A Hole in Vinyl Pool

by Chris
(Alberta, Canada)

We have just set up and filled our pool only to realize that there is a hole that water is trickling out of. Can we patch a pool that is full or do we need to drain it?


Hi Chris. Water trickling out of a new pool is not a good thing. That very likely means the liner has a bad seam and should be replaced under warranty. Patching a torn seam is something I do not recommend. Any other kind of hole can be patched under water without a problem.

When water is visibly coming out of the pool the source is usually a hole around the outer edge somewhere. It should be easy to find and just as easy to patch. This is also the area where the bottom of the liner attaches to the side with a seam. If the seam on a liner is going to go bad, it usually happens on the initial fill up.

It is always a major let down to find a hole in a brand new above ground pool liner. I hope yours is one that can be patched. This photo was sent to me by someone who noticed his problem before he had the liner completely installed.