Leak in Above Ground Pool

We have a 12/24 oval pool. It has a slow leak and it was near the ladder. We patched it. However it continues to leak slowly.

If we let it continue will the sides cave in. It is a Crestood oval and has supports. By the way, we did check the patch and it was doing its job. Any suggestions?




Hi. Either your patch is not doing the job or you have another hole, probably the latter. The first thing you could do is to apply a slightly larger patch over your existing one.

If it still continues to leak I would look for another hole. This page might help.

Holes in Vinyl Pool

The worst thing you can do is to just let the pool leak dry. As the pool drains, the liner shrinks, it is not at all uncommon for the liner to pull the walls in as it's doing this. So yes, pool damage is possible.

The age of your liner determines how you go fixing it. The older the liner is the more water you need to leave in it if you are draining to find and fix leaks. Most liners will allow you to drain down to about a foot or so, find and repair a hole, and refill. Really fresh liners would allow you to drain completely, get up underneath them to fine the hole, and still refill without a problem.

I would recommend finding the hole and fixing it, or changing the liner. Leaving a pool sit empty is just asking for problems.

Leaking Pool Dangerous

by Sue
(RI)

Hello, we have a 24' above ground pool that is 10 years old. We have several small rust spots that are leaking water. I would like to get through the rest of the season (6 weeks.) and then replace it.

Is there something I can put over the outside of the wall to get through the season??? Is it safe to be in the pool?
Thank you




Hi Sue. It is impossible for me to say if the pool is safe or not. I can give you some information for you consider.

Holes that are low on the wall are the most dangerous. The higher up the wall you get the less pressure there is on the holes. Holes in the upper half of the wall are much less dangerous than those in the bottom half. Rust holes in the bottom half of the wall can burst open at any time spilling all that water very quickly.

Water coming out of the holes is a little bothersome. That means you liner is already leaking, and that is not good. If you do nothing else try to stop the water from leaking. Holes are easy to find and patch. That is what I would do, find the holes, patch them, and stop the pool from leaking.

You really have to use you best judgment with regards to how save the pool is. Hopefully it will get you through this wonderful heat wave without any problems.