How To Patch An Inflatable Pool
When the sun is shining and the temperatures are high, there is arguably no better way to beat the heat than relaxing in a kiddie pool. While the local beach may be fun once in a while, there's nothing like having a pool in your very own backyard.Kiddie pools are an excellent option because they are inflatable and can easily be stored away when the weather cools down. Better yet, when the months begin to change, you can simply clean out your kiddie pool and convert it into a totally awesome DIY ball kit for the little ones.
Sounds pretty awesome, right? We think so too. However, do you want to know what'snot so awesome? Inflating your kiddie pool to find it has a hole in it.*sigh*
When most people find a hole, they tend to dump their kiddie pools on the curb to go out with Tuesday's trash. But we've got news for you: With the right tools and a little patience, you can patch up that pesky hole in no time! Here's how:
First Things First, Find The Hole
Some kiddie pools are rather large, and if you don't know exactly where the hole is, you obviously won't be able to fix it! This technique below will help you to quickly locate the hole so you can patch it up.
Step 1: Create a Soap Mixture
You'll want to create a soap solution in a spray bottle if you have one, but if you don't, a bucket of some kind will do just fine. To make your soapy water mix, simply add five tablespoons of eco-friendly dish soap to roughly twenty ounces of water.
Step 2: Spread Mixture Over Surface
Once you've made your soap solution, spray the mixture or spread it around from a bucket over the area of concern. If you don't have the slightest clue as to where the hole may be, you'll have to spray the entire inflatable pool.
The soap solution will start to create tiny air bubbles over any areas leaking air. You may need to spray and wipe an area a few times before you see the bubbles start to form, but once you do see the bubbles, spray and wipe the area again to confirm you've found the leak.
Step 3: Mark The Area
Now that you've finally located that pesky leak, simply mark the area so you'll know where to apply the patch. If you forget to do this step, you'll have to go back to step 2 to find the leak again.
Patch It Up!
Now it's time to patch up the leak. These steps below require that you have vinyl repair glue and a PVC patch for inflatable pools. In every FUNBOY float box, PVC patches are provided, but if you need extras, you can find them at most sporting goods stores, or you can even get them from Amazon.
Step 1: Drain The Water
First, drain all the water out of your inflatable pool and either wipe it down with a clean towel or let it sit out in the sun until it is totally dry. The PVC patch will hold up and be much more permanent if it's applied to a dry, clean surface.
Step 2: Cut The Patch
If you happen to be using a square patch, you'll want to cut rounded edges on each corner. Angled or sharp edges on a patch don't hold up very well over time and tend to peel after just a couple of months. Cut it so that at least two inches of the patch will make contact with the kiddie pool material on each side of the hole.
Pro Tip:To patch a pinhole, a three-inch round patch would work best.
Step 3: Dry And Clean The Patch Area
Completely dry the surface area where the patch will be applied. Once dry, clean the area with rubbing alcohol or another sanitizing cleanser, making sure there is no dirt, algae, or debris that will get in between the patch and the pool material.
Step 4: Inflate The Kiddie Pool
If you inflate the kiddie pool right before applying your patch, it will be much easier to get a good seal. You want the patch to be applied in the condition that it'll be used under normal use. Simply put, if you apply the patch when your kiddie pool is deflated and then inflate it, your patch could stretch and won't properly seal the hole.
Step 5: Apply The Glue
Apply the vinyl repair glue to the torn area on your inflatable and to the back of the PVC patch area that will be pressed onto the pool. There is no need to gob excessive amounts of glue on here; just a nice thin layer will do the trick!
Step 6: Apply Your Patch
Next, firmly press your PVC patch onto the leak of the kiddie pool. You may want to continue applying pressure for up to ten minutes or so to make sure it gets a good grip, but all patch kits are different, so be sure to read the directions for the recommended amount of time to apply pressure.
Pro Tip:Adding a little more repair glue to the outside edges of the PVC patch after it has been applied will help make a more permanent patch fix.
Step 7: Let It Dry
Once you've got your patch firmly in place covering the hole, it's a good idea to let the glue dry for 12 to 24 hours prior to filling it back up with water. This will ensure a tight seal so you won't have to start back at square one.
Can I Use Duct Tape To Patch An Inflatable Pool?
Great question! Yes, you can use duct tape totemporarily patch an inflatable pool, with the keyword here being *temporarily*. This is because the duct tape will not hold up very long, and a more permanent patch will need to be applied in a short time. Patching a kiddie pool with duct tape is not recommended, but if that's all you've got, it can work in a pinch for a temporary fix.
A Final Word
So, how does one patch up an inflatable pool, you ask?
Simple: Locate where your kiddie pool has sprung a leak and clean the surface area completely. Once dry, apply your vinyl repair glue to the torn area as well as the back of the PVC patch, making sure not to use an excessive amount. Then, firmly press your patch to the hole and hold it there for roughly ten minutes. Allow the glue to dry for 12 to 24 hours prior to filling your kiddie pool back up with water to ensure a tight seal. And voila -- just like that, you've fixed your inflatable and saved it from going to the junkyard!
For the best kiddie pools on the market, head on over to FUNBOY -- the leader in high-quality luxury inflatables! Whether you're planning a family reunion this summer or just looking to turn your backyard into a mini oasis, a kiddie pool is an excellent addition to any occasion and is a great way to beat the heat. But the fun doesn't just stop there -- once the summer season begins to slow down, simply clean your kiddie pool with eco-friendly dish soap and bring it inside to convert it into your very own DIY ball pit. Just add ball pit balls, and you're good to go.
Sources:
Summer: The Warmest Season | LiveScience
How to train yourself to be more patient | NBC News
The Importance Of Eco-Friendly Environment | Energy Central.
