
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 repair 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.
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.
How do you fix a hole in a vinyl pool liner?
1:544:10How 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 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 use Gorilla tape on a 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!
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.
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.
Do you patch a pool from the inside or outside?
Apply one patch inside of the pool surface, smoothing the patch from the center to the outer edges. Repeat the process with the second patch on the outside of the pool surface. Allow the patched area to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then repeat the smoothing process to ensure a tight bond.
Can you repair a large hole in a pool liner?
6:1113:53How to Repair X-Large Tear on a Leaking Vinyl Liner Pool ... - YouTubeYouTubeStart of suggested clipEnd of suggested clipIf that is on the scene. Area you definitely have to apply larger patches because at the corner.MoreIf that is on the scene. Area you definitely have to apply larger patches because at the corner. There is a hell of space underneath the liner. The patch needs to hold on as much surface area of the
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.
How do you patch a plastic pool?
Patch It Up!Step 1: Drain The Water. ... Step 2: Cut The Patch. ... Step 3: Dry And Clean The Patch Area. ... Step 4: Inflate The Kiddie Pool. ... Step 5: Apply The Glue. ... Step 6: Apply Your Patch. ... Step 7: Let It Dry.
What happens if water gets under pool liner?
If water does get behind the pool liner, it can lose its seal – this allows wrinkles to form and the liner to develop soft spots. Should this occur, the liner can lift and float, but DON'T PANIC, and don't start swearing at your pool company- as they have done nothing wrong!
How do you fix the bottom of a pool with water in it?
Place the patch on a smooth surface and spread cement or waterproof epoxy on the underside of the patch. Fold the patch and submerge it underwater at the location of the tear. Press it over the tear and use your fingers to smooth it from the center out.
Do you patch a pool from the inside or outside?
Apply one patch inside of the pool surface, smoothing the patch from the center to the outer edges. Repeat the process with the second patch on the outside of the pool surface. Allow the patched area to sit for 10 to 15 minutes, then repeat the smoothing process to ensure a tight bond.
How big of a hole can you patch in 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.
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.
Why does my pool patch fail?
The same concept applies here but instead of sticky child fingers, it’s chemicals, algae, and dirt floating in your pool that’ll cause the patch to fail.
How to level pool water in bucket?
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: Mark the level inside the bucket. You can use a sharpie marker or a grease pen.
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.
How to spot an above ground pool?
If you have an above ground pool chances are it’s going to be pretty easy to spot. Just look for the giant fountain that appeared in your backyard.
How to clean pool liner with patch?
You can use a rag, pool brush, or gentle scrubber pad to wipe it clean.
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 to fix a patch on a trimmed patch?
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. Allow the adhesive to cure by holding the patch firmly in place for a couple of minutes.
How to patch a hole in a wall?
For peel-and-stick patches, just peel the paper backing off and apply the patch to the area with the hole.
What happens if you put water in an inground pool?
This can cause a great deal of damage and instability.
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!
What happens if you leak dye?
If you do have a leak, you’ll see the dye stream steadily toward it, seeping out with the rest of the water.
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 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 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 big should a patch be on a tear?
Cut the patch to so that it's 2 inches larger on all sides than the size of the rip. If the patch is significantly larger than the tear, it allows enough surface area for the adhesive to cover the rip and hold.
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.
How to get a patch to stick?
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.
