?

1:333:05How To Fix My Bath Using The Anglo Acrylic Bath Repair Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards fromMorePlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards from the center to ensure that no air bubbles are trapped.

How do you fix a crack in a plastic bathtub?

0:044:29How to repair a cracked bathtub the right way - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo first you'll need your fiberglass resin. That's what's going to turn hard and seal it up theMoreSo first you'll need your fiberglass resin. That's what's going to turn hard and seal it up the fiberglass cloth will add strength. The hardener will turn the resin into a solid.

Can Gorilla Glue fix hot tub?

In fact, Gorilla tape is better than many specialist hot tub adhesives as it's much less messy and faster drying than liquid glue. It's also cheaper. So if you're looking for the best glue for hot tub repair, you might want to use Gorilla tape instead.

Can you use Gorilla Glue to repair hot tub?

USE ON: Window, Door, Kitchen, Bath, Plumbing, Gutters, Tub & Shower, Countertops, Siding, Light Fixtures, Cables, Gaps and Cracks. bonds virtually everything. Tough repairs requiring a durable bond, gap-filling and solvent resistance.

Can you Epoxy a hot tub?

Epoxy pool paints offer long lasting protection for concrete, plaster, Gunite and fiberglass swimming pools, fountains and hot tubs. The durable finish provides excellent stain, chemical and abrasion resistance so you won't need to repaint as often.

Why do hot tubs crack?

But if a tub sits empty for too long the shell can dry out and crack. Sometimes it looks fine until it is refilled and heated – then the sudden weight and temperature change cause it to crack. In some cases, moisture can get between the fibreglass shell and the acrylic skin, causing it to delaminate.

How do you repair an acrylic tub?

1:333:05How To Fix My Bath Using The Anglo Acrylic Bath Repair Kit - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards fromMorePlace the polythene film on top of the treated area and using light pressure smooth it outwards from the center to ensure that no air bubbles are trapped.

How do I redo my hot tub siding?

0:071:08How to Replace Hot Tub Siding : Hot Tub Tips - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipOne option is that you can take the make and model of your hot tub and contact your spa retailer.MoreOne option is that you can take the make and model of your hot tub and contact your spa retailer. And order new panels that will fit exactly.

How to repair cracks in fiberglass?

Put the cloth over the crack before the epoxy mixture dries up. Press it firmly into the epoxy mixture then run a putty knife over it to remove any air bubbles under the cloth.

What is fiberglass tub repair kit?

A fiberglass tub repair kit has the tools and chemicals you need to fix a cracked or damaged fiberglass surface. You can use it on bathtubs and other fiberglass surfaces to fix the damaged areas.

Why does my fiberglass tub have a hairline crack?

Hairline, spider and stress cracks develop on fiberglass tubs due to frequent use, insufficient support, use of harsh cleaners, dropping the tub and hitting it with heavy objects. If not fixed on time, these small cracks develop into larger cracks which lead to leaks and eventually the bathtub breaks apart. Luckily, you can fix hairline cracks on fiberglass tubs quite easily.

How to fix cracks in a wall?

Apply the epoxy mixture to the crack and the surrounding area using a brush. The epoxy mixture should cover at least 2 inches away from the crack as well for the best results.

What is a surface repair kit?

The surface repair kit has a polymer-based paint or tape for sealing the outer surfaces of cracks on fiberglass bathtubs.

Why does my bathtub crack?

Fiberglass bathtubs can develop cracks when placed on uneven ground since the weight of the user won’t be distributed evenly.

How much does a plumber charge to repair a fiberglass tub?

Plumbers often charge from $80 per repair which costlier than the price of fiberglass repair kits (about $50). However, plumbers know how to patch a fiberglass tub better given their skills and experience.

What to use to fix cracks in hot tub?

A Drill and Rotary Bit. You’ll only need a drill for larger cracks. It should have a rotary bit, so you can grind down the edges of the crack. Hot Tub Cleaner. As a hot tub owner, you likely have a cleaner from your local dealer on hand. If not, a comparable acrylic cleaning product from a hardware store will do.

How to fix a small crack in a wall?

If it’s a larger crack, use the drill and bit to grind the edges into a “v” shape, and then fill it with patch material. The bottom of the “v” should be the base of the crack, with the sides sloping out to provide a seat for your plaster material. Apply only enough material to fill the crack.

What to do if you find a leak in your spa?

If you find a leak, you’ll have to drain your spa and start over. Enjoy your soak! Repairing a scratch or crack in your spa’s shell is typically a quick and relatively simple task. In fact, the part that will likely take the longest is draining and refilling your hot tub.

What is the best towel for hot tub?

A Soft Towel. The softer the towel, the less abrasive it will be to the surface of your hot tub shell. Microfiber towels, like those used in automotive repair, are good examples of low-abrasion towels. Sandpaper.

How long does it take to repair an acrylic shell?

Even a little damage can be a big disappointment. Fortunately, fixing minor cosmetic damage to the acrylic shell usually isn’t difficult; it might take an hour or two and should require only a few inexpensive and easy-to-find supplies. But cracks and scratches are very important to address. Left untreated, cracks can grow, extending ...

What is the best way to repair a shell?

Sandpaper. You’ll probably be able to repair your shell with the most common sandpaper grain s in stock at hardware stores. If you’re looking for a greater degree of control over the results, have a range of grains on hand.

What happens if you fail to repair a covered damage?

If you attempt to repair covered damage on your own and fail, the warranty will no longer be valid. Once you assess the issue, decide if it’s something you feel comfortable repairing.

Will Flex Seal Fix A Cracked Bathtub?

The most straightforward way people opt for when they face stress cracks in tubs is to apply flex seals. However, unfortunately, the flex seal doesn’t own materials and properties that can fill up the structural nitty-gritty or stress cracks.

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What to use to repair a tub?

A soft towel. A dremmel or other tool for grinding. A soldering iron. Once you’ve emptied, cleaned and dried the tub surface, you’re ready to do the repair itself. Use your soft towel to ensure the area to be repaired is fully cleaned out and free of dry debris.

Why is my hot tub cracking?

Compromised Material and Workmanship. Very rarely, a hot tub will crack or be scratched due to a problem with the materials or workmanship. If this is the case, document the damage and contact the manufacturer immediately to put warranty protections into motion.

How to fix a crack in acrylic?

Fill the space with epoxy from the acrylic repair kit, let it dry and then sand and buff it out until smooth. Melt the acrylic together: Run the hot soldering iron along a crack to melt together acrylic that has fully separated. You may need to push the iron into the acrylic to get to the bottom of the crack.

Why do hot tubs need to be emptied?

Standing Water Deteriorates the Acrylic. The hot tub must be emptied, cleaned and treated according to manufacturer instructions to avoid conditions that could deteriorate and weaken the acrylic. If the acrylic becomes to weak, it will be more likely to scratch and crack.

How to fix small scratches on a car?

For a small scratch, simply apply some epoxy from the repair kit, let it dry, and then sand and buff until smooth.

What to do if spa surface is damaged?

For any surface damage that falls under warranty, contact the manufacturer to seek repair or replacement. Be sure to know what’s required of you in terms of making the spa accessible and ordering any parts.

Can you use an acrylic hot tub in the sun?

The acrylic shell of the hot tub must not be exposed to sunlight when it’s not in use (whether it’s full or empty). The heat can influence the expansion and contraction of the surface, weakening the surface and increasing the likelihood of cracks. Always keep the tub covered when it’s not in use.

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1.How to Fix a Crack in a Fiberglass Hot Tub - SF Gate

Url:https://homeguides.sfgate.com/fix-crack-fiberglass-hot-tub-61032.html

4 hours ago Wipe the surface of the hot tub along the crack with a soft cloth or paper towel. Sand the fiberglass tub’s surface with 400-grit sandpaper to smooth the area around the crack.

2.How to Repair Hot Tub Scratches and Cracks

Url:https://www.hotspring.com/blog/how-to-repair-hot-tub-scratches-cracks-stains

23 hours ago  · Clean and dry the area with a clean cloth. If you are having problems seeing the crack from underneath you can just seal the inside, but if you can reach under, seal the inside and the outside. You may need two people for the job. Don't forget to unplug and disconnect the hot tub from electricity. You might need to lift the spa to find the crack.

3.Stress Cracks In Fiberglass Tub: Reasons And Ultimate Fix

Url:https://reliefinbath.com/stress-cracks-in-fiberglass-tub/

11 hours ago  · Apply epoxy to the fracture. Apply more epoxy mixture, followed by a sealer, to fix a hairline fracture in a fiberglass tub. To make the needed epoxy mixture, follow the epoxy or polyester resin guidelines. A fiberglass repair kit is included. Using a brush, apply the epoxy mixture to the crack and surrounding area.

4.How Do Hot Tub Cracks and Scratches Happen?

Url:https://aqualivingstores.com/support/repairing-hot-tub-cracks-and-scratches/

20 hours ago  · So, let’s see how you can use repair kits to fix stress cracks on your tub. Begin by drilling a hole of 1/4-inch to halt the crack. This process is known as a stop-drill hole. According to the packaging’s instructions, mix the sealant of your choice with two parts of polyester filler.

5.How to Repair a Fiberglass Crack in a Bathtub - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6viyWyjWL8E

33 hours ago  · A do it yourself fiberglass crack repair video showing you how to repair a fiberglass crack in a bathtub and then refinish the bathtub to match the existing ...

6.How to fix a Crack Hole in Bathtub - Fiberglass - YouTube

Url:https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6Q8T2LJleUc

23 hours ago

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