How Do I Repair a Pool Liner?

You’re having a pool get-together with family and friends next week. Your food is prepared, your house is clean, and your patio equipment is washed and ready. But wait, what is that? A pool liner leak? Oh no! Your mind races as you instantly go into how-to-fix-it-in-the-fastest-possible-way mode. You may be thinking that repairing a pool liner requires a ton of time, but here at Central Jersey Pools, we’ve got great news for you! Repairing a pool liner is much easier than you might think. Here are some steps for you to take to repair a pool liner, and when to know it’s time to call a professional for help.

How to Locate Your Pool Liner Leak

1. Look for Water Loss. You shouldn’t be losing more than a half inch of water daily. If your pool is losing an inch of water or more every day, there’s a leak somewhere. 
2. Clean. Clean. Clean. Thoroughly clean and vacuum your pool.
3. Be a Pipe Sleuth. Check external pipes and plumbing apparatus for leaks. Turn off any electrical sources before touching wet wires.
4. Take a Dive. Turn your pool pump off and dive to the bottom of your pool with food coloring or a dye applicator in hand. Explore the surface for divots or small holes, and, if you spot one, shoot a small amount of dye or food coloring into the leak or hole.

Voila, you’ve found the pool liner leak!

Tip: Don’t wait to repair a pool liner. A liner leak often morphs into major repairs, so you’ll want to take care of it as quickly as possible.

Types of Pool Liner Repair Material

There are several materials to repair a pool liner leak. Prepare the patch material by cutting it a few inches larger than the hole or tear.

1. Peel-and-Stick Patches. Peel-and-stick patches come in sheets or pre-cut circles, usually in a color that closely matches your pool lining. The pre-cut circles are less likely to peel at the edges.
2. Waterproof Tape. This tape is clear and UV resistant, so it’ll last much longer. It’s easily removable and cost-effective.
3. Patch Kits. A longer-term solution used for larger tears and holes in your pool liner.
4. Duct Tape. When all else fails, or you need a super-fast fix, use duct tape…seriously. Cut a piece of duct tape that’s a little larger than the pool liner, tear, and press directly onto the liner. It’s not a permanent fix, but it’ll hold temporarily.

5 Quick Steps to Repair a Pool Liner Leak

After you’ve chosen what type of patch you want to use and have prepared it by cutting it to the right size, there are 5 easy steps to repair your pool lining. 

1. Gather all the materials you’ll need to repair the lining leak or hole, including goggles.
2. Clean the leak or hole area of the lining with a pool brush, rag, or gentle scrubber pad.
3. Quickly apply any needed adhesive.
4. Quickly press the patch in place, directly over the hole or tear. Use your fingertips to smooth out any seams or bubbles.
5. To double patch, wait 24 hours, then cut another piece of patch material larger than the first patch, and then press over the top of the first patch.

Time to Call a Pool Professional

While you can patch the leak yourself, it’s really only a temporary fix, no matter what type of material you use. You’ll want to reach out to a professional to repair your pool liner the proper way as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your pool.

Central Jersey Pools offers a wide array of high-quality replacement pool liners for both in-ground and above-ground pools. We are your one-stop shop for all of your pool building, pool maintenance, and pool chemical needs. Call us today at 732.641.4030 to schedule a free in-home pool liner replacement estimate, or visit our Freehold store located one mile north of the Freehold Raceway Mall. We serve Monmouth, Ocean, Middlesex, and Mercer County.