how to repair a torn pool liner

1. Match the patch material with the color of your current liner if you're given the choice of white or blue repair material in your kit.
2. Cut the patch to so that it's 2 inches larger on all sides than the size of the rip. ...
3. Cut the patch so that it has rounded corners. A square edge or corner on the patch is more likely to tear away or come loose from the liner.
4. 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.
5. Add the glue in the repair kit to one side of the patch following the manufacturer's directions. Do this while above the water line.
6. Unfold the patch and center it over the rip, covering all torn edges. ...

Full Answer

When to repair or replace your pool liner?

Instances When Repairing Your Pool Liner is an Option

• Minor Tears. You can usually repair or patch a tear that’s as small as 2 inches and as big as 8 inches. ...
• Stains and Discolouration. Your pool can be in perfect working condition, but if your liner is stained and discoloured, it makes getting into it far less appealing.
• Minor Leaks. ...
• Liner is Slipping Out of Tracks. ...

What can I use to clean my pool liner?

What can I use to clean my vinyl pool liner?

• Scrub the algae with a soft nylon brush. In most cases this is all that is needed with vinyl pool liners.
• Check the pH levels of the pool with the test kit.
• Don the safety glasses and rubber gloves.
• Add dry sodium bisulphate to the pool to reduce he pH rating.
• Add four times the normal amount of chlorine for your pool.

How to know if you need a new pool liner?

Pool Liner Installation Troubleshooting

• Wrinkles. One of the toughest parts of installing a vinyl pool liner is keeping it free of wrinkles while you set it in place.
• Poor Seal. A vinyl liner has some give to it, but in some cases it can pull away near the seals along the pool walls.
• Rocky Ground. ...
• Tears and Punctures. ...

How to replace an above ground swimming pool liner?

Replacing the liner

1. Drain the pool. I know: we usually tell you to never drain your pool completely, but this is different. ...
2. Remove the liner. Disconnect all your pool plumbing from the skimmers and unscrew all the face plates. ...
3. Prep the floor. ...
4. Prep the wall. ...
5. Install new liner. ...
6. Set the liner with a vacuum. ...
7. Fill the pool. ...
8. Reinstall face plates & gaskets. ...

Can you fix a ripped pool liner?

6 days agoPatching 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.

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.

Can you patch a large tear in a pool liner?

9:5113:53How to Repair X-Large Tear on a Leaking Vinyl Liner Pool ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIt's in an easy repair. And i did apply a large patch according to the size of the hole. But becauseMoreIt's in an easy repair. And i did apply a large patch according to the size of the hole. But because it lost so much sun the liner moved lower and it dragged the parts with it as a result it created

Is it worth patching a pool liner?

The more important factor to consider is whether your liner is worth trying to patch. If your liner is two years old and in great shape except for an 8-inch tear on the back wall, it's certainly worth trying a patch. The tear is large, but the vinyl is otherwise strong and in a spot that won't get much traffic.

Does Gorilla Tape work on pool liners?

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!

Does Flex Tape work on bottom of pool?

1:164:00Flex Tape Test on Swimming Pool Leak - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipI got a good and dry. And applied the patch. It seemed to grab on the outside of the pool pretty.MoreI got a good and dry. And applied the patch. It seemed to grab on the outside of the pool pretty. Well since I've locked the inside the water stops. So I was able to get this dry.

What is the best way to patch a pool liner?

1:326:40How to Patch your Swimming Pool Vinyl Liner! | The Ultimate PatchYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipSo never cut your patches. Square. Always cut them round. And if for an example i have a hole hereMoreSo never cut your patches. Square. Always cut them round. And if for an example i have a hole here and i want to patch it all we want to do is cut the patch.

Can you use PVC glue on vinyl pool liner?

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.

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.

How much does it cost to put a new liner in an inground pool?

An in-ground pool liner typically costs between $700 and $1,500 for materials, plus installation costs of $1,000 to $2,500. Materials for above-ground pool liners range from $100 to $600, with installation costs running anywhere from $250 to $800.

How do you use a vinyl repair kit for a pool?

1:193:40How to Repair/Patch a Leaking Vinyl Liner Pool - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipApply it here what you want to do is you want to fold it over on itself when you put it in the waterMoreApply it here what you want to do is you want to fold it over on itself when you put it in the water. We want to unfold it when we get it in the water. We're going to fold it up like this like a taco.

How do you fix a pool with Flex Seal?

Just peel, stick, and seal! Please the adhesive side of the Flex Tape directly on the leak on the interior surface. Press down firmly. You may want to place a piece of wood or hard surface on the exterior to help apply pressure.

Does Flex Seal work on vinyl?

Flex Seal is a liquid rubber sealant coating that's perfect for almost any DIY project inside or outside your house. Flex Seal can be used on almost every surface: wood, metal, tile, concrete, masonry, fabric, glass, plastic, aluminum, porcelain, drywall, rubber, cement, and vinyl.

Will Flex Seal tape work underwater?

Wet or dry surface, doesn't matter. Flex Tape® works instantly on both. In fact, you can use it underwater too.

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.

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.

What is a patch kit?

There are whole patch kits that come with a cover and adhesive. They include a cover and adhesive that can be put over the larger tears. If it’s a bigger tear than tape or a sticker can handle, a patch kit is the next step up.

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.

How to fix a vinyl pool liner?

Vinyl swimming pool liners can often sag or slip out of position, but luckily you have several simple ways to repair them. Try pouring boiling water onto the affected area of vinyl, making sure to leave 1 to 2 inches at the top so you can grab hold of it .

How to get vinyl out of pool?

Alternatively, you can heat an area of the vinyl by blow drying it from about 2 inches away. Once the heat from the boiling water or hair dryer has softened the vinyl, pull it up from the top to stretch it out. Fit it back into the metal trap around the top of your pool, which is designed to hold the vinyl in place.

Why does vinyl liner pop out?

A familiar sight each season for many vinyl-liner pool owners is sags or gaps at the track that holds the liner in place. Constant fluctuations in temperature over the winter can cause the vinyl to stretch and pop out at certain spots—most often at corners or where there is plastic trim in a concrete deck that meets with the pool coping.

How to stretch a liner?

Heat an area of the liner to stretch by holding the blow dryer a couple of inches from the surface and at an angle. Keep the dryer moving so you don't burn the liner. You don't need to superheat the liner—just get it warm enough to make it pliable. ...

How to get rid of sagging vinyl?

Slowly pour the hot water directly on the sagging vinyl below the top edge. Use a kettle or can with a long spout, such as a watering can. Do not pour onto the very top edge of the vinyl, but just below the top, because you next have to grasp that top edge. Pour slowly back and forth across the vinyl. 2.

How to keep vinyl in place?

Starting on one end, firmly twist the top edge horizontally and push it into the metal track. The top underside of the vinyl has a V shaped groove which should slip into a similar V groove in the top metal track. You should feel the edge of vinyl slip into the groove, which is supposed to keep it in place.

How to make a vinyl split?

4. Hold the vinyl in place. Use a large, wooden paint stirrer to help push and hold the vinyl in the track as you pull the vinyl up and into place. Be very careful not to tear through the vinyl. For longer splits use wooden clothes-pegs broken in half and placed along the split every few inches. ...

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 ...

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 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.

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 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.