Nothing comes between a pool owner and their happiness quite like a hole. A tear in the vinyl layer of your pool can lead to a plethora of problems with the main one being an empty pool. Not only will this put a damper in your summer plans, but it may ultimately end up being a costly repair if left untreated.
The good news is that fixing a hole in the bottom of your pool is completely doable. You can even fix it on your own and if it seems too daunting, you can bring in a team of professionals that will help you get the job done both quickly and efficiently.
What causes holes in the bottom of pools?
Constant water pressure, sunlight, and UV rays are all elements that may lead to the weakening or deterioration of your pool. Occasionally, a tear or hole may also be caused by external factors like something poking through the bottom of your pool. Luckily, most pools that come from a factory have special repair kits that you can purchase when you run into a problem.
How to find a hole in the pool?
It’s important to remember that this is a common occurrence amongst pool owners and thus, it’s not worth panicking over. Before you can get to work on fixing the problem, you must first find the hole. Below are five methods that you can use to determine if your pool had a hole or a tear:
Continuously having to add water to your pool is a good indicator that you may have a hole or a leak.
Determine the leakage; if it leaks only when the system is running, it may be a sign that you have a plumbing leak. If the pool leaks all the time, its most likely because there is a hole or leak in the liner.
After you’ve determined the cause, it’s time to identify your leaks. If you can’t soot one with the naked eye, you can add drops of dye that will draw you straight to the leak. The food coloring will get swept in the flow of water leaking through the hole, which will help you identify the damaged area.
The other way to identify your leak is to walk around your pool and identify any wet spots. If you find an area where the grass is greener than surrounding areas, it may be a sign of leakage.
How to fix a hole in the bottom of the pool?
Step # 1: You have found the area with the hole or tear. The first step is done! Now move to the next.
Step # 02: Clean the hole with a damp cloth and the surrounding area of the hole that is approximately 3 inches wider. The reason is that there is dirt, algae, and contaminants, including skin oils or sunscreen, that could prevent anything from sticking to it.
Step # 03: Choose your type of sealant:
Waterproof tape: Waterproof tapes are UV resistant and can be used underwater. Similar to duct tape, this type of tape can be used to cover any tear and hole.
Peel-and-stick: Peel-and-stick is made from vinyl and specially designed for holes or tears in swimming pools. Round stickers are best as they are easiest to peel.
Vinyl Patch Kit: Applying a vinyl patch kit is best for larger holes or tears. These kits predominantly include large chunks of vinyl that can apply underwater due to its adhesiveness.
Step # 04: After applying adhesives or any type of pool liner patch, you must stick it in place and apply pressure to it immediately. If possible, put a weight on it for at least 24 hours to make sure it sticks in place.
Step # 05: You can use various pool liner patches to cover the hole. However, it’s important to remember that patches can be unpredictable. Some may last for years whereas others may only last for a matter of days. Checking your new patch frequently will ensure you catch the leak quickly if it reoccurs.
Fixing a hole in the bottom of your pool is completely doable
Fixing a hole in the bottom of your pool is completely doable and nothing to be afraid of. However, it’s important to remember that if your pool has multiple patches, it may result in more frequent leaks. If you can’t mend the tears, tips, or holes in your liner, it may be time to do a bigger repair.