By Bob Beacham | Published May 9, 2023 11:12 AM
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Most modern pool patches are easy to use, effective, and very low cost when compared with professional repair. They not only save money, but they also get people back in the pool faster. Many come as an underwater pool patch kit so there’s no need to even drain and refill the pool.
In fact, the biggest challenge may not be the repair itself but identifying the right kind of patch to fix it. Pool liner material can have an impact, as can the type of damage. In this article, we’re taking a deep dive into the wide choice of products available with info on how each one works. We also offer our picks for the best pool patches to tackle just about every type of puncture, tear, or crack.
According to some experts, natural evaporation means that the level of water in an outdoor pool can drop by as much as 0.5 inch a day. Anything more than that, and there’s probably a leak. These must be dealt with quickly because even small amounts of water seeping into the surrounding soil could undermine the structure of the whole pool.
If the leak is obvious, duct tape can often provide a temporary repair; it won’t last long, but it could give time to find a permanent solution. If it isn’t clear where the water is escaping from, then the source of the leak must be identified. Several DIY methods are suggested online, though pool leak detection dye is perhaps the fastest.
Small amounts of damage can be repaired using one of the pool patches found in our top picks, but unfortunately there are times when the split or tear is simply too large. Trying to exceed the size of repair recommended will likely result in failure, and more expense in the long run. Overlapping several patches rarely works. DIY pool repair kits can be very effective, but sometimes calling in a professional is the only sensible option.
Although most above-ground pools, inflatable pools, and inground pool liners are made of similar materials, no two repairs are ever the same. We wanted to offer solutions for as many of the problems pool owners face as possible, so finding a wide variety of different pool patches was a priority. We also looked at ease of application and the durability of the repair offered. While none of these swimming pool patches is particularly expensive, cost is always a factor to consider, and brand reputation was also taken into account. The result is a curated list drawn from extensive product research, advice from expert sources, and real-world feedback from pool owners.
Each of the following products represents what we believe to be the best pool patches of their type. There are products here that will repair everything from pinholes in vinyl inflatables to cracks in concrete pool surrounds.
With such a wide variety available, it was challenging to pick our overall best pool patches, but these from Boxer Adhesives offer solutions for a range of punctures and tears. The patches can also be used on other vinyl products like inflatable toys, pool covers, and even vehicle upholstery.
There are five clear 3-by-7-inch patches in the pack, providing coverage of 100 square inches in total. They are easy to cut to size with scissors if necessary. To apply, simply remove the backing from the patch and affix it to the damaged area, whether the surface is dry or wet (no need to drain the pool). While the patch will adhere in about 30 seconds, the manufacturer cautions that it should not be disturbed for at least 30 minutes and that the bond will improve even further after several hours.
Boxer Adhesives underwater pool patches are affordable and usually effective, though a minority of users found that they didn’t adhere properly whether wet or dry. Unfortunately, we have no way to know what material those pools were made of.
Get the Boxer Adhesives pool patches at Amazon.
Few brands in the pool industry are more recognizable than Intex, a company known for quality and affordability. Each of these clear peel-and-stick sheets is a 7.5-inch square, with six in a pack. That provides more than 300 square inches of pool liner patch material at remarkably low cost.
The Intex pool patches are easy to cut with scissors and simple to apply. Confusingly, these are called “wet” patches, but the surface must be dry before application. Initial adhesion is fast, though the patch should be left undisturbed for at least 30 minutes before use. While primarily designed for inflatables, buyers report that they have also been used successfully as an above-ground or inground vinyl pool patch.
Given the bargain price, it’s no surprise that they are very popular. However, they don’t stick to all surfaces, and a few users have complained that a lack of flexibility means that some repairs fail when reinflated.
Get the Intex pool patches at Amazon.
When it comes to adhesives, few brands have a better reputation than Gorilla. The company’s waterproof patch and seal tape is typical in that it is strong yet flexible and very versatile. The 10-foot-long by 4-inch-wide roll can be used for pool patch repair, pool covers, PVC guttering, and fiberglass.
Application is simple: Just cut to size, remove backing, and affix to the surface. The tape will adhere in around 2 minutes, even underwater, though Gorilla recommends a 24-hour curing period where possible. A thick adhesive layer in combination with ultraviolet (UV)-resistant backing creates a permanent bond. While room temperature provides the best seal, it claims to work between -70 degrees Fahrenheit and 180 degrees Fahrenheit.
Complaints are few, but the tape is only available in white and, as with all pool patches, there are always some materials that don’t stick as well as expected.
Get the Gorilla pool patches at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Swimline is another company with a long history in the U.S. swimming pool industry. The company’s Hydrotools pool patch kit can be used for both dry and underwater repairs to above-ground and inground vinyl pools. It also works with inflatables. The pool patch kit contains everything required with adhesive, applicator, and four patches that are easy to cut to the desired size.
While Swimline pool patches are not as fast as peel-and-stick versions, a number of customers reported success with them when other patches have failed. However, instructions must be followed carefully. It takes 24 hours for the adhesive to cure fully, and applying weight to the patch is recommended, so it may not work well on repairs to the side of a pool unless it is drained first.
Get the Swimline pool patches at Amazon or The Home Depot.
Thicker vinyl pool patches can allay users’ fears that repairs won’t last, and these heavy-duty patches from Pool Above are impressively beefy. They’re made from 1100 Denier (D) polyester canvas, the kind of strong material used for backpacks, luggage, and footwear.
The kit includes adhesive, applicator, and eight 2-inch-diameter pool patches. There are 20 colors in the range, so there’s likely to be a match for any pool. They can be applied dry or underwater, taking 24 hours to cure fully. Pool Above heavy-duty vinyl is equally effective as an inflatable pool patch kit.
There are no complaints about the patches themselves, but a few buyers found the adhesive ineffective. Waterproof epoxy has been suggested as an alternative.
Get the Pool Above pool patches at Amazon.
Not a patch as such, Marlig Fix-A-Leak is a concentrated liquid designed to be circulated around the pool. As the product leaks out through any holes, it reacts with the outside air and solidifies to form a plug. It doesn’t need to adhere to the surface, so it works with virtually any pool material as well as hard-sided spas and hot tubs.
Marlig Fix-A-Leak is particularly effective at plugging small leaks that can be difficult to locate, and it will fix holes of up to 0.125 inch in diameter. The 32-ounce bottle will treat pools of up to 22,000 gallons. The application process is somewhat complex, and it varies depending on the type of pump and pool filtration. It is vital that the instructions are followed closely.
Get the Marlig Industries pool leak sealer at Amazon.
While many modern pools have flexible vinyl liners, this isn’t always the case. Gunite (a fine concrete-and-sand mix applied by spraying) is also popular, and existing concrete pools often develop leaks as they age. Atlas Epoxybond pool putty was developed to repair these materials, and it will also work with fiberglass.
The two parts of the epoxy are mixed together manually, and the product remains flexible for some time, making it easy to push into cracks. It can be used either dry or underwater. Curing time depends on temperature. At 60 degrees Fahrenheit, it takes around 2.5 hours, but if heat is applied, using a hair dryer for example, that can be reduced to as little as 20 minutes.
Repairs are usually very effective, as long as Epoxybond is applied at least 0.125 inch thick. A few users have reported problems with curing underwater. While we can’t be sure why, it may be an unexpected reaction with some pool chemicals.
Get the Atlas pool crack filler at Amazon.
Plaster has long been a common material for pools and is prized for its very smooth finish. But when plaster pools crack or chip, Pool Patch can come to the rescue. A combination of cement and acrylic polymer, it is easy to mix and use, and it can even be troweled over extensive areas if necessary.
Pool Patch is applied to dry surfaces and cures in 3 to 4 hours. It is available in tub sizes from 1.5 pounds to 50 pounds, and in seven different colors. The latter can be lightened or darkened with the company’s titanium dioxide or black dye to provide a precise match.
Problems are not common, but a few buyers complained of cracks or powdering. It’s impossible to know the cause, but incorrect mixing may be to blame.
Get the Pool Patch pool plaster at Amazon (1.5 pounds) or The Home Depot (10 pounds).
There are a number of things to bear in mind before choosing a pool patch. In some cases, the decision will be easy because there is one type that suits a particular kind of damage or surface. In other cases there might be several solutions.
Peel-and-stick vinyl patches are probably the most popular type of pool repair, and they couldn’t be simpler to apply. Just remove the backing and hold over the damaged area for a few minutes. In some cases, it isn’t even necessary to empty the pool. Several waterproof tapes have similar properties. Heavy-duty vinyl patches usually need to have the adhesive applied separately.
Small holes can often be repaired with “leak stoppers” that come in liquid form and are poured into the pool. They follow the flow of water towards the leak, then react with the air outside to form a plug. Products are nontoxic, and any residue is eventually flushed as the pool water changes.
Cracks in fiberglass pools can be fixed with two-part epoxy resin. It can also be used on concrete. Specific plaster repair products are also widely available.
The quickest way to repair a pool and get back to enjoying the water is usually by using a patch that can be applied without draining the pool. However, it’s important to read the description carefully. Many products are described as “works underwater,” but in the case of some tapes and epoxies, that means that they are unaffected by water once fully cured, not that they can be applied to a pool that still contains water.
Pool patches and other repair products that must be applied to a dry surface will vary in terms of curing time. Some of them will put the pool out of action for 8 hours or more, so it may be worth leaving them overnight.
The size of repair required will have a major impact on the pool patch chosen. Most peel-and-stick patches are precut, which gives a clear maximum. For larger repairs, a kit with separate patch and adhesive is usually required. Tape has a maximum width of course, but it can be cut to length, so it may be more appropriate for long, thin tears.
Leak stoppers have a maximum hole size; in the case of the Marlig Industries pool leak sealer (described above), it’s 0.125 inch.
Epoxy is usually forced into cracks to fill them. We couldn’t find coverage details, so some guesswork is needed, but products are available in various-size sticks or two-part packs. Plaster mixes also come in multiple sizes, though in this case coverage information is usually supplied.
It is also briefly worth considering color, as it can be difficult to find a match when you try to patch above-ground pools or their inground counterparts. Clear versions do quite a good job of hiding repairs, and some manufacturers produce a few colored options. The heavy-duty patches we feature are unusual in offering 20 different shades.
For best results from any pool patch, always follow the manufacturer’s instructions as closely as possible. Failing to read instructions carefully can mean missing a key element and the eventual failure of the repair. In addition to reading how the patch works, there may be useful videos available online.
While each pool patch is different, the following steps generally apply:
The article above provides comprehensive information about the many types of pool patches. However, those who want more information may find it below in the answers to some of the most common questions about these products.
There are several ways to patch a hole in a swimming pool, depending on the pool material, the type of damage, and where in the pool it occurs. No one product is right for all repairs. The information above looks at the different methods to help you find the best way to patch the hole in your pool.
Yes, most pool patches would be considered long lasting. Many are made of the same kind of material as the pool itself, or the pool liner, and the adhesives they use form a very strong bond. This can give a life expectancy the same as that of the pool material, which in most cases is 10 to 15 years.
Duct tape can provide a temporary repair without using a patch kit, though it may not last very long. For a more permanent solution, we recommend one of the pool patching methods listed above.
Peel-and-stick products just need to have the backing removed before being applied (some even work underwater). Leak sealers “find” small holes then set in contact with the outside air to form a stopper. Epoxy solutions come in two parts that form a bond when mixed. Each has specific uses, as discussed in our article.
No, all pool patches are not the same. There are various types and sizes to fix all kinds of pool damage. Our list of top picks gives full details of the best pool patches for a variety of purposes.
Bob Vila has been America’s Handyman since 1979. As the host of beloved and groundbreaking TV series including “This Old House” and “Bob Vila’s Home Again,” he popularized and became synonymous with “do-it-yourself” home improvement.
Researcher and product specialist Bob Beacham has been writing consumer advice articles for national publications for more than a decade. He covers a wide variety of home and garden subjects and is known for providing information that is thorough yet easy to understand.
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