Repairing your liner

My liner is not repairable

The porosity of a liner is a sign of aging of the material. While this porosity is detectable to the touch, it is also visible to the naked eye as the liner loses its shine.

In addition to natural aging over time, the PVC (plasticized polyvinyl chloride) sheet that makes up the liner is sensitive to chemical and thermal variations that alter the elasticity of the material. The appearance of fine lines, creases, or porosity are characteristics of premature wear of the liner. Water leakage problems can then result from the aging of the material.

It will be difficult to consider any repair since it is the material as a whole that is the source of the leak.

My liner is repairable

When a pool liner shows no signs of premature wear and has a hole causing a leak, it is possible to repair it. There are three repair methods for a leaky liner. These methods are applicable to both in-ground and above-ground pools.

The patch
Gluing a patch is an easy task for pool owners. All pool stores offer repair kits that usually include waterproof glue and a patch. Simply cut the patch to fit the surface area, apply it to the entire area to be repaired, and fold it in half so that it can be glued underwater. Once the patch is applied to the hole, hold it down for a few seconds, pushing out any air bubbles. This system allows for underwater repairs when the pool is full during the season.
Learn more about the Desjoyaux liner repair kit

Liquid PVC
If there is a micro-hole, applying liquid PVC is an option. It is best to have this operation carried out by a professional.

Hot air welding
Finally, the last technique that is the most durable over time is hot air welding. The principle consists of adding material to the hole with a Leister-type welding device. This technique can only be carried out by a highly qualified professional and requires the pool to be completely empty. To carry out this technique, it is necessary to empty the water beforehand.

Some useful answers

How to detect a leak?
It's not always easy to detect a leak in a pool that isn't always visible. To pinpoint the source of the leak, it's best to call a professional who will use a leak detector to check the entire liner.

How to clean your pool liner?
There are cleaners specifically designed to remove stains and dirt from liners. Apply the product to a sponge or a cleaning mitt and rub in circular motions to absorb dirt particles without damaging the liner.