
How To Repair a Leak in Your Liner (For Inground Pools)
- Confirm the Location. The first step is to check the tear and confirm how bad it is. Check the size and measure the tear. ...
- Prep the Tear. Whenever you’re gluing something together, you’ll want the connecting surfaces to be clean and free of debris.
- Prep the Patch. This should be the easy part. Follow the manufacturer’s instructions that come with the patch. ...
- Apply the Patch. This is the hardest part… at least for me. ...
- WAIT. Once the patch is on, you get to wait.
- Seriously, wait. Stop touching it! It’ll take a while to ensure the adhesive cures around the patch and any poking or prodding reduces its effectiveness.
- Monitor. Now that the waiting is done, you simply need to keep an eye on the patch. ...
- Cut the patch to be larger than the tear you are trying to patch.
- Round off any corners.
- Clean the patch and the tear with rubbing alcohol to clean it. ...
- Add glue to the middle of the patch, fold it to smooth out the glue, only add more if needed but do not over add the glue.
Can a pool liner be repaired?
It’s possible to repair a small pool liner tear with a patch kit. It’s also possible to restretch the liner if the bead pulls away from the frame or deck. Large tears will result in significant leaks. It may mean the liner needs replacement in this case. It’s possible to repair seams if you can find the separation immediately.
What causes a vinyl pool liner to tear?
A vinyl pool liner tear usually results from a sharp object hitting the liner. Pool toys should be the inflatable variety for this type of pool. You shouldn’t use hard metal, or plastic floating material in vinyl lined pools. It’s possible to repair a small pool liner tear with a patch kit.
How big of a tear can you patch a pool liner?
Patching your pool liner can work on a tear as little as 2-inches and as big as 8-inches depending on location and pool age. For example, if you have a 2-inch tear near your filtration system and your pool is ten years old, you can temporarily patch it while shopping for a new vinyl liner.
How do you fix a tear in a concrete pool wall?
Step 1: Clean the area. Get rid of any algae or build-up on the pool wall or ground. Step 2: Trim the patch as needed. Make sure the diameter of the patch is 2 inches away from the tear on all sides. Step 3: Apply adhesive if you’re using it.

How do you fix a ripped pool liner?
0:392:15How to Repair/Patch a Leaking Vinyl Liner Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipMaking sure to round any sort of corner. So there's nothing that can be grabbed and pulled up makingMoreMaking sure to round any sort of corner. So there's nothing that can be grabbed and pulled up making sure it has a tight seal. We're going to be applying the boxer adhesive to the vinyl patch.
Can you patch a large tear in a pool liner?
You can patch a pool liner hole or tear above or below water. A dry patch might be an option if the water receded below the tear, for example, or if your pool has already been drained for other repairs or maintenance work.
What is the best glue to repair a pool liner?
If your vinyl pool liner needs patching, HH-66 Vinyl Cement is the answer. The world's most effective PVC vinyl adhesive is ideal for mending liner tears, spa covers, and most inflatable vinyl pool toys. It works underwater, sets in minutes, and holds fast even in extreme conditions.
Will Gorilla glue work on pool liner?
Found a tear in your pool liner? At 4" wide, Gorilla Waterproof Patch & Seal Tape can be used to patch holes, cracks, gaps and tears, even underwater!
Can Flex Seal fix a pool liner?
It's inconvenient and pool liners can cost hundreds (sometimes thousands) of dollars to replace. That's why we recommend keeping Flex Tape or our Pool patch and repair kit nearby. The next time you find yourself with this problem, just use Flex Tape and your pool leak will be repaired in a matter of minutes.
What happens if pool liner rips?
For above-ground pools, a pool liner tear near the bottom could cause enough force to cause the pool to collapse entirely. Soil erosion: Liner rips can also lead to soil erosion and yard damage due to the consistent leaking of pool water and chemicals.
Can you use super glue on a pool liner?
If it's under water, wet, or covered with dew, you need “Super” Super-Glue. The folks who invented Super Glue just introduced a new two-part waterproof epoxy adhesive that can be applied to wet surfaces, even underwater, like say, if a swimming pool tile comes off. Just mix, give it a spritz, put it back and it sticks!
Can you fix a pool liner with water in it?
Yes, of course. Patching a pool with water in it is a simple process. The first thing you need to do is identify the area of the leak. Next, find a patch material that matches the shade of your current liner.
Which glue works underwater?
Sticky's® Underwater Glue is an excellent adhesive that can be applied underwater! It bonds well to plastics such as PVC and ABS and traditional materials such as tile, concrete, fiberglass, rubber, wood, and metal. This adhesive is a favorite for pool & spa, marine, pond, irrigation, & plumbing applications.
Does Flex Tape work underwater?
Wet or dry surface, doesn't matter. Flex Tape® works instantly on both. In fact, you can use it underwater too.
Does Gorilla tape work underwater?
Crystal Clear Gorilla Tape can be applied to wet surfaces and also works under water.
How do you fix a pool with Flex Tape?
7:5011:09Flex Seal Pool Patch and Repair tested. FLEX TAPE pool patch. [333]YouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipThis out you can actually see that the flex glue clear is coming out around the edges. So it'sMoreThis out you can actually see that the flex glue clear is coming out around the edges. So it's getting all over the inside of the tape. Completely making a solid bond. That's pretty cool.
How do you fix a big tear in an above ground pool liner?
2:2013:53How to Repair X-Large Tear on a Leaking Vinyl Liner Pool ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipPath if the dirt is under the ladder or steps of an above ground pool then i always recommendMorePath if the dirt is under the ladder or steps of an above ground pool then i always recommend applying two patches for extra support. It is wise to place the ladder on a different spot. So the parts
How do you patch a large hole in an Intex pool?
0:422:32Intex Above Ground Pool Liner Repair Kit Instructions - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSecond cut a round patch and spread cement over the entire patch surface immediately apply the patchMoreSecond cut a round patch and spread cement over the entire patch surface immediately apply the patch over the hole from the inside of the pool. And smooth it down firmly.
How do you fix a hole in a vinyl pool liner?
1:364:10How to Fix a Hole in Vinyl Swimming Pool Liner Underwater RepairYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipWith your patch cut apply bonding cement to the underneath side of the patch. And lightly fold inMoreWith your patch cut apply bonding cement to the underneath side of the patch. And lightly fold in half so the glue is on the inside. Be sure to use a liberal amount of glue.
Can you patch a pool liner with water in it?
Yes, of course. Patching a pool with water in it is a simple process. The first thing you need to do is identify the area of the leak. Next, find a patch material that matches the shade of your current liner.
What to do if you find a tear in a liner?
Once you’ve found the tear or tears in your liner, the next step is to patch them. The steps for all patches are basically the same, so we’ll cover the steps you’ll need to take no matter which type of patch you’re looking to use.
How to tell if pool liner is leaking?
Before you start slapping on patches and gluing your fingers together , you may want to check if you actually have a leak in the first place. If there’s a hole the size of Texas in your pool liner, that’s a pretty obvious sign, but it’s not always so clear.
How to know if you have a leak in your pool?
If you’re just losing water to increased temperatures and evaporation, the water levels should evaporate at roughly the same rate. If your pool level is significantly lower than your pool level, then you’ll know that you have a leak on your hands.
How to get water out of a pool?
Step 1: Get a bucket and huck it into your pool. Ok now go and get it back. You’ll need to fill the bucket almost to the top with pool water. Step 2: Use your pool steps to place it in a location where the water in the bucket and the pool water outside the bucket are at about the same level. Step 3:
What causes water to evaporate in a pool?
Low Humidity. Simple water evaporation and increased temperatures can drastically alter the level of water in your pool. When the mercury goes up , the water in your pool warms up and is more likely to evaporate. This is doubly true if your pool is in direct sunlight.
Can you touch a pool patch?
So as tempting as it is: don’t touch it. One thing you may be able to do to help is to apply pressure to the patch while it cures. Granted, it’s not really feasible to sit in your pool for a day or two pressing on a patch, so it’s not always possible to do this.
Can you fix a pool leak?
If you have the nagging feeling that your pool has sprung a leak, don’t worry. Unless there are major foundation cracks or a natural disaster has occurred recently, you can probably repair the leak without too much fuss.
Why You Need To Know How To Patch Your Pool Liner
If youre a pool owner, its non-negotiable that you know how to patch your pool liner. Not only should you know how to patch the liner effectively, but its something that needs to be done quickly.
How To Find Out If You Have A Pool Leak
In many cases, a pool leak can be big enough to be perceivable by water level checks. In some instances though, pool owners might remain in the dark for long before noticing the leak.
Offering A Full Range Of Vinyl Pool Repair Services
Repair your pools liner In addition to vinyl pool leak repair , we also repair waterline sun rot damage. When the top portion of your liner degrades, you know the rest of the liner is coming down the home stretch. But if you cant afford the inground pool liner replacement cost just yet, we can buy you some time with expert repairs.
Tips For Patching A Pool Liner Underwater
Get some help. An extra pair of hands never hurts, especially for larger repair jobs.
If Your Vinyl Pool Liner Needs Patching Hh
The worlds most effective PVC vinyl adhesive is ideal for mending liner tears, spa covers, and most inflatable vinyl pool toys. It works underwater, sets in minutes, and holds fast even in extreme conditions. And it bonds with just a single application.
Alternatives To Vinyl Liner Pools
If youre in the market for a new inground pool and the idea of fighting wrinkles and other liner issues sounds like more trouble than its worth, maybe you should consider a fiberglass pool as an alternative.
Testing For A Pool Leak
You can carry out a DIY test to check whether water loss in the pool is more than the amount caused by evaporation. This test can also help you spot the source of the leak. Place a 5-gallon container in the water on the second step of the pool. Fill the can with water so that it is the same height as the pools water level.
How long does it take for a pool patch to cure?
Hold in place. Allow the adhesive to cure by holding the patch firmly in place for a couple of minutes. If possible, apply pressure for 24 hours. This can be done by setting a weighted object on it if it’s at the bottom, or by using a clamp of some sort on the pool wall.
Why are vinyl pool liners so popular?
Conclusion. Vinyl pool liners are a popular choice among pool owners for a lot of reasons . For one , they’re less expensive than concrete or fiberglass pool options. And for another, they make swimming pool maintenance much faster and easier.
How long does it take for a pool to leak?
After those 24 hours, if your pool water level is lower than your bucket water level, you probably have a leak. The other method is the ink method. But this method assumes you are pretty sure you have a leak and have a general idea of its location.
How to fix a hole in a patch?
For other types of patches, trim to make them a couple of inches larger than the hole all around. Apply adhesive. Apply a good amount of vinyl adhesive to the back of your trimmed patch. Apply the patch. Stick the patch directly onto the hole and press out any seams or bubbles. Hold in place.
How much water does a pool lose in a year?
Keep in mind that most pools lose about ¼ - ½ inch per day during the summer due to evaporation. To put that in perspective, that’s about 25,000-50,000 gallons of water per year!
Can you drain a pool liner underwater?
However, don’t drain all the water unless there’s just no other way to do it.
Can you repair a pool leak yourself?
Learning to patch leaks yourself could save you hundreds in expensive pool repair. Because even though the supplies are cheap, labor is usually not. In addition to that, you’ll be wasting valuable water, and maybe a lot of it, depending on the size and location of the leak.
Why does my pool liner tear?
A vinyl pool liner tear usually results from a sharp object hitting the liner. Pool toys should be the inflatable variety for this type of pool. You shouldn’t use hard metal, or plastic floating material in vinyl lined pools.
What does a leak in a pool liner tell you?
A leak from a pool liner tear will tell you about the condition of the vinyl. If the patch on a tear does not hold, it is time for a new liner. Liners in above ground vinyl pools are less expensive to replace than the in-ground variety. Aquaman Leak Detection serves Brevard County and 10 neighboring counties in Central Florida.
How long do vinyl pool lines last?
Vinyl pool liners last about 6 to 12 years depending on the location and wear on the pool. You may have a warranty that says it will cover the liner for 20 to 30 years, but the warranty usually has limitations. Vinyl pools are less expensive than the gunite or fiberglass varieties that have a longer lifespan.
What does a vinyl pool look like?
Vinyl swimming pools are available in a variety of shapes and designs. The vinyl liner will look like a concrete or fiberglass pool with different designs that imitate tile and mosaic patterns. But vinyl is a softer material, and a vinyl pool liner tear left unattended can ruin your pool.
What is a bead in a pool?
Above ground pools and some varieties of in-ground pools use vinyl liners. “Bead” is the name of the top edge of the vinyl liner. The bead attaches to the track on the deck coping that holds it in place for in-ground pools. The liner bead must fit perfectly on the frame to keep the material in place without wrinkles or bubbles.
Can you repair a pool liner?
It’s possible to repair a small pool liner tear with a patch kit. It’s also possible to restretch the liner if the bead pulls away from the frame or deck. Large tears will result in significant leaks. It may mean the liner needs replacement in this case. It’s possible to repair seams if you can find the separation immediately.
Can you use salt water in a vinyl pool?
You can use fresh or salt water in vinyl pools with the recommended chemicals. The vinyl sheets are cut and stretched to fit the pool frame. The vinyl may be seamed if it is a customized shape for a free-form design. Although the material is rugged, it cannot come into contact with sharp objects. A vinyl pool liner tear usually results ...
How to repair a rip in a vinyl pool liner?
But fortunately, no draining is required. The best way to repair a rip is with the water still in the pool.
How to get rid of a patch that is coming loose?
A square edge or corner on the patch is more likely to tear away or come loose from the liner. Clean the area where you're applying the patch with rubbing alcohol or a mild solvent. Removing algae or grime gives the patch a better chance of sticking.
Can you use duct tape to repair a pool liner?
Never use duct tape to repair a pool liner. It cannot withstand the weight of the water in the pool and will give way, making the rip larger and causing more problems.
Can you drain a pool rip?
But fortunately, no draining is required. The best way to repair a rip is with the water still in the pool. Don't ignore the tear for long, however. As soon as possible, repair the rip with a vinyl repair patch kit that is designed for repairs done under the water.
