Pool Steps Repair - Osmotic Blisters

How to repair osmotic blisters in a Fort Wayne Glass Reinforced Polyester (GRP) Pool step. Using Multi-Tech Products, Polypaste. UPDATE April 2023, time for a new liner so I'm taking another shot at the steps. I bought another pint of fresh paste. Multi-Tech now advises me the correct mix is 22 drops per ounce.

[@mamariley1979]

Thanks it's the only DIY video for pool step blisters that makes repair attempts "doable" for most people.

[@alexvedrover3603]

Thanks, will give it a try before spending $5K on new steps!

[@simplediy3727]

I just reworked my steps this yesterday, a couple of hints. Don't apply it too thick, it'll shrink and crack. If it's a deep hole it'll take two or three applications. The cure time at 22 drops is about 1 hr, whereas 30 drops is about 20-30 minutes, so because of the multiple layers I went back to using 30 drops. I was able to powerwash my steps in just 24hrs. Be prepared, this stuff is messy. You're going to get single use out of every mixing cup, stick, putty knife and set of gloves. I pretty much did all my finish work with 100 grit sandpaper, anything smaller is too much work. Good luck

[@kadisjames8278]

Good video. Very helpful

[@thewatcher486]

Thank you. Saving me money sir.

[@simplediy3727]

This year I ordered some more paste and the tech told me, the correct mix is 22 drops/oz. So this year I'll test a batch at that mix and see how it goes.

[@simplediy3727]

22 drops/oz is too slow. Cure time is about an hour, I went back to 30 drops, cure time was about 20-30 minutes.

[@dennispoolspaservicetdcigl746]

I'm working on a thermoplastic step, what a nightmare. Thermoplastic is like wrapping fiberglass with a white plastic jug. Do not grind. Good video, nice job.

[@redneckbird2121]

Great video! Thanks for sharing! Just completed repair of my pool step blisters. I’m assuming this product requires a 24 hr cure time but cannot find much technical data on it. Your video was VERY helpful!

[@simplediy3727]

It hardens in about 5 minutes, so 24 hrs should be all it needs. That's just my opinion though, it doesn't come with any info. This year I ordered some more paste and the tech told me, the correct mix is 22 drops/oz. So this year I'll test a batch at that mix and see how it goes.

[@simplediy3727]

I just pressure washed my steps after just 24 hrs, no problems. Also 22 drops/oz is too slow. Cure time is about an hour, I went back to 30 drops, cure time was about 20-30 minutes.

[@FountainGuru]

thank you for sharing your project. I am repairing some cracked, fiberglass steps, which are basically the same kind of steps of what you had there. Mine are blue. What are you happy with the product? I’m going to fiberglass reinforced the steps and then was going to do some kind of gel coat until I saw your paste. I’m gonna have to add Blue to it. Any suggestions?

[@simplediy3727]

yeah, contact Multi-Tech directly by phone and ask them for advice. I know they make different colors, which is more common for hot tubs. I just re did my steps this year, and I bought a new batch. It still took 30 drops. I got a little better results this time. I ground back a little further made sure I got rid of the debonded material. I'm not sure how strong it will be if you have structural cracks, this is really just a hole filler.

[@RhondaAdams007]

Question
We just had our pool resurfaced today and we are noticing a lot of "blisters".. they were never there before. Only after the resurfacing. Is that normal??

[@simplediy3727]

Not sure what kind of resurfacing you had done, but I'd say any kind of blister are not normal.

[@USAFreedom4Ever]

is it possible to drain fiberglass pool w/out bracing? have heard if originally filled with water when adding backfill with 97% compacted stone, and drain line under pool to outside so not water under, it can be done w/out bulging of walls.

[@simplediy3727]

Draining any pool is tricky. Depending on the amount of ground water you can damage an empty pool because it will attempt to float above the ground water. Best to talk with someone who knows more about it than me.

[@USAFreedom4Ever]

@@simplediy3727 Absolutely no crown or water surrounded by drainable stone to drain tile out to open air the only question would be if some of the backfill might fall when the pool walls relax from not having water

[@theelitist7908]

Link to where you bought the poly paste? Thanks

[@ImminentThreatDefense]

see the footnote at 3:33 Multitechproducts.com

[@djjohnyt5507]

Witch exactly did you buy?

[@jimh2427]

see the footnote at 3:33 Multitechproducts.com