How to Fix a Pool Liner

Problems with your pool liner are generally caused by a leak or a misaligned liner bead that, if left unattended, could cause considerable damage. Repairing a damaged liner is easy if you know how. Following are some simple steps most do-it-yourselfers can follow to fix a pool liner.

Things You'll Need

• Liner repair kit
• Cement
• Heavy plastic
• Inner-tube
• Protective eye gear
• Heat gun
• Blow dryer
• Liner lock
• Boiling water
• Vacuum
• Marker
• Dye
• Food coloring
• pH reagent

Instructions

1. Determine the exact problem with your liner. It could have sprung a leak, the bead could be out of its track or the liner may need to be reset or replaced. Eliminate the possibility that the excess water may be caused by a drainage runoff or a spliced sprinkler line.

2. Look for the source of the leak and repair tiny holes with a vinyl liner patch kit. You'll need a "wet" patch kit if the leak is located under the water.

3. Use a coin to Indicate any possible leak sites. Remember that you can substitute food coloring or an expired bottle of pH reagent for store-bought dye. Turn the pool filter off for 60 minutes and squirt dye next to your marker. If the dye is drawn to it, you have located the source of the leak.

4. Make a temporary patch by covering the leak with patch material, heavy plastic or a piece of inner-tube. The water pressure will keep it secure.

5. Create a deep gully, drain the water from your pool, lift up the liner and pour dry sand through a funnel. Fill any empty spaces if escaping water has formed a deep gully. Using material from a repair kit, cut a round patch double the size of the tear, then thoroughly coat the patch with cement. If you're repairing an underwater leak, keep the cement dry by folding the patch in half. Quickly replace the temporary patch with a permanent one and smooth out any air bubbles.

6. Apply heat with a heat gun or blow dryer to stretch and lock your liner back in to its track. Another technique for realigning your bead is to apply boiling water. If the problem persists, consider a liner lock. You also may want to seek professional advice.

7. Reset your liner and use a vacuum to eliminate any air between the liner and the walls and floor. Remove the vacuum after the water has reached a specific location on the wall and allow the pool to refill. This guarantees a correct fit and will reduce wrinkles in your liner.

8. Consider replacing your vinyl liner if it is old and has been repaired several times.

Tips & Warnings

• Wear protective eye gear when looking for leaks.

• Liner leaks in above ground pools create a visible indentation.

• Water loss in the pool is indicative of a liner leak.

• Commercial dye can be purchased at any pool supply store.

• Always have a patch kit and patching material on hand.

• Prevent future leaks by keeping plastic utensils, sharp objects and toys a safe distance from the pool.

• Exercise caution when operating electrical appliances close to water.

• Keep heat a safe distance from vinyl liners.