How to Patch a Hole in a Pool

Owning a swimming pool can provide hours of warm-weather fun and entertainment. However, pool ownership also comes with a great deal of upkeep and sometimes even repair work. One of the most common pool-maintenance problems is water leakage. This can be caused by something as simple as a loose connection or as significant as hole in the pool surface. Patching a hole in a pool is not always an easy repair. However, with the right tools it can be tackled by the average do-it-yourselfer.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Patching mix for concrete or gunite pool
• Chisel or grinder
• Silicone caulk
• Trowel or putty knife
• Underwater patch kit
• Clean towel
• Scissors
• Swim goggles

Concrete / Gunite Pools

1. Purchase pool patching mix for concrete or gunite pools from a local hardware store or pool supply store.

2. Drain the pool water level below the hole or crack.

3. Cut into the area around the hole or crack using a chisel or grinder so that it has a clean edge. The area around the hole should be at least 1/2 inch wide and deep.

4. Clean the area in and around the hole thoroughly to remove any dust and debris.

5. Apply silicone caulk inside the damaged area and allow it to dry thoroughly.

6. Mix the pool patch mix according to manufacturer's directions. The final mix should be the consistency of a cake batter.

7. Mist the damaged area with water and apply the patching cement mix with a trowel or putty knife. The mixture should cover all surfaces so that there are no air holes or gaps.

8. Run the putty knife over the patched area to smooth out any bumps and to match the existing pool surface.

9. Refill the pool with water.

Vinyl Pool Liners

10. Purchase a vinyl underwater patch kit from a local hardware or pool supply store.

11. Clean the area around the hole thoroughly with a soft damp cloth.

12. Cut a patch with a scissors. The patch should cover the surface of the hole, allowing for at least 1/2 inch of overlap on all sides of the damaged area.

13. Apply the vinyl liner glue that comes with the patch kit directly to the surface of the vinyl patch.

14. Fold the patch in half so that the glue is on the inside of the fold.

15. Let the patch sit for a three or four minutes so that the glue can cure slightly.

16. Submerge the patch in the pool water, keeping it folded until you reach the area that is in need of repair.

17. Unfold the patch and immediately adhere it to the hole and surrounding surface.

18. Smooth out the patch, starting from the center and pressing toward the outer edges to remove any air bubbles.

19. Allow the patch to sit for 10 minutes, then smooth it down again, giving extra attention to the edges of the patch to ensure they are secure.

Tips & Warnings

• When patching a cement pool surface, do not allow the patch to dry out. If you will not be putting water in the pool immediately, cover the surface with a wet towel to keep the area from cracking. If the hole on the vinyl liner is on the bottom portion of the pool, you may need to use a swimming mask and get into the pool to adhere the patch.

References

• Vinyl Repair Kit
• Pool Cement Patch
• Pool Caulk

Resources

• Poolcenter.com