5 Steps to Patch a Small Vinyl Pool Liner Leak Yourself

Find the leak with dye Fill a squeeze bottle with food coloring or leak-detection dye and squirt it near the suspected area. Watch for the dye to get sucked into the hole, then mark the spot.

Clean and dry the area thoroughly Scrub with pool liner cleaner or rubbing alcohol. Let it dry completely — any moisture under the patch will cause it to fail.

Cut a round patch with rounded corners Sharp corners peel up over time. The patch should overlap the hole by at least an inch on all sides.

Apply two-part vinyl glue to both surfaces Use the good two-part vinyl glue, not general-purpose adhesive. Apply it to both the patch and the liner, wait the time specified in the instructions, then press firmly and smooth out air bubbles.

Weigh it down for a few hours Place a brick or heavy object on the patch. This ensures a strong bond, and you will save the cost of hiring a pool professional.