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It’s a common question that comes up time after time, How to fix a hole in a paddling pool?
First, you need to find the hole in the paddling pool, and then you can fix it using a suitable paddling pool repair kit.
Whether you have an Intex paddling pool, Bestway paddling pool or another popular make of paddling pool. Finding and fixing a hole couldn’t be easier.
Finding the Hole in your Paddling Pool
There are two types of holes that can appear in a paddling pool. The first is one that lets the water out and the second is one that lets air out and causes the pool to deflate.
The first part of fixing a hole in a paddling pool is finding where the hole is located. Finding a hole that is letting water out is quite simple, you just need to look to see where water is escaping.
Finding where the air is escaping is slightly more difficult which is why we have written a separate guide on how to find a hole in a paddling pool. The guide tells you how to quickly and easily find a hole in your paddling pool with ease.
How to Fix a Hole in a Paddling Pool
The following steps will guide you through how to fix a hole in a paddling pool. As long as you follow the steps you will find any hole fairly simple to repair.
One of the main things to do before you start is to buy a paddling pool repair kit if you do not already have one. These come in different varieties but we’ve always found the standard stick-on ones from Intex or Bestway to be of good quality.
Step 1 – Empty your Paddling Pool
Most people will fill the paddling pool in order to find a leak but once you’ve found the hole you should drain it completely.
Most paddling pool repair patches need to be fixed to a dry surface and the pressure of the water or air will also cause extra pressure which may prevent the patch from adhering fully.
If the hole is located in an area away from water for example in the top ring of your pool then you may be able to get away with not emptying or not completely emptying your pool. If the hole is not in the air ring but is allowing water out then you must drain your paddling pool before you apply the repair patch.
Step 2 – Clean and Dry the Area
Paddling pool repair patches should be applied to clean and dry areas. You must ensure that before you apply the patch, you clean off any dirt or debris and then dry the area thoroughly.
This will prevent any dirt or water from stopping the patch from adhering properly to the surface of the paddling pool.
Step 3 – Shape the Patch
Most paddling pool repair patches are square. The main problem with square patches is that over time the corners tend to come unstuck. Round or oval-shaped patches are best as they will last much longer.
You must remember to leave enough space on the patch to cover the hole and at least 2cm around the sides of the whole. This will ensure a good amount of contact between the paddling pool and the patch.
Step 4 – Apply the Patch
Make sure when you apply the repair patch to the paddling pool that you keep the area nice and flat. You want a really good connection between the paddling pool and the patch. Apply the patch and press firmly working from the hole towards the outside of the patch.
Try not to allow any air bubbles to form as this will affect the bonding over longer periods of time.
If you are applying a patch to a hole in the water-filled section this should be placed on the outside area and not on the inside of the pool. To add extra strength to your repair, you can add a second patch on the inside of the pool.
Step 5 – Time and Space to Dry
This step is probably one of the most important, you need to give your repair time and space to dry. As much as you may want to immediately pump your paddling pool up and fill it with water, we’d always recommend leaving it for as long as possible but in any case, it should be for at least half an hour to give the patch time to stick properly.
You should not leave your repair in direct sunlight whilst it is drying as this may cause the repair to fail. Ensure it is undercover somewhere or covered up so it doesn’t get too hot.
Step 6 – Inflate the Pool
Finally, once you’ve given your repair time to dry you can start to inflate it again and then fill it with water. Just make sure you don’t overdo it!
How to Fix a Hole in a Paddling Pool Quickly
This is a question that gets asked a lot and as you can tell from the steps about it doesn’t take long to fix a hole in a paddling pool quickly.
The problem comes when you don’t do it properly using inferior repair products!
Below we’ll answer some regular questions that get asked.
Can you use Sellotape to Repair a Paddling Pool?
Yes, you can use sellotape to temporarily repair a paddling pool but it will only hold for a very short period of time. Sellotape does not like water and will peel off in no time at all.
Can you use Parcel Tape to Repair a Paddling Pool?
Parcel tape can be a little better than sellotape but it will fail to work on the same principle as neither like water and will fail in a short period of time.
Can you use Duct Tape to Repair a Paddling Pool?
Duct tape will last slightly longer than sellotape and parcel tape but will still not last very long. You may get a couple of uses out of your paddling pool with duct tape on it but you’ll find that your time will be wasted in the long run.
Rather than try to do it cheaply or quickly, make sure you do a good job the first time around with a good quality paddling pool repair kit.