• There are seveal repair options for pools.Swimming pool and pool house image by Jim Mills from Fotolia.com
  
  Pools can be a real asset to a home as long as they are functioning properly, but when they develop cracks and leaks, they become more expensive. Depending on the issue, a service call might be the best course of action, but if the damage is minimal, you might be able to fix it yourself. Repairing leaks in swimming pools depends on the type of pool you have. Concrete pools for example have more complex repairs than vinyl pools.
  
  

Cracks

• You should fix a crack in concrete around the top walking area of the pool to keep it from spreading. The procedure includes cutting out the crack to remove the weakened area and then patching it up so that there is a thick seal over the area. Caulk is put in the crack after it is made deeper and then cement or a pool patch is applied and allowed to harden.
  
  

Vinyl and Fiberglass

• You can repair vinyl and fiberglass pools with repair kits that you can find at a pool-supply store. Vinyl repairs are basically a patch and adhesive that covers the hole or cracked area. With fiberglass, you will need putty to fill the crack, which is then covered with a fiberglass cloth overtop. A sealer is used over the cloth, and the pool is saved.
  
  

Chipping Plaster

• For chipping plaster inside the pool's swimming area, it is best to knock any loose pieces off to make a strong surface. It is not unheard of to also chip off other areas or make a few holes in order that the the patch will have something besides a slick surface to adhere to. A plaster patch is then applied with a trowel or scrape until it is even with the rest of the pool.