Pool crack repair covers three related problems: cracks in the plaster or the concrete shell, hollow spots where plaster has lost its bond, and delamination, where the finish is peeling away in sheets. Left alone, all three get worse, and in Denver they get worse faster. Water seeps in, freezes, expands and pries the crack open a little more every winter.
We find what's causing the damage, repair it properly and tell you honestly whether a patch will hold or whether it's time to resurface. Request a free estimate with a few photos to get started.
Signs your pool needs crack or hollow-spot repair
A crack that's growing, leaking or making a sound when tapped needs attention before the next freeze. Look for:
- Straight-line cracks. Cracks that run across the floor, down a wall or around a step often reach into the shell.
- Cracks you can catch a fingernail in. Wider than about 1/16/ inch, or with one side higher than the other.
- Water loss. If the pool drops more than normal evaporation (roughly 1/4 inch a day in a Denver summer), a crack or fitting may be leaking.
- Hollow, drum-like sound. Tap the plaster with a screwdriver handle. Solid plaster rings sharp; hollow plaster sounds dull.
- Bubbles or blisters. Raised patches in the plaster that flex underfoot.
- Flakes on the floor. Chips of plaster in the skimmer or on the bottom mean delamination has started.
- Rust stains along a crack. This can mean water is reaching the steel rebar inside the shell, which needs prompt repair.
Hairline "crazing," a fine web of shallow surface cracks, is usually cosmetic. We'll tell you if that's all you're seeing. Our post on signs your pool plaster is failing describes each type.
Our crack and delamination repair process
A lasting repair means opening the damage up, fixing the cause and rebuilding the surface. Here is what we do:
- Diagnose. We map every crack and sound the whole surface for hollow areas, then check for leaks and settlement. A crack caused by a failing fitting or a settling deck needs a different fix than a shrinkage crack.
- Drain if needed. For structural repairs, we drain the pool after checking groundwater conditions. See draining and acid wash.
- Chip out the damage. All hollow and loose plaster is removed back to plaster that is solidly bonded, and edges are cut square so the patch locks in.
- Route and fill cracks. Structural cracks are cut open into a channel, cleaned and filled with a repair compound suited to the crack. Where a crack moves, we use a flexible material rather than rigid patch.
- Stitch if necessary. Wider structural cracks may be reinforced with steel staples across the crack (crack stitching) before filling.
- Bond and resurface the area. The patch area is bond-coated and replastered to match the surrounding finish as closely as the existing surface allows.
- Refill and monitor. We refill and check the repair after the pool is full.
When delamination is widespread, patching becomes a cycle of chasing failures. In that case, a full replaster or a pebble finish is usually the smarter money.
Repair options and materials
The right repair depends on the type of damage. Here's how we match them:
| Problem | Typical repair | Lasting fix? |
|---|---|---|
| Hairline crazing | Usually none needed; monitor | Cosmetic only |
| Shrinkage or surface crack | Route, fill and patch plaster | Yes, if stable |
| Structural crack in shell | Route, fill, staple if needed, replaster | Yes, when the cause is addressed |
| Localized hollow spot | Chip out, bond coat, patch | Yes |
| Widespread delamination | Full resurface | Yes |
If you're resurfacing, the finish you choose affects how well future hairline cracks hide. Compare plaster, quartz and pebble on our pool finishes page.
Crack repair cost and timeline
Crack repairs typically run $400–$1,500 per crack and hollow-spot repairs $250–$900 per area, plus draining and refilling if the pool must be emptied. Ranges are estimates for the Denver metro, not a quote. Your written estimate sets the price. Structural repairs that need stitching, or many separate patches, cost more. A typical repair takes 1–3 days on site plus refill time.
Repairs can be done in mild weather from spring to fall. Patch plaster needs the same roughly 50°F cure conditions as a full resurface. If you're seeing new cracks in the fall, call before the first hard freeze; our article on freeze–thaw pool damage in Denver explains why. For full price ranges, see the cost guide.
Featured repair projects
Crack, hollow-spot and delamination repair write-ups appear here as they are added.
More work is on the projects page.
Why choose us for pool crack repair
A good repair starts with figuring out why the crack happened. Here's what we bring:
- We diagnose before we quote. We sound the whole pool, not just the crack you pointed at, so you aren't surprised by a second failure next season.
- Honest repair-vs.-resurface advice. If patching won't hold, we'll show you why and price both options.
- Freeze–thaw-aware materials. We choose fillers and flexible sealants that hold up to Colorado's winter movement.
- Written warranty. A written workmanship warranty, with the terms spelled out in your estimate. See the warranty page.
- Insured work. Proof of insurance on request.
Send photos of the crack for a free estimate, book a phone consultation, or call (303) 952-8700.