How to Fix a Water Leak in an Above Ground Swimming Pool

Swimming pool leaks are typically caused by holes and tears in the vinyl lining that surrounds the inside of the pool. It is important when finding the leak that you patch it immediately so there is no risk of further damaging the liner or the cement pool base underneath. Finding the leak in an above-ground pool is easy since all of its parts that could possibly rupture are right in front of you.

Things You'll Need

• Cloths
• Measuring tape
• Scissors
• Vinyl liner patch
• Vinyl glue

Instructions

1. Drain the pool. You cannot patch the liner and use glue if the pool is filled with water. Wipe down the area to be patched so it is completely dry.

2. Measure the size of the hole to be patched. As long as the hole is not extremely large, or looks like the tear is traveling through the vinyl, you can patch it. Water will easily escape through the vinyl and will build up between the liner and the cement base of the pool.

3. Measure the piece of vinyl patch. It needs to be two inches wider than the hole, and the patch must be circular to cover the hole and not lift off once applied. The extra two inches around the patch gives you room to apply the glue.

4. Apply a thick layer of vinyl glue to the outside two-inch perimeter of the patch.

5. Place it firmly against the hole, and press it against the existing vinyl. Hold it in place until it bonds, and allow the glue to dry for 24 hours.

References

• Wet Head Media: Fix Leaking Pool Liner
• Pool Center: Vinyl Liner Repair