Gather Necessary Materials
If you own an inflatable pool, it’s not uncommon to experience a hole or a tear due to regular wear and tear or accidents. Instead of discarding a costly inflatable pool or purchasing a new one, you can easily tackle the problem yourself with a few supplies. Before embarking on fixing your inflatable pool, you will need to gather some essential materials that are readily available to purchase online or in a local store:
Patch Kit
A patch kit is the most critical material you’ll need to repair your pool. You should look for a patch kit that is specifically designed for inflatable pools and includes vinyl patches, adhesive, and necessary tools to apply the patches. Ensure that the adhesive and vinyl patches are waterproof and durable.
Air Pump
An air pump is essential when repairing an inflatable pool. You’ll need to inflate the pool after patching the hole and check to ensure that it retains air pressure. You can use an electric or manual air pump to inflate your pool and should also purchase a needle valve and flexible hose if they do not come with your tool.
Alcohol Wipes or Rubbing Alcohol
You’ll need to clean the damaged area before patching it. Alcohol wipes or rubbing alcohol can effectively clean the damaged area and remove any dust, dirt, or debris that all impact the adhesive’s effectiveness.
Scissors or Cutting Tool
You’ll need to trim the vinyl patch to fit the damaged area effectively. Scissors or a cutting tool can help you cut a clean patch with smooth edges that will adhere to the pool properly.
Sandpaper
Most patch kits include sandpaper to rough up the damaged area to improve adhesion. If sandpaper is not provided, you can purchase it from a local store or online.
Marker or Pen
A marker or pen can help you outline the damaged area on the pool and identify the precise location of the hole. This will also help ensure that the patch kit is directly applied to the hole in the pool.
Having these necessary materials readily available will save you time when you need to patch up your inflatable pool. It is also important to note that these materials may differ depending on the size of the damaged area, and you should tailor your repair based on the extent of the damage. With the right tools, patching a hole in an inflatable pool can be a simple DIY task that can bring your pool back to life.
Locate the Hole
Before fixing the hole in your inflatable pool, you must locate the leak. Some holes are visible, but others are not easy to find. Here are a few tips to help you locate the hole.
1. Listen for the hiss of air.
One way to locate the hole in your pool is through sound. A hissing sound indicates the air escaping from the hole. Inflate the pool and place it under water. Move your ear around the pool until you find the location from which the hissing sound is coming.
2. Use soap solution.
Another way to locate the hole in the pool is by using a soap solution. Mix soap and water and apply the solution with a brush or sponge. Inflate the pool and press down on it while applying the soap solution over the pool’s surface. If there is a hole, you will see bubbles forming at the leak location. Once you locate the hole, mark it to help you identify the spot during the repair process.
3. Check the valves.
Double-check the valves because these are the most likely spots for leaks to occur. If you are unable to locate the hole using the above methods, apply the soap solution to the valves. If bubbles form from the area around the valve, replace the valve or tighten it properly to fix the leak.
4. Use UV light.
UV rays have special reflective features that can help you find the leak from an inflatable pool. This method works better at night or in a dark room, or after covering the pool with a dark-colored material. Introduce the UV light to the pool from different angles until you see a glow that indicates the location of the leak. UV light detection is more effective for smaller holes.
5. Test pressure.
If you can’t locate the hole using the previous methods, you can perform a pressure test. Inflate the pool and then deflate it. Use a pressure gauge to check for air pressure changes. If the pressure drops, then the pool probably has a hole somewhere. To locate it, inflate it again and press down on different parts while applying the soap solution. If there is a hole, you will see bubbles.
Conclusion
Locating the hole in an inflatable pool is the first step in repairing it. If you fail to find the hole, the repair process will be unsuccessful. Remember to apply soap solution, listen for the hiss of air, check the valves, and use UV light. Testing the pressure is also a viable option.