How to seal a hole in a swimming pool: effective methods at home

Pool leaks are a common problem.Artificial ponds for summer cottages are becoming increasingly popular. They have their advantages, for example, you don’t have to go to the lake, but swim in your own backyard. The purity and temperature of the water are also monitored. If a hole appears, there are different materials to use to seal your pool so you don't have to deal with this problem again.

Finding the cause and location of leaks

There are different methods for locating a pool leak. The simplest one is considered the longest. To do this, the pool of water is closed, noting the water level.

• If the next day the amount of liquid inside has decreased, you need to remember and write down to what level it reaches. This must be done until the water stops disappearing.
• If the level remains the same, then you should look for a leak at the liquid level around the entire circumference of the pool. If it turns out to be empty, the problem is in the bottom of the structure.
• If the tank has a warranty period, you can call a technician who will repair the hole himself and seal it. If it has expired, you will have to do the work yourself.

Hole in the bottom of the pool

First, you need to carefully examine the valve through which water is drained from the pool. The area around is being studied. If the tank valve has not lost its seal, it is necessary to check the bottom around the entire perimeter to locate the leak and seal it.

Small debris will help you find the hole. It accumulates in small parts in the area of ​​the hole larger than the diameter of the leak. If you look carefully, the search will be quick. If the pool is deep, then you need to dive slowly so that the waves do not disperse the accumulation of debris with their vibrations.

If the required result is not obtained and the hole that needs to be sealed is not found, drain the water. After this, you need to raise the pool to inspect the area outside where it was located. Wet areas on the surface will be a clue to where the hole in the bottom is located.

The difficulty in detecting a leak in the bottom of the tank arises due to the small amount of water inside. Her pressure is not enough. To correct the situation, use an electric pump, which is designed for cars, or a compressor. Due to the air pressure that will come from the unit, bubbles will form - they will show where the pool is leaking.

Search on walls

There are three ways to find damage to the walls of a container.

1. The first of them, a longer one, was described above - searching for a hole around the perimeter of the pool when the water level stopped falling.
2. The second is dry wipes. By running your hand up and down the entire circumference, you look for the place where it starts to get more wet - this is the area that will need to be sealed.
3. The third method is a coloring composition. Because of it, the water coming out will be colored.Its trace will indicate a hole, which will remain sealed with a suitable means.

How are artificial reservoirs sealed?

To seal artificial reservoirs, you need to take only waterproof materials and compounds. To purchase them, you will have to go to a hardware or construction store. Below are five materials and compositions that can be used to reliably seal an artificial pond, because all of them are time-tested.

Waterproof glue

Any waterproof glue that can seal polyvinyl chloride will do - often the container of an artificial reservoir is made from it. It is sold in hardware or hardware stores everywhere. These include, for example, rubber-based “Moment” glue. It is suitable for gluing various materials, so it will be the right solution for repairing an artificial pond.

Vinyl-based adhesive ensures the durability and strength of the sealed area. Its advantages are its indifference to stretching, compression and other mechanical impacts, and resistance to high humidity.

Vinyl adhesive is great for sealing holes in inflatable pools. Also, to eliminate the defect, two-component compounds are taken, which are mixed together before work.

Repair kit for swimming pools

Special kits for sealing artificial reservoirs include all the necessary materials. The basic composition is waterproof glue and several patches made of vinyl. They are sold in the same stores where the swimming pools are, so it is prudent to buy them together and leave a reserve. Using a repair kit as a way to seal a pool is the most durable and reliable, but its price is several times more expensive than others.

The repair kit is easy to use. To quickly seal the pool, you need to cut out a part of the required size to fit the hole. After this, the composition included in the kit is applied to both surfaces. A cut patch is placed over the hole and pressed against the tank with your hands. For reliability, this place should be pressed down with a press so that the coupling is stronger.

Before full use of the pool, it is better to check how well it was sealed. Algorithm of actions:

• wait for the taped area to dry completely;
• pour a small amount of water in this place;
• try to squeeze it out.

If bubbles or jets appear, the tank is faulty and the repair work will have to be repeated. If nothing happens, everything is sealed securely.

Tape or Band-Aid

You can seal the hole in frame pools with tape or adhesive tape. Before use, please note that the material must be special, resistant to moisture. The office won't do. How to seal a pool quickly:

• mark the hole;
• carefully remove dust, dirt, etc. from this area of ​​the artificial reservoir;
• degrease with a solution containing alcohol;
• seal the tank with tape.

As an alternative, you can use adhesive tape to seal the tank. This type of repair work on frame or inflatable pools is only suitable in urgent situations. For reliable and durable gluing, choose a different material.

Fixing a leak in a frame pool using a car pipe

When you need to seal a hole in a frame pool, if it is small, feel free to remove the pipe from the car radiator. Foam or fabric (for example, unnecessary old clothes) is placed inside to make it more elastic.What happens next depends on the type of cut.

A puncture on the tank wall can be repaired as follows:

• a cord is stretched between the two frames closest to the hole at the level of the hole;
• A car pipe is inserted between the cord and the wall, and the water stops flowing.

If the hole is in the bottom of the pool, then the structure from the machine radiator must be pushed under the edge of the artificial reservoir. Then, using a pry bar, you need to move it to the area where the leak is located so that the pipe is under it. Do not damage the PVC - insert the pry bar inside the “sealing material”.

The water pressure will fix the inserted car pipe between the base of the frame tank and its bottom. This repair will last at least until the end of the season. An alternative would be a tightly rolled inner tube from a machine.

What material should I choose for patches?

In order to seal the pool, patches from the manufacturer Intex are suitable. They can fix a puncture without draining the water, because these are underwater squares on a self-adhesive base.

Also, as a material for patches, you can use a sealant that is resistant to moisture and does not change color. It can withstand UV rays, applicable to small holes.

PVC solution or “liquid patch” is the third means used to seal holes. It only takes ten minutes for him to get used to the pool. They seal holes up to three centimeters in diameter.

How to seal a pool filled with water

To seal a filled pool, you will have to choose only materials suitable for this purpose for repair work. The fastest way is to use self-adhesive rubber plates, which can be purchased separately.Repairing a cut in a pool filled with water is a temporary option; a high-quality solution to the problem is only possible without water.

Differences in sealing agents depending on the type of pool

To seal a cut in an artificial pond, you need to determine its type. It can be for children or aimed at the company of adults. Also, the difference in sealing agents depends on the location of the damage and the location during use, because not all materials are applicable indoors or outdoors.

Children and adults

There are three factors that distinguish models of artificial ponds for children. They are made of thinner material, so the compounds used to seal adult pools are not suitable.

The material should be beautiful and invisible. If the last requirement is not implemented, not only the appearance is lost, but also the attention of children is drawn to the place of damage. Because of this, parents often opt for kits for repairing a children's pool.

Models for adults, regardless of whether they are framed or inflatable, are made from more durable materials, so different compounds are suitable for gluing. They have other factors and requirements for repair, the main ones: a smooth and clean surface at the site of the puncture or cut.

Along a seam or just a hole in the wall

If the pool is torn along a seam, you will need to thoroughly clean the area first before sealing it. To do this, take soap, water or a special pool cleaner to remove all dirt and grease. Then carefully wipe the seam with a dry cloth so that it is dry and free of dust.

When a site is ready for renovation, its depth and width are assessed.Purchase density adhesive that is suitable for this type of pool. Often such formulations are available complete with coating or separately. It can be of various types, such as water-soluble or solvent-soluble. The instructions that are always included will help you figure it out.

Apply glue to the seam following the instructions on the package. Usually you need to apply a thin layer of the compound to both surfaces and knead it well with your fingers to ensure a tight seal. You need to make sure that the glue is evenly distributed.

After applying the glue, wait at least five minutes for it to set, then carefully press both sides of the seam together. Maintain this position until completely dry. It is important to allow the glue to dry completely before filling the pool with water. The adhesive instructions indicate the time. When a wall is punctured, the sealing algorithm is similar to repairing a seam.

Pool repairs can be difficult, especially if a person does not have experience or a full set of tools. If you have any doubts or problems with repair, contact a specialist.

With or without water

Sealing the pool without water is the more common and recommended approach. When the artificial reservoir is empty, it is easier to reach the problem area, clean it of dirt or dust, and more accurately apply glue and a patch. This also provides greater confidence that the materials adhere firmly to the surface, effectively sealing leaks.

However, there are cases when it is not always possible to dry the pool or repair it without draining the water. For example, if the seam is at the bottom of the pool and the hole is small. In such cases, you may consider sealing the filled tank.

Sealing a pool of water requires proper technique and approach. It is important to find a way to temporarily stop the flow of fluid from the hole or puncture. For example, you can use a gasket or device to temporarily seal the hole while you wait for repairs.

When it comes to sealing a pool of water, applying the adhesive and patch becomes more difficult. The surface around the hole must be well cleaned and dry before applying the composition. Be careful when attaching the patch to avoid additional leaks or damage to the part.

Sealing off a water pool is a temporary solution and may require immediate patch replacement or more extensive repairs before it is fully usable.

Depending on the circumstances and available resources, it is worth sealing the artificial pond without water, as this will provide a more reliable and long-lasting repair. If this is not possible, then precautions must be taken to make the repair in a full tank, and, if possible, drain the water as quickly as possible and replace the temporary patch with a quality one.

How to prevent the problem from reoccurring?

To prevent your pool leak from recurring, it is important to take the following precautions:

• regular maintenance and inspection;
• maintain the correct water level;
• regular inspection of connections and piping systems;
• proper use and maintenance of equipment;
• use quality materials and professional services;
• regular cleaning and maintenance.

Following these precautions will help minimize the risk of reoccurring holes in your artificial pond and keep it in good condition for a long time.

We read: Which pool is better, Bestway or Intex?

Share in the comments if you have ever had to seal a pool at home. Also, repost the article on social networks with your friends so that they know how to fix the leak, and save it as a bookmark. Let's spend the summer in serviceable artificial reservoirs!