how to seal a frame pool at home

A frame pool, like an inflatable one, is prone to breakdowns. Therefore, owners may be interested in the question of how to seal a frame pool at home. The quality of the repair depends on the selected patch material and leak repair technology. As a rule, to fix a problem, a standard set of tools and available adhesive materials - waterproof glue, sealant and adhesive tape - are sufficient. Sometimes you have to visit a store to buy special products - a repair kit, FlexTape adhesive tape.

How to determine a leak

At the preliminary stage, the possibility of natural evaporation is excluded. For this:

The pool is filled with water and the water level is noted.
Fill a bucket or basin with water, place it in the bowl and mark the level.
After a day, the levels are compared. With the same decrease, it is a matter of natural evaporation.

If the water level changes unevenly, look for a leak. Common breach locations:

valves;
valves;
pumps and filters;
heaters.

Here are some tips on how to find a hole in a frame pool:

Initially, check the drain valve; it blocks the flow of water from the tank. Gasket leaks are a common cause of water loss. Sometimes the gasket can become leaky towards the end of the season. Inspect the connection between the hose and the slag separator or pump. The problem is solved by sealing the threaded connections.
Inspect surfaces for damage: cracks, chips, scratches and holes.
In a pool flooded with water, they check with the help of small debris: the current brings it to the crack, where it remains. The hole is small and there is no way for debris to escape.
Effectively search for dye leaks. Add it in small portions to the bowl and observe the flow of water: the dye tends to leave the reservoir through the gap.

Additionally, problems with the plumbing are eliminated:

During the day, water levels are measured with the pump running and off.
If there is a large water leak while the filters are running, the water supply system must be repaired. If losses are equal, look for a hole.

How to find out where the hole is

Simple ways to quickly find a hole in an inflatable pool:

To begin, inflate the pool and gently press down the rubber. The defect can be identified by a characteristic squeak or a blow of wind.
Wet your palms with water, then walk them over the surface, determining where it descends.
Small models can be inflated and placed in a container of water. Air bubbles emerge from the defect in the inflatable part.
Punctures in large models can be found with a soap solution, which is applied to the surface of the pool. The solution bubbles at the hole.
In the underwater part, a defect can be identified by a stream or puddle of water near the damaged area.

When a puncture is discovered, before sealing the pool, the hole should be marked with a marker so that you know the exact location of the repair.

What is the best way to seal a hole in a frame pool?

Before sealing the BestWay frame pool, you should choose the appropriate repair option.

How can you seal a frame pool, according to the recommendations of manufacturers and specialists:

Special adhesive tape. The quality of the final work is mediocre, the leak retention time is short. Repairing a pool at home is recommended as an emergency method.
Repair kit. Produced by pool manufacturer Intex. The set includes: a special patch made of material identical to the material of the model, waterproof glue for frame pools and a degreasing liquid.
Boat repair kit.
A patch made from scrap materials. She is put on glue. The result depends on the patch material, the chosen glue and the repair technique. Sometimes it is possible to properly seal a hole in the pool.
Set for vulcanization of car tires. Contains: patch and special glue. Carry out by specialists at the car service center. The quality of the result is excellent.
Plumbing sealant. Suitable for small punctures. Fills holes, does not crumble over time and is not exposed to water and sun. The quality of repair is optimal for small gaps.

What kind of glue can be used to seal a swimming pool?

"Liquid patch." PVC patch solution. Drying time – 10 minutes. The quality is excellent, allows you to patch holes smaller than 3 cm.
Glue "Moment" for rubber. Allows you to cheaply and effectively repair a BestWay pool.
Superglue "Vinyl cement". Eliminates leaks using the cold welding principle. High reliability of adhesion, high-quality glue for Intex frame pools.

Life hacks and tips

The answer to the question of what is the best way to seal an inflatable pool depends on the size of the defect, the availability of available means, financial capabilities, model and operating conditions:

Adult pools. The models are durable, so they can be repaired with any glue. Patches are suitable both standard ones from the kit and homemade ones from improvised means. BestWay pools are repaired using a repair kit from the supply.
Children's pools. More vulnerable to damage because they are made of thin materials. It is allowed to seal the children's inflatable pool only with safe, high-quality and non-aggressive glue. It is optimal to buy a special adhesive composition and colorful patches. It is forbidden to degrease with acetone; alcohol is best.
Broken seam and hole in the wall. You can seal the inflatable pool along the seams with a liquid patch and a repair kit. For large defects, choose only high-quality glue and patches. The procedure is long and laborious. Holes in the wall are quickly removed with repair tapes or homemade patches.
Empty or full pool. It is ideal to repair an empty tank with a puncture already found. Tape or patch the outside and inside.
Large models with water are repaired with special glue and patches. You can repair it without draining the water using a special tape – Flax Tape. The tape is attached even to a wet surface.

Preparation for repair

Preliminary activities include the following steps:

Draining the water and drying the pool.
The pool is located on a flat surface.
Preparing the hole for repair: rubbing the surface with sandpaper for optimal adhesion.
Degreasing contact surfaces with acetone, alcohol or nail polish remover.

Working with a water pool:

Remove excess debris by wiping the tank with rags or a sponge.
If possible, drain the water to the level of the puncture.
Treat with sandpaper and degrease the surfaces.

Step-by-step instructions for sealing a swimming pool without water

Common tools for working with a dry tank are a repair kit, adhesive tape, a patch made from scrap materials, sealant, PVC patch and waterproof glue. First make sure that all damage is found and the pool is dry. Carry out repairs following the manufacturer's recommendations.

Patch from the repair kit

Procedure:

Degrease surfaces with acetone, alcohol or other suitable liquid.
Clean the pool wall with sandpaper.
Remove dust.
Using scissors, cut out a patch of the desired size and shape.
Apply glue evenly to the patch.
Apply a patch to the hole.
Install under the press. Waiting time - according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Adhesive tape

Using adhesive tape, you can seal the pool in the following sequence:

Degrease the puncture site.
Cut a piece to size.
Press down onto the surface of the pool.
The pool is left alone. The waiting time is according to the tape manufacturer's instructions.

Patch made from improvised means

How to properly seal the frame with a handy patch:

Cut a patch of the required size from a material suitable for the pool (an old circle or air mattress, tarpaulin).
Degrease surfaces.
Glue the patch using waterproof glue.
Place under a press for a day.
Additionally, strengthen the edges with sealant.

Flaw is not a death sentence

Unfortunately, the disadvantage of a frame pool is the fragility of the material from which it is made.
And therefore, sometimes a frame pool requires repairs along the seams or a patch. How to repair a frame pool with your own hands? Read here.

Often, the restoration of the bowl is carried out by a specialist, but it is quite possible to repair a frame pool yourself. To do this, you need to have special working materials and have some knowledge and skills.

Minor cracks and defects can be repaired using a sealant designed to restore the functional characteristics of the pool. More serious damage should be sealed using a special glue for polyvinyl chloride or traditional “Moment”. You can also use self-adhesive patches.

How to seal without draining water

Repairs may be required internally or externally. A leak from the inside can be eliminated without draining the water only with adhesive tape specially designed for such work.

Flex Tape

Work algorithm:

Cut a piece of tape to the desired size.
Carefully glue the tape under water to the puncture site.
Keep the patch in the filled tank for 5 minutes.

For outside work, a repair kit for boats and a special patch for a children's pool are suitable. You can seal the leak from the outside without draining the water using sealant.

Repair kit for boats

Procedure:

The patch from the kit is pre-sanded with sandpaper and cut to a suitable shape and size.
Degrease work surfaces.
Apply glue to the patch and to the puncture site.
Press the patch tightly and hold for 15 minutes.

Special patch for children's pool

Children's pools are bright, with pictures, so these models are sealed with a special decorative patch and sealant.

Stages of work:

Surfaces are degreased with industrial alcohol (it is prohibited to use acetone and solvents).
Apply sealant to the patch in a middle layer.
Glue the patch to the hole. The correct way is to work on a slightly lowered pool for better gripping efficiency.

How to seal a frame pool along the seam

In case of leakage at the joints use:

Waterproof sealant for small holes and patches of the required size. The patches are placed on both sides, the waiting time is two days.
Industrial dryer. An economical option for obtaining a factory seam, but the work is painstaking. Additionally, take strips of PVC materials, the size is 1-2 cm larger than the hole. Drain the water, degrease the surfaces and use a hairdryer to heat the materials until slightly melting, after which they are combined.
Bitumen tape. Cut out the patch and heat it with a hair dryer. It is necessary to seal the seam from the inside the first time. From the outside, the tape is heated with a hairdryer, the patch melts and seals the hole.

How to fix a leak yourself?

High-quality repairs are only possible on a dry, grease-free surface. However, repairs are also possible in a filled pool bowl.

Without water

If it is possible to release the water, then the work is carried out as follows:

Empty and dry the bowl, degrease the work surface.
To do this, you can use rags treated with gasoline, alcohol or cologne. But acetone and other solvents are not suitable, since some types of rubber are not resistant to them.
Now you need to prepare two patches of PVC or vinyl - for the internal and external areas. It should be cut with a margin to cover the entire affected area. Glue should be applied to the patch and to the edge of the leak.
The adhesive solution should be allowed to dry a little, and therefore attached to the bowl and pressed firmly. The glue will set in a few seconds. For reliability, you will need to apply a compact but heavy press to the breakout site.

Once the glue has completely dried (the required time is usually indicated on the instructions), you can add water to the pool and check the security of the patch.

For work you can use:

Adhesive-based repair kits or adhesive tapes from sporting goods stores - you need to measure out a patch of the appropriate size and attach it to the inside of the bowl, and then attach a similar one to the outside.
“Liquid patch” - the solution is simple to use: you need to degrease the work surface, shake the tube and treat the break with a continuous layer. After such repairs, the pool must dry for at least two days.

A simple way to seal a frame pool is in the video:

Without draining the water

If a puncture is discovered when the pool bowl is full, then the work proceeds according to a different algorithm:

the puncture site is treated with a rag to remove dirt that interferes with adhesion to the base;
underwater patches are attached on both sides and pressed tightly;
For greater effect, the puncture site is heated from the outside with an industrial hair dryer.

For work you can use:

Self-adhesive underwater patches - glue directly to leaks, as they are smooth and even.
Press the patch firmly and hold for at least a minute so that the adhesive solution sets.
Waterproof sealant with adhesion to PVC complete with patches made of rubber or vinyl - for repair, treat the patch with a layer of sealant and apply it to the break site. You need to press hard or press down with a press.
The patch should dry for at least a day. If the leak is at the bottom of the bowl, a piece of cloth can serve as a press. When there is a leak on the wall, you need to seal the break from the outside.
To do this, you can use tape and a wooden block. The beam is secured with tape, and every 15-20 minutes you need to press it so that the sealant is better distributed under the patch.
A rubber hose, car inner tube or pipe is a reliable option for plugging pinhole punctures.
First you need to compact it with rags or foam. If there is a puncture in the bottom of the bowl, then the pipe must be slipped under the edge and pushed with a reliable stick or pry bar to the point of the breakthrough. Under the pressure of water, the pipe will be fixed between the bottom of the bowl and the base. This “stub” will work until the end of the season. If there is a puncture in the wall of the bowl, then you need to slightly modify the design. In particular, you will need to stretch a tight cord between the nearest frame posts and clamp the pipe on it at the break point.

The video will show you how to fix a leak in a frame pool without draining the water:

Seam processing

If a leak has formed at the joint, then simply treating it with glue will not give a good result.

The following products can be used for repairs:

Waterproof patch sealant - for small holes. The patches should be placed on both sides and left to dry for a day or two.
An industrial hair dryer for obtaining a factory seam is an economical option, but laborious in execution.
You will also need a strip of PVC, at least a couple of centimeters larger than the breakout area. The cup bag, as a rule, has a margin around the circumference.
To repair, you need to drain the water below the breakthrough and treat the adjacent surfaces with alcohol. Now use a hairdryer to bring the adjacent sides to a slight melting point and connect them.
Bituminous tape and an industrial hair dryer - for reliable seam patches. You need to cut a patch out of tape and heat it with a hairdryer. It must be glued to the inside of the break the first time, without re-gluing. From the outside, the patch area should be heated with a hairdryer. Under the pressure of thermal air, the bitumen mastic on the tape melts and seals the leak.

Prevention of leakage

Recommendations for caring for your pool will help keep it from developing holes longer:

Regularly inspect the tank and drain valve for integrity.
Clean the bowl and hoses regularly with special products.
Do not use piercing or sharp objects in the pool.
Do not allow pets into the pool: they can tear the linen with their claws and teeth.
Do not install the pool on uneven surfaces or near trees and bushes.
Place bedding before installation.
At the installation site, remove unnecessary objects, stones, branches, and do not tilt the pool on its side.
Cover the bowl with an awning at night.
Do not leave the pool in the sun for a long time.
When installing the model, use a special film.
Do not lean on the sides, do not push off sharply from the walls.

The average service life of a frame pool is 4-7 years. The duration depends on the operating conditions, the regularity of preventive measures and the quality of repair work. The work is carried out in compliance with safety precautions, adhering to the manufacturer’s recommendations for working with repair kits and sealant. In difficult leakage situations, you should contact specialists or a service center for help to seal the Intex frame pool.

Looking for the puncture site

To deal with the leak problem, you first need to understand where exactly the pool is damaged. This is often not so easy to do.

In general, water decreases for various reasons:

natural evaporation of liquid,
filter problems,
damage to the walls or bottom.

Evaporation of water

In some cases, the pool is not damaged at all, but the rapid decrease in the amount of water is due to dry, windy and hot weather. To accurately determine whether water is evaporating, you need to perform a small experiment:

Pour water of the same temperature into the pool and bucket.
In both containers, make marks on the inside wall so that you can track the drop in level.
After a day, make marks again and compare the distance between daily measurements - if it is the same, then the water really just evaporates.

Understanding the filter

If it is established that water evaporation has nothing to do with it, then we move on to the next step. You need to understand whether the wall or bottom of the pool is broken, or whether the fault lies in the filtration system. Yes, sometimes this problem occurs. It’s just that the gasket in the filter may be defective, incorrectly installed, or old.

Dried rubber does not do a good job of sealing and quite often a thin gap forms through which water flows out quite quickly. Examine it and replace it if damage is detected - often this will solve the problem.

We recommend: Linoleum glue for joints: characteristics of the best types, how to use

Looking for a leak in the pool

Most often, punctures occur in the valve, which is located in the drain part. But in general, a hole in a pool can be located anywhere. It will not necessarily be large - even through a tiny hole quite a lot of water will flow out per day. Causes of damage:

pets,
children's pranks,
unsuccessful installation.

How to find a leak:

If you are repairing an inflatable children's pool, you can apply a thick soap solution to the outer surface. Bubbles will appear at the puncture site quite quickly, after which it will not be at all difficult to localize the damage.
There are more problems with frame pools. Typically, specialists use a coloring pigment sold in specialized stores. It is enough to throw a small amount in different parts of the pool and carefully monitor the movement of the colored jets. From the nearest portion of dye, thin currents will rush towards the puncture. After this, it will be much easier to understand where exactly the damage is located.