Rusting Pool Wall at Return

by Tony
(California)

I have a 16x24 Doughboy pool that is sunk 2 feet in the ground. I finally had to replace the liner after 19 years. The pool had a slow leak at the return hose and I foolishly ignored it for to long.

When I put the new liner in and went to cut the hole for the return line I see that the outer pool wall has rusted out and now the new gasket will not seal and I still have a slow leak.

I have thought about draining the pool down, patching the liner and moving the return line to a new spot. Then sanding the wall and painting it with a rust stopping paint. Is there a better solution?



Hi Tony. I personally love Doughboy pools and think the are the best value for your money, so please let me reiterate a couple of things you said. First Doughboy liner, 19 years old. Doughboy pool, 19 years old and ready for a second liner.

OK, I'm done, I just couldn't resist putting in a plug for my favorite above ground pool.

Before I moved the return location I would try sanding and painting the existing one. You should be able to smooth it out and make it like new again and that would be much easier than cutting a new hole.

If you go with the new hole you would need to find some actual pool vinyl, if you kept the cut out portion from the return you are all set. Use Boxer Vinyl Repair Glue and patch the hole from the back side of the liner. The water pressure will then keep the liner tight against the patch and it should never come off. The hole in the wall can be taken care of by taping a piece of flat metal to the inside. Running the tape up and over the wall tends to help keep it in place until the pool fills, then the water holds it tight.

The new hole should be cut with a hole saw and the edges treated with clear finger nail polish.