How To Patch An Above Ground Pool Liner
Wear and tear on your pool liner is expected during the busy summer months. Even if you’re extra careful, holes, tears, and leaks can still happen. If your liner gets damaged, a pool liner patch kit can help keep the fun alive.
Vinyl pool liner patch kits are often the first step if you notice leaks or tears. Patching your above ground pool liner can extend its lifespan and prevent water leakage.
Patch kits are much cheaper and easier to install than a replacement liner, so they work well in an emergency or while you’re waiting for a new pool liner to arrive.
Here’s a list of materials and a step-by-step guide on how to patch a pool liner.
Materials You’ll Need:
- Pool liner patch kit (Try our Perfect Patch Vinyl Repair Kit)
- Goggles
- Scissors
- Clean cloth or sponge
- Pool net/skimmer
Step-by-Step Guide To Patching a Vinyl Pool Liner
Once you’ve gathered all the materials, you’re ready to get started with the patch kit repair. With proper preparation and patience, patching a pool liner is easy.
Gather Supplies & Read All Instructions
We always recommend you take a few minutes to gather supplies you’ll need to patch your liner and review all instructions on the patch kit before starting the repair process.
Safety and timing are paramount, so preparation can help you avoid unnecessary delays. Plus, every vinyl patch kit is a bit different, so it’s best to start with all the details rather than assuming you know what you’re doing.
Locate the Leak or Damaged Area
Grab your goggles and use your eyes and ears to find the swimming pool leak or damaged area.
Sometimes, this is easier said than done, especially if the liner design helps mask rips and imperfections.
Once you’ve identified the leak, you can determine whether or not using the patch kit is a good idea.
Some things to consider include:
- The extent of the damage. The larger the hole or tear, the harder it will be to repair using a patch kit successfully.
- The location of the damage. If the rip or tear is near the ladder or skimmer, you may have a more challenging time patching it — and the patch may be less likely to last. If you have a hole in a seam, we highly recommend replacing the liner. Seam holes and separations can spread with water pressure and use of the pool.
- The age of the liner. Older liners tend to fade and start to wear out. If your liner is over a few years old, buying a replacement liner might be a better use of your time and money.
Check out these leak detection resources for more helpful tips:
Prepare & Clean the Liner
To give the adhesive the best chance of sticking, you will want to clean the pool water and the area on the liner you’ll be working on.
Start by skimming off leaves, bugs, and other debris that found a way into your pool so the water is as clean as possible.
Then, use a soft cloth or non-abrasive scrub mitt to gently wipe around the damaged area. Avoid scrubbing the area or using a lot of pressure, which can make the issue worse or cause more rips.
Lightly wiping the area should be enough to remove any oils or residue that may impact the adhesive.
Prepare & Cut the Patch
Our Perfect Patch kit comes with a 2-foot by 2-foot vinyl sample that can be cut for multiple patches, and also includes a 4 ounce can of glue. Be gentle and cautious to avoid accidentally ripping or poking holes in the patch.
To avoid mistakes and potential waste, measure and mark the patch to make sure it’s the appropriate size. Cut the vinyl patch 3-5 times the size of the hole you are repairing. Make cuts using round edges, with scissors.
Apply Adhesive
Apply a generous amount of glue to the patch only, evenly covering the entire surface.
Apply the Pool Liner Patch
Fold the patch in half as you go underwater. Then, carefully place the patch over the marked area, ensuring it lines up correctly and covers the entire ripped or damaged area.
Press down firmly to ensure good adhesion and gently smooth out wrinkles or air bubbles.
The patches will stick under or above the water line. Don’t drain your pool; you may risk damaging your pool liner or the structural integrity of the pool itself.
Apply Pressure
Using your hands, gently apply pressure over the patch. This helps the adhesive bond securely to the liner. Apply pressure for about two minutes to ensure the pool liner patch is secure.
Inspect & Monitor the Area
Once the adhesive has dried, monitor the patch area for any signs of leakage. While a well-done patch can last many years, it’s good practice to inspect it periodically for any signs of wear or additional leaks.
Keep an eye on the water level in your pool over the next few days and look for signs of leaks, such as puddles or wet areas around the pool or an increase in algae growth.
FAQs About Patching A Pool Liner
Can You Patch A Pool Liner Underwater?
Yes, you can patch a vinyl pool liner underwater. If the patch is labeled for underwater use, the adhesive is meant to apply and hold when wet.
In many cases, applying the vinyl liner patch underwater is the preferred or only option. Draining your pool would damage the liner and your pool’s structural integrity further.
Can I Patch My Pool Liner? Will a Patch Kit Work?
Great question. In many cases, yes, you can use a patch to fix your pool liner but in extreme cases, you may need a replacement.
Pool liner patch kits are best for:
- Small tears, punctures, or holes: Typically up to 2–3 inches long.
- Minor leaks around fittings: Like return jets, light niches, or steps.
- Quick fixes: When you need a fast, temporary seal to stop water loss while you wait for a new liner to arrive.
A liner patch kits do not work well for:
- Large tears or holes: Typically 3+ inches
- Seam separation or leaks around the seams: The positioning can impact the adhesion and durability of the patch.
In situations like this, you may need to call a pool professional in your area or opt for a full liner replacement.
How Much Does It Cost To Patch A Pool Liner
Our vinyl patch repair kits cost $42 (plus tax and shipping), which many pool owners consider much more effective than replacing your pool liner.
That said, the cost of a liner patch varies from company to company. There may also be other costs associated with the extra materials necessary to apply the pool liner patch or any additional damage to your pool or yard caused by the leak.
What Can You Use to Patch a Pool Liner?
Vinyl patch kits are the best option for patching small to medium tears or holes in your liner. They’re designed to be used underwater and provide an extra strong bond. Other materials, like flex tape, may damage your liner further or not hold up to ongoing use.
What Temperature Should It Be When Applying the Vinyl Liner Patch?
The ideal air and water temperature range when installing your pool liner patch is between 75°F and 85°F.
Temperature is important because it can impact the flexibility of the liner and the performance of the patch adhesive. If it’s too cold, you might not get a tight seal because the adhesive takes longer to cure and may not bond properly.
How Long Will a Vinyl Pool Patch Last?
A quality pool liner patch will typically last 2-5 years. However, not properly prepping the liner, chemicals, and UV exposure may shorten the lifespan of your liner patch, so ongoing monitoring is important.
The age of your liner when you applied the patch can also make a difference, as older liners may already be weaker and more brittle.
What Are the Signs It’s Time to Replace the Liner Patch?
Watch for these key signs to determine when your liner patch may be wearing out:
- Edges peeling or lifting.
- Bubbling under the patch.
- Leak persists or returns in the same spot.
- Patch discolors or cracks.
At this point, it may be time to look at applying another patch or replacing your above ground pool liner altogether.
Need a Pool Liner Replacement?
If the damage to your pool liner is extensive or the patch isn’t holding up, consider replacing the liner to ensure the safety and functionality of your pool.
If you need a new liner, don’t fret. LinerWorld has a wide selection of unique pool liners in all sorts of colors and patterns!
Last Updated June 30, 2025