Description
H2O Glue AquaBonder is a toughened two-part structural adhesive that cures underwater and at room temperature. No pool draining required for most repairs. It bonds PVC, ABS, acrylic, fiberglass, and vinyl liner in pool, spa, and marine environments, with a 10-15 minute fixture time and a non-sagging paste that holds position on vertical and overhead surfaces. It meets UL 746C Polymeric Adhesive Systems standard and is for professional and industrial use.
AquaBonder is formulated for non-porous materials only. It is not the right product for gunite or concrete pool repairs. For those substrates, use H2O Glue Underwater Epoxy.
Key Product Details
| Property | Value |
|---|---|
| Chemistry | Toughened two-part structural adhesive |
| Color (Mixed) | Straw |
| Mix Ratio | 1:1 by volume and weight |
| Mixed Viscosity | 50,000 cps |
| Working Time | 4-6 min @ 72°F |
| Fixture Time | 10-15 min @ 72°F |
| Functional Cure | 45-60 min @ 72°F |
| Full Cure | 24 hours |
| Gap Fill | 0.125 in |
| Shore Hardness | 78 Shore D (ASTM D2240) |
| Impact Resistance | 22 ft-lb/in² (ASTM D950) |
| T-Peel | 35-40 pli (ASTM D1876) |
| Tensile Elongation | 15-25% |
| Service Temperature | -67°F to 250°F |
| Solids by Volume | 100% |
| Approval | UL 746C Polymeric Adhesive Systems |
| Packaging | 50ml cartridge |
| Storage | 55°F to 75°F; do not freeze |
Lap Shear Strength by Substrate
All values cured 7 days @ 75°F per ASTM D1002.
| Substrate | Tensile Lap Shear |
|---|---|
| ABS | 1,300 psi |
| Polycarbonate | 1,400 psi |
| Glass Bead-Filled Substrate (GBS) | 3,500 psi |
Which H2O Glue Product Is Right for Your Application?
AquaBonder is the right choice for non-porous plastics, fiberglass, and PVC. If your pool or repair surface is gunite or concrete, stop here and use H2O Glue Underwater Epoxy instead. For emergency fast-cure repairs where there is no time to wait, use H2O Glue Fast-Set Underwater Structural Adhesive.
Download the H2O Glue Product Selection Guide (PDF)
| Substrate | AquaBonder | H2O Glue Underwater Epoxy | H2O Glue Fast-Set |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fiberglass | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| PVC | ✅ | ⚠️ | ✅ |
| Acrylic | ✅ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Vinyl Liner | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Metal | ⚠️ | ❌ | ✅ |
| Stone | ⚠️ | ✅ | ⚠️ |
| Glass, Porcelain, Ceramic Tile | ⚠️ | ❌ | ⚠️ |
| Painted Surfaces* | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Epoxy-Coated* | ⚠️ | ⚠️ | ⚠️ |
| Gunite / Concrete | ❌ | ✅ | ❌ |
| Polyethylene / Polypropylene** | ❌ | ❌ | ❌ |
✅ Excellent ⚠️ Good ❌ Not Recommended
*Bond strength depends on the condition of the existing paint or coating. The adhesive will only hold as well as the surface below it. Remove loose or peeling material before bonding when possible.
**PE and PP require heat treatment or surface preparation before bonding. That preparation cannot be performed in submerged conditions. Once properly bonded on a dry surface and fully cured, the bond can be submerged.
Performance in Production
- Cures fully underwater at room temperature. No pool draining required for most repairs.
- Non-sagging paste holds position on vertical and overhead surfaces during application and initial cure.
- 4-6 minute working time allows positioning and fitting before fixture begins.
- Fixtures in 10-15 minutes at 72°F; can withstand light handling after 45-60 minutes.
- Recommended bond line thickness is .015″ to .030″ for optimum adhesion.
- Gap fill up to 0.125 in handles irregular or loose-fitting joints.
- For metal substrates: abrade or roughen the surface to increase contact area before applying.
- Solvent-wipe surfaces to remove grease, oil, and contamination before bonding.
- When using cartridge format: burp the cartridge until both components flow uniformly before attaching the mix nozzle.
- Do not drop, shock load, or heavily load bonded assemblies before full cure at 24 hours.
- Store at 55°F to 75°F. Shelf life can be extended by refrigerating between 45°F and 55°F. Do not freeze.
Chemical Resistance
Values based on 7-day room temperature cure, 30-day immersion @ 75°F.
| Chemical | Resistance |
|---|---|
| Acetic (Dilute) 10% | Excellent |
| Ammonia | Very good |
| Cutting Oil | Excellent |
| Glycols / Antifreeze | Excellent |
| Hydrochloric 10% | Fair |
| Mineral Spirits | Excellent |
| Motor Oil | Excellent |
| Sodium Hydroxide 10% | Very good |
| Sulfuric 10% | Excellent |
Common Applications
- Pool and spa pipe repair in fully submerged conditions
- Skimmer and main drain repair and bonding
- Fiberglass pool and spa panel bonding
- PVC component repair and assembly
- ABS and engineered plastic structural repair
- Marine plastic bonding where weathering, impact, and solvent exposure are factors
- Acrylic and vinyl surface bonding
Frequently Asked Questions
Does H2O Glue AquaBonder actually cure underwater?
Yes. AquaBonder is designed to cure at room temperature in fully submerged conditions. No pool draining is required for most repairs. Working time is 4-6 minutes and fixture time is 10-15 minutes at 72°F. Cooler water temperatures will extend both.
Will H2O Glue AquaBonder work on a gunite or concrete pool?
No. AquaBonder is formulated for non-porous materials including PVC, ABS, fiberglass, and acrylic. It is not recommended for gunite or concrete. For those repairs, use H2O Glue Underwater Epoxy, which is designed specifically for gunite, concrete, and stone.
Will AquaBonder bond to a painted pool surface?
It can, but performance depends on the condition of the existing paint or coating. The adhesive will only hold as well as the surface coating allows. Remove loose or peeling material before bonding when possible.
What is the working time and fixture time?
Working time is 4-6 minutes at 72°F. Fixture time is 10-15 minutes at 72°F. Functional cure is 45-60 minutes. Full cure is 24 hours. Cooler water temperatures will extend working and fixture times.
What is the difference between AquaBonder and H2O Glue Fast-Set?
Both products cure underwater and bond similar substrates. H2O Glue Fast-Set is designed for emergency repairs where rapid fixture is the priority. AquaBonder has a longer working time, which is useful when fitting and positioning parts before cure begins.
Will AquaBonder work on polyethylene or polypropylene parts?
Not in underwater conditions. PE and PP require heat treatment or surface preparation before bonding, and that preparation cannot be performed while submerged. None of the H2O Glue products are recommended for PE or PP in underwater applications.
Available Sizes
- 50ml cartridge
Related Products
- H2O Glue Underwater Epoxy, for gunite, concrete, and stone pool and spa repairs
- H2O Glue Fast-Set Underwater Structural Adhesive, for emergency rapid-cure submerged repairs
- H2O Non-Slip Treads
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