We all want high-grade and puncture-resistant inflatable pools for performance and longevity. But, always have in mind that holes will happen. You might have been careful over the years using your inflatable pool. Still, the worst might happen.
Does this mean that it is over? No. Stay here to know how to patch your inflatable pool if this ever happens to you. It is cheap, easy, and fun!
Steps to Patch an Inflatable Pool
It may have a hole, a puncture, or a small tear. So, should you trash it? What about the bucks you spent on it? Moreover, what about the attachment you have with it? Worry not because you can try to fix it. Above all, it will great if it can survive a few more seasons.
Later on, you can think about buying another one. But, first, let's understand a remedy.
Step 1: Collect All the Material You Need
As earlier said, this is going to be a cheap affair. We know you may have paid some costs for the repair before. During this journey, some repair work might have punctured your pool. In the same way, who knows what punctured your pool.
So, we will accomplish a DIY project. What's more, it will be a cheap one using household items and a few necessities from your toolbox.
First of all, have everything in one place. It helps you be in order, save time and energy.
So, here are some materials you might need to patch an inflatable pool.
- A punctured pool (of course!)
- Marker pen
- Pair of gloves
- Pair of scissors
- Adhesive tape
- Superglue
Step 2: Identify the Punctured Area
To do this, you will need to inflate your pool ring then submerge it. After that, put it underwater. So, it will allow you to look for air bubbles. A point with air bubbles indicates the area with possible punctures.
You might have thought of a single point. But, this exposes other wear areas that you can deal with early. With your marker pen, mark the point.
Dry those areas with paper towels. After that, use the marker pen once again to draw small circles around these puncture points.
Step 3: Temporary Patching
Before anything, cut out small strips of the adhesive to make them ready for use. Prior preparation allows you to have smooth fixing. The adhesive should lay flat enough to prevent the entry of air.
If you are patching the pool alone, this is more logical to do before. Inflate your ring each time you need to stick the adhesive.
While you blow the inflatable pool, fix the adhesive when the pool is at its maximum inflation. We advise that you use high-quality and strong tape. Brown tape or duct tape will do.
That's because solid tapes allow the punctures to hold together longer. It means more functionality and longevity of the patched pool.
Step 4: Permanent Patching
How keen are you? Have you suffered glue burns before? It isn't to scare you. But it is to sensitize that safety comes first before the fun. You will deal with superglue in this section.
So, you will have to wear a pair of gloves for this. Cut out other strips of the adhesive tape. Make them larger this time. Target about 25% more than the previous size. Inflate your pool again.
If you are unsure about your focus and abilities, seek a helping hand here. Hold the glue as the other person will hold the tape.
The tape's sticky side should be up. Spread the glue over the tape's surface. Lay the large tape with superglue over the small temporary one.
Apply a lot of pressure for a few minutes to the top patch. It allows for the glue to set.
Step 5: Allow It to Dry
In a clean and dry place, allow the pool to dry. It should be in an area with room temperature.
Moreover, avoid leaving it in the sun. Direct sunlight causes the expansion of glue. It can cause cracks before the glue and pool ring can dry well.
Check it after an hour or more. Hooray! That is it, and you are ready to spend some time in the water.
Is There a Special Way to Prepare the Area Before Patching?
It is a common question. Some people choose to follow a specific procedure and others dive right into it.
While you can do it your way, it is good to try out a procedure for preparation. It allows for more efficiency and longevity.
Step 1: Pool Float Drying and Cleaning
You can use a clean cloth or even a paper towel to dry your pool float off all the water. Focus more on the puncture areas as these are our primary concerns.
Use wipes to clean the hole and areas surrounding it. It helps to get out any oils or grease and leave a workable area. If you don't have wipes, use rubbing alcohol and a soft cloth.
Step 2: Extra Preparation
Deflate your pool. Ensure to smooth it well until flat enough. The hole areas should face up. They should have about 1" of material. If you are using a repair patch, peel off the backing.
Smooth the patch over the holes. The patch should extend by an inch all around and cover the hole nicely.
To ensure that the patch is flat throughout as you work with it, work with a procedure. Flatten your hand over it to ensure that it sticks down well. You can do it from one corner to the other.
This second step will need to have a kit. So, ensure that you wait for the duration recommended by the manufacturer of the kit.
Don't be in a rush to inflate the pool. It allows for the area to hold well before you can proceed to the next step.
Things You Should Know About Inflatable Pool Repair Kits
You will be lucky enough if the manufacturer includes a kit into your pool package when buying. It saves you the hassle of getting the correct repair kit for your pool.
Sometimes, this comes as a bonus package or at a subsidized price. But are they essential?
Pool repair kits are great for performing any repair activities. But, if you can't find one at the earliest or have problems ordering one, the procedure above will work. You can use our DIY method as it allows you to use the products available at home without extra purchases.
Note: There are different types of repair kits for pools in the market. They all do the same thing, but their design and use differ.
We advise reaching out to your pool manufacturer to get recommendations for the best repair kit for your pool. For instance, a repair kit that works on vinyl pools might not work for rubber pools. Moreover, the results, functionality, and longevity might not be the same.
If you have the manual and papers that came with your inflatable pool, these could help. Check them to know the material of the float. It will be a good starting point to know the type of repair kit to buy.
When using the inflatable pool repair kit, you might not need a lot of additional tools. Everything you need for the primary repair will be in the kit.
The kit isn't for one-time use. You can keep it until the next time you need to repair or patch your pool again.
Final Thoughts!
If you follow the steps and use good-quality materials, the above methods will work like a charm. Most people use inflatable pools years after patching them.
So, make sure you follow the proper puncture identification, preparation, and patching methods. We have put everything relevant in this piece and hope it would help.
