It is a challenging task to find out your pool liner needs patching. All that work that you put into designing and building your pool can be all for naught because of a few tears in your pool liner. Luckily, there are several methods to patch a pool liner, depending on where the hole or tear is located. 

The best method for you will solely depend on the hole’s location, but following these steps will ensure that your swimming experience is uninterrupted by little things like some tears in your pool liner.

Why Patching Your Pool Liner?

1. Not Doing So Can Cause Severe Damage

Water can seep beneath in-ground pools, eroding the deck and rusting the metal pillars. This can result in significant damage and instability.

Of course, this situation is more likely to occur if a leak has been left unchecked for an extended time. If you address the issue promptly, you should avoid having to deal with it.

Above-ground pools may sustain the same type of harm, depending on their configuration. Primarily, though, you risk collapsing your pool and transforming your backyard into a swamp.

2. To Save You More Money in the Long Run

Learning how to repair leaks and patching your pool liner on your own might save you hundreds of dollars in costly pool repairs. Because, although materials are inexpensive, labor is frequently not.

Additionally, you will be squandering valuable water, maybe a significant amount depending on the extent and location of the leak.

3. To Save You Valuable Time

Water loss resulting from pool liner leaking may cause headaches when maintaining your pool water chemicals. You’ll have to keep it balanced every time you fill your pool with fresh water.

Tools Needed for Patching Your Pool Liner

There are many swimming pool tools that you can use for patching your pool liner, depending on the size of the ripping or tear in your liner.

• Adhesive

• Goggles

• Scissors

• Brush, rag, or scrubber

• Peel and stick patches, patch kit, and patching vinyl

Steps for Patching Your Pool Liner

Now that you’ve decided whether or not your pool leaks, it’s time to get that sucker patched up!

Step 1. Locate the Leak

You’re going to need to find the hole, and that’s right where the liner is attached.

Locate the liner seams first by making your way along the edge of your pool or by slowly moving your eyes across the top of the pool. Use a bright light to assist you, should you choose to do so.

If there are any tears in your pool liner, this is where you can generally locate them.

Tip: “If you've just discovered a leak and aren't sure what to do: Take a roll of duct tape and cut a piece that is slightly bigger than the hole. You can stick it right under water and massage it onto your lining. It won't stay forever, but it will keep the water in your pool until you can properly repair it.”  - Matt, founder of Swim University

Step 2. Choose Your Patch

Patches come in a variety of styles, including peel-and-stick, vinyl kits, and patch material. The type you use will be determined by the leak’s location and your taste.

Step 3. Clean the Leak Surrounding the Area

The next step for patching your pool liner, is to clean the area surrounding the leak. This will help ensure a strong, long-lasting bond. Use a rag, scrubber pad, or a pool brush with a soft brush.

Be gentle as you don’t want to rip the tear even bigger.

Step 4. Peel and Stick the Patch

Once you have thoroughly cleaned the area, you are ready to apply whatever type of patch you choose. You can use a peel-and-stick technique to apply the patch or use vinyl strips to attach the patch directly to the liner.

Step 5. Trim the Patch

If you notice the patch needs trimming when patching your pool liner, make sure to cut it a couple of inches larger than the hole around. 

Step 6. Add Adhesive

Apply a generous amount of vinyl adhesive to the back of the patch after it has been cut. Apply the adhesive uniformly. 

Step 7. Apply the Patch

With the adhesive still wet, gently press the patch over the hole in the liner. Press the patch firmly onto your swimming pool liner until it perfectly adheres to your pool’s liner. If you are using a peel-and-stick patch, make sure to hold it in place while the adhesive cures.

At this point, you should check on it every 24 hours to make sure nothing has blown underneath by mistake!

Step 8. Hold the Patch in Place Until the Adhesive Dries

If you are using a vinyl kit, follow the manufacturer’s instructions. Some kits have glue designed to dry in 24 hours, while others may require up to 72 hours to cure fully. Follow the directions that came with your patching kit.

Can You Patch a Pool Liner Underwater?

In most cases, you’ll need to fix your pool liner underwater. If the leak is not too deep in the pool wall, you can drain some water to simplify working with it.

However, avoid draining all the water unless there is no other option. Draining water from a vinyl liner exposes it to the environment, which causes it to dry out. This means becoming brittle and more susceptible to tears in your pool liner.

Patches and adhesives for swimming pools are waterproof and specifically designed for usage in the pool.  Even if it’s sometimes not the most convenient thing to do, repairing your pool underwater is occasionally essential.

Tips for Patching Your Pool Liner Underwater

• Get some help.  If you’re working alone in the pool, you’ll want to make sure someone else is there to watch your back.

• Wear swimming goggles. Whether you’re working with your eyes above the water or under it, swimming goggles will protect them from chlorine.

• Gather your tools before patching the pool liner. Make sure to have your repair kit and a tool that you can use to pry the patch from the liner.

• Use a pole or stick to push out any debris from the hole in your pool liner. This will allow you to get a clean patch application. Be careful not to push too hard, though, so as not to rip any more of the liner.

• Use a snorkel. If your leak is too large, you can use a snorkel to avoid getting sucked into the hole. Remember that this will only allow you to see the hole’s opening, but not what’s below it.

• Work fast. The adhesive is waterproof, but the less time it has contact with water, the better it sticks. So, it adheres better if you can swiftly slap it on the surface. 

The Bucket Test

If you’re a pool owner keen on DIY solutions, the bucket test method might be your go-to. Here’s a step-by-step breakdown of this method:

1. Bucket with Water: Grab a 5-gallon bucket and fill it with water.

2. Place the Bucket: Position the bucket on the pool steps, ensuring the outside of the bucket is partially submerged in the pool water. This simulates the same environment both inside and outside the bucket.

3. Mark the Water Level: Once the water inside the bucket matches the surrounding pool water level, mark this position with painter’s tape for easy reference.

4. Wait and Observe: Give it 24 hours and then return to measure. If the water level inside the bucket is noticeably higher than the surrounding pool water, it’s a clear sign you’re dealing with a leak.

Remember, a daily decrease in water level becomes alarming when your pool loses more than an inch of water. That’s not just evaporation; it’s a call to action.

Knowing Your  Patching Options

If your bucket test indicates a leak, it’s vital for a pool owner to know how to address this. After all, a vinyl swimming pool liner is a key component, and neglecting a tear could snowball into a massive problem. Here are your patching options:

1. Waterproof Tape: It’s quick, easy, and light on the pocket. However, while waterproof tape might give you a temporary fix, its edges can peel off over time. It’s not the most durable solution for those looking for a long-term answer.

2. Vinyl Patch Kits: Offering a more lasting solution, these kits come equipped with adhesive and a vinyl piece cut-to-fit. They’re a step up from waterproof tapes and are ideal for various repair scenarios. In comparison to peel-and-stick patches, they provide a more permanent solution.

3. Peel-and-Stick Patches: Another handy option, these patches are user-friendly and can last longer than waterproof tape. However, for optimum longevity, vinyl patch kits usually take the crown.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Author’s Note

Hopefully, you will not have to deal with pool leaks regularly, and patching your pool liner will be something that only happens occasionally. But once you’ve encountered a leaky pool liner, you’ll be prepared to patch it up like a professional!

We will share more pool-related articles with you that will provide you with information on how to take care of your pool. Check them out below.

• Getting the Best Inground Pool Liner for You
• Quick and Easy Steps to Drain Inground Pool
• Best Way to Shock a Salt Water Pool