Glue, Caulk, Patch?

[FMC1959]

Not sure which section to post this in.

This year I have a small crack (1/16 to 1//8") near the base of my pool sand filter (not the pump). A fine steady stream comes out for about 2 weeks now and has not gotten worse, maybe even leaking less because some sand may have have clogged the crack a bit.

I want to repair it from the inside, not sure what would be best. The material is the typical plastic most of these filters use. I also read that when these pumps are operating, versus when shut off, they expand. Probably not noticeable to the eye but some expansion involved.

So I am thinking an epoxy may not be flexible enough (?) I heard people try fiberglass resin/mess patch, wounder if this is flexible enough. I think a Polyurethane base type of patch or caulk would have the flexibility, not sure how well it would adhere to the plastic filter (sanded to adhere).

Anyone have any thought on a 2 stage patch job. I was think of an internal tire patch should stick and is flexible, and is made to handle pressure. Once on I would need to find a second type of patch to cover and protect the tire patch...any thoughts?

Things like just replace the filter, not interested till I try fixing it first.

 

[gungatim]

unfortunately I think you'll need to replace it. but if you want to try to patch it, you'll definitely need to do it from the inside. you could try epoxy first, then a large tire patch or even piece of pool liner glued over it with rubber cement, then maybe a 2nd layer over that to keep the sand from abrading it. if it's on the bottom, the sand should stay pretty compacted against it and hold it all in place...worth a shot...but if not, my hayward pump filter ladder deck slide, pool and steps are all on craigslist as we speak...take a drive over to MIch. and i'll sell you what you need cheap!!

 

[scw1991]

oh the joys of owning a pool . Trying to get an idea of where the crack is. Can you post a pic?

A thought would be to perhaps grind it out a bit and gob a bunch of PVC cement into it. Or perhaps drill/tap it for a small NPT pipe plug.

 

[rlitman]

Any idea what the filter body is made of? This might be a great candidate for plastic welding.

 

[trackwelder]

I would try and plastic weld it. There should be a stamp somewhere on it which will identify what plastic it's made of. I would fuse it close with the welding iron and add some stainless reinforcing mesh. If the base material is not found I would top it off with a universal rod. This kit is what I have used to fix countless items
http://www.urethanesupply.com/Airless-Welders-1/5600HT/

 

[Fugio]

You can try to use some plastic weld on it. We've done it. Works sometimes, and sometimes not so much. There's pressure inside, so the patch and glue have to be on the inside, obviously. Gluing the outside will almost certainly fail.

But in my days as a pool cleaner I've learned that most things related to filters usually just have to be replaced.

 

[NeuseRvrRat]

I've had good luck with Devcon two-part plastic repair epoxy.

 

[FMC1959]

Thanks for the replies so far, here's a pic