Holes in Vinyl Pool

Finding and Repairing

Finding holes in vinyl pools can be a real pain if you have no clue where to look.  Repairing the hole is usually the easiest part, it's just finding the thing that's hard.

Most of the time holes in vinyl pools are located around the outer edge.  At least the ones that will create significant water loss.  There are two reasons for this.  The outer pool edge gets the most abuse from vacuums and cleaners.  At or near the cove area of the pool the water is usually free to flow out of the pool with little restriction.  A hole in the center of the pool will leak much slower because the water will normally have a much tougher time becoming absorbed into the soil.

With that in mind concentrate your initial efforts around the outer edge of the pool.  The usual place for holes would be right at the top of the cove area.  If your pool is on top of the ground start your search looking for wet spots around the outside of the pool.  A damp area on the outside of the pool will indicate a hole just inside the pool near the damp area.

If the damp spot is around the filter you should first eliminate that as a possibility.  Check all of the fittings and connections with the filter running and with the filter off.  The pressure side will leak with the filter running and the suction side when the filter is off.

I usually use goggles and search for holes with the pools full of water.  I dive down and rub my hand over an area of liner.  All of the dirt and debris will move when I do this.  A hole looks like a piece of dirt so anything that does not move needs a closer inspection.  Do this at the top of the cove area and you will usually find your hole.

If you need to drain the pool to do this always keep at least a foot of water in it.  A vinyl liner will shrink if left completely empty.

Once the hole is located simply cut a round circle out of the patch material that came with your patch kit.  Make the patch about twice the size of the hole.  Apply the glue out of water, fold the patch over to hold the glue in place, take the patch to the hole and hold in place for a few seconds.  When patching under water I then come up for air and stick my big toe over the patch for a minute or two.

If you have a question feel free to ask the pool pro.