How to Repair a Vinyl Liner
- 1). Clean the area surrounding the hole. If the hole is above water, take an alcohol swab and clean the dirt from the area. The repair patch sticks better to a clean surface. Skip this step if the hole is located underwater.
- 2). Cut a piece of patched material that is approximately 1/2" larger than the actual hole. When cutting the material, round the edges. Rounded edges do not pull away from the vinyl liner as quickly as a squared, angular edge would.
- 3). Apply glue to the rough side of the vinyl patch. Make sure to spread the glue evenly, reaching to the outer edges of the patch.
- 4). Fold the patch in half with the ends of the glue side together. The adhesive glue for the vinyl patch dries very quickly. Folding one side on top of the other will keep the glue moist. This gives you time to get from the patch-cutting area to the hole in the pool without the glue drying prematurely.
- 5). Unfold the patch to ready it for applying. Once you're in the pool and directly in front of the hole and have unfolded the patch, place it squarely over the hole in the liner.
- 6). Smooth out the air bubbles. Take care and caution when smoothing out the air bubbles. Using too much pressure can shift the vinyl patch from the hole. Use one hand to keep the patch in place on the liner while using a sweeping motion with the other hand to smooth out the air bubbles.
- 7). Maintain pressure on the patch for about a minute or so. Although the glue dries quickly, give it a hand by applying pressure on the patch for a short period of time. This ensures it stays in the right place while it forms its bond.
- 8). Refrain from disturbing the patch for 24 to 48 hours. This means no vacuuming or sweeping the pool. Additionally, if you're thinking of throwing a pool party, wait a day or two.
