We are a specialist company in all aspects of joint sealing, from pool caulking to bathrooms caulking. Knowing how to make the ideal caulk bead for your pool area is essential for getting a truly finished look on many home improvement tasks. Pool caulking is used for a variety of areas around the pool to keep moisture out.
Whether you’re new to the world of inground pools or have had your pool for decades, cracks or holes in the pool caulking are a problem that all pool owners will face sooner or later.
The caulking that surrounds your inground pool will play several roles over the course of its life. That is why it is necessary to inspect caulking every 1 to 5 years. If the cracks and holes grow larger, the caulking may fail and cause you trouble.
Caulk Varieties:
You must first choose the right caulk for the job. This list is some of the most basic forms of caulk. There are, of course, more choices. This can lead to confusion when you are in the caulking aisle. Always take time to read the label and ensure that the caulk you are looking at is made for the job you are about to apply it to.
Latex Caulk
Because it binds effectively to wood and drywall, latex caulk is commonly used on the interior of your home to seal gaps between doors, windows, trim, ceilings, and walls. Latex caulk is often known as “acrylic caulk” or “painters caulk” because it can be painted to match the environment in which it is used. It prevents water penetration but has been known to shrink and deform with time. Latex caulk is easy to clean up and simple to apply. In fact, it is easier to remove and replace than other forms of caulk.
Silicone Caulk
Silicone caulk is the most significant moisture-resistant barrier commonly used around toilets, sinks, tubs, and showers. It is also helpful in protecting your home from water, mildew, and other weather elements when used outside. Paint does not adhere to this type of caulk. Unlike latex, silicone is stickier, making installation and cleanup more difficult. Silicone is extremely flexible, making it difficult to split or distort. It is compatible with plastic, glass, ceramic, and metal-ceramic surfaces. Silicone caulk can last up to 30 years if applied correctly the first time.
Polyurethane Caulk
Polyurethane caulk is preferred over silicone and latex caulks because it is flexible, waterproof, tear-resistant, durable, and may be stained or painted. It can be costly due to its improved ability to cling to practically any surface. The sole disadvantage is that it is more difficult to clean due to its putty-like, sticky consistency and requires a cleaning solvent.
Remove Caulking
If you’re caulking an area where there was previously caulk, be sure the old caulk is thoroughly removed. To remove the old caulk, a utility knife works well. Vacuum and wipe down the space to provide a smooth working surface. If you want an extra safeguard for the ideal bead of caulk, attach painter’s tape to the top and bottom of the joint you intend to caulk before you begin.
Remove the Tube
Cut the tube end at a 30-45 degree angle with your utility knife. Or a pro tip, there is a cutter usually on the end of a caulking gun. Don’t cut too deeply, or your bead area will be very wide and could get quite messy. After you’ve sliced it, use a piercing device to puncture the seal. This feature is included in most caulking guns. Fill the caulking gun halfway with the caulk. Wipe the tip clean with a moist cloth once you’ve completed a test bead on a dry paper towel. You’re all set to begin caulking!
Apply the Caulk
Going too slowly and finishing up with too much caulk on the line is a classic rookie mistake. The secret to creating the ideal bead is to keep moving, staying steady, and applying even pressure. Match the speed at which you go along the line to the speed at which you squeeze the trigger. Take note of the angle of the tip as well.
Cleaning
It’s time to tool once you’ve applied the caulk. The technique of gliding across the length of the caulk to smooth it out is known as tooling. This can be accomplished using a damp finger or a finishing tool. Latex caulk is best applied with a damp, soapy finger, although silicone and polyurethane caulk may require a finishing tool and solvent. Apply just enough pressure to settle it in the joint, not too much. You may smear it if you press too hard. When it’s smooth, use a nail or wire nut to seal the caulk.
For all your pool caulking needs, get in touch today!
Check out our article on How long does it take for caulking to dry.
