How To Patch A Pool Liner On The Seam

By Deborah H. Schreiben January 11, 2010 4:05 am EST

Things Needed

Cleaning cloth or scrub brush
Vinyl cleaner (optional)
Vinyl pool liner patch kit with glue
Ruler
Scissors

Tip

If you must put your face underwater to repair the seam, use snorkel equipment to allow you to breathe while working on the patch.

Warning

Always round off the corners of the rectangular pool patch. If this is not done, pool cleaning equipment such as brushes and nets might catch on the corners, causing the patch to pull loose.

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If you've discovered a leak in the seam of your vinyl swimming pool liner, you can repair it without having to empty the pool. Pool patch kits include vinyl patch material and glue made to be used underwater. When properly applied, the combination of the patch and glue will provide a permanent solution to a seam tear in a vinyl pool liner.

Step 1

Wipe off or scrub the pool liner wall to remove any algae or stains around the area to be patched. Use a cleaner made for pool liners, if necessary. After cleaning the area, press down the seam to ensure that it is lying flat without any wrinkles.

Step 2

Cut a piece of vinyl patch material in a rectangle that is 4 inches wide and 4 inches longer than the tear on your seam. Round off all four corners.

Step 3

Apply pool glue liberally to one side of the patch. Be sure to spread the glue all the way to the edges.

Step 4

Firmly press the glued side of the patch onto the area of the seam that is leaking. Position the patch so that the tear is in the center of the patch. Use your fingers to smooth wrinkles out of the patch and ensure it is molded to the shape of the seam. The edges of the patch must be securely stuck to the liner.

Step 5

Hold the patch in place for about a minute. After you remove your hand, the pressure of the water inside the pool will help to keep the patch in place as the adhesive dries. Do not disturb the patch for 24 hours.