How to Put On a Pool Patch: A Step-by-Step Guide

If you own a pool, chances are you’ll need to make some repairs at some point. One common repair is putting on a patch, which can be intimidating for those who haven’t done it before. But fear not, with the right materials and steps, you can easily put on a pool patch yourself.

In this step-by-step guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know to put on a pool patch. From gathering the necessary materials to applying the patch, we’ll cover each step in detail so you can complete the repair with confidence.

Whether you’re a seasoned pool owner or a newbie, this guide will provide you with all the information you need to put on a pool patch successfully. So let’s get started and learn how to give your pool a much-needed repair!

Keep reading to find out how to put on a pool patch and get your pool looking as good as new.

Gather Necessary Materials

If you’re planning to patch a hole in your pool, the first thing you need to do is gather all the necessary materials. You don’t want to start the project only to realize halfway through that you’re missing something essential. Here are three essential materials you’ll need to get started:

Pool patch kit: A pool patch kit usually contains a patching material, adhesive, and sometimes a spreader or a brush to apply the adhesive.

Cleaning supplies: To properly patch a pool, you’ll need to clean the area around the hole, so you’ll need cleaning supplies such as a scrub brush and a cleaner like acetone or rubbing alcohol.

Protective gear: Working with adhesives and cleaning solutions can be hazardous, so make sure to wear protective gear such as gloves and goggles to protect yourself while you’re working on the patch.

Once you’ve gathered all the necessary materials, you’ll be ready to start patching your pool. Keep reading for a step-by-step guide on how to put on a pool patch.

Pool Patch Kit

1. Adhesive: Most pool patch kits come with a tube of adhesive, which is used to bond the patch to the pool’s surface. Look for an adhesive that is specially formulated for underwater use.

2. Patch Material: The patch material should be made from a durable, waterproof material like vinyl or fiberglass. It should also be large enough to cover the damaged area with a little extra to spare.

3. Tools: In addition to the patch and adhesive, you’ll need a few tools to apply the patch properly. These may include a scraper or sandpaper to smooth the damaged area, and a putty knife or trowel to apply the adhesive and patch material.

Make sure to carefully read the instructions that come with your pool patch kit to ensure you have all the necessary materials and tools before beginning the repair process. If any materials or tools are missing, purchase them separately to avoid delays or mistakes during the repair process.

Drain the Pool

Step 1: Turn off the pump and power – Before you begin, you should make sure the pump and power to the pool are turned off to avoid any electrical hazards.

Step 2: Drain the water – Use a submersible pump to drain the water from the pool. Be sure to follow local regulations for the disposal of the water.

Step 3: Clean the pool – Once the water has been drained, use a pool brush and pool cleaner to remove any debris and dirt from the pool’s surface and walls.

Step 4: Allow the pool to dry – Allow the pool to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This will ensure that the patch adheres properly to the pool surface.

Completely Drain the Pool

Step 1: The first step in putting on a pool patch is to completely drain the pool. You can use a submersible pump or a pool pump to drain the water from the pool.

Step 2: Once the pool is drained, you can start cleaning the pool liner. Use a pool brush to scrub the liner and remove any dirt, debris, or algae from the area where the patch will be applied.

Step 3: After cleaning the pool liner, rinse the area with clean water and allow it to dry completely. Make sure the area is completely dry before proceeding to the next step.

Step 4: It is important to note that some pools may have a hydrostatic valve installed to relieve the pressure caused by the water table under the pool. If your pool has one, make sure to remove it and replace it after the patching is completed.

Clean the Damaged Area

Before you start patching up the pool, you need to make sure that the damaged area is clean and dry. Use a cleaning agent to remove any dirt, debris, and algae from the area. A dirty surface will not allow the patch to adhere properly.

Once you have cleaned the damaged area, use a sandpaper or a grinder to create a rough surface. The rough surface will help the patch to stick to the area better. Be sure to remove any loose particles or dust left from sanding or grinding.

Use a clean cloth or brush to wipe the area to remove any remaining debris or dust. The area should be completely dry before moving on to the next step.

Scrub the Damaged Area

Step 1: Before scrubbing the damaged area, make sure that it is completely dry. You can use a clean, dry towel to pat the area dry.

Step 2: Once the area is dry, use a sandpaper or a sanding block to smooth the area around the damaged spot. Make sure that the area is level and smooth.

Step 3: Use a scrub brush and a mixture of water and dish soap to clean the damaged area. Make sure to remove any dirt, grime, or other debris from the area.

Cut and Prepare the Patch

Measure the Damaged Area: Use a tape measure to determine the size of the damaged area. Ensure that the patch is slightly larger than the damaged area to ensure proper coverage.

Cut the Patch: Using scissors or a utility knife, cut a circular or oval-shaped patch from the pool patch kit. Make sure that the patch is at least 2 inches larger than the damaged area on all sides.

Prepare the Patch: Smooth out the edges of the patch with sandpaper, making sure that there are no rough or jagged edges. Then, clean the patch thoroughly with a cloth or towel to remove any debris or dust.

Apply the Patch Adhesive: Using a putty knife, apply the adhesive from the pool patch kit to the back of the patch. Be sure to spread the adhesive evenly and cover the entire surface area of the patch.

Measure the Damaged Area

Step 1: Use a measuring tape to measure the length and width of the damaged area on the pool surface. Round up to the nearest inch to ensure that you have enough patch material to cover the damaged area.

Step 2: Use a marker to draw a square or rectangle around the damaged area, using the measurements you took in step one. This will serve as a guide when you cut the patch.

Step 3: Cut the patch material to size using scissors or a utility knife. Make sure that the patch is slightly larger than the damaged area, to ensure that it covers the entire area and adheres properly.

Now that you have measured and cut the patch material, you are ready to apply it to the damaged area of your pool. Read on for the final steps in this pool patching process.

Cut the Patch Material

Step 1: Lay the patch material flat on a work surface.

Step 2: Use a measuring tape to mark and cut the patch to the size needed to cover the damaged area.

Step 3: Cut the patch with scissors, making sure it’s the exact size and shape needed to fit over the damaged area.

Round the Corners of the Patch

1. Measure and mark the corners: Use a ruler to measure 1 inch from each corner of the patch material and make a mark.

2. Cut the corners: Use scissors to cut off the corners of the patch material, following the marks you made in the previous step.

3. Round the corners: Use scissors or a corner rounder to round the corners of the patch material. This will help prevent the corners from peeling up over time.

Once you’ve rounded the corners of the patch, you’re ready to move on to the next step in the pool patching process.

Apply the Patch

Once the patch material is ready, it’s time to apply it to the damaged area. The following steps will guide you through the process:

Clean the damaged area: Before applying the patch, ensure that the damaged area is clean and dry. Use a cloth or a sponge to wipe away any debris or dirt from the area.

Apply adhesive: Apply adhesive to the back of the patch material. Be sure to spread the adhesive evenly to ensure a strong bond.

Position the patch: Carefully position the patch over the damaged area, making sure that it is centered and covering the entire damaged area. Press down on the patch to ensure that it is securely attached.

Allow time to dry: Allow the adhesive to dry completely before using the pool. This can take several hours or even overnight depending on the type of adhesive used.

Apply Adhesive to the Patch

Before applying the patch, you will need to apply adhesive to the back of it. Using a putty knife, apply a thin layer of adhesive evenly to the back of the patch. Be sure to cover the entire surface area to ensure proper adhesion.

After applying the adhesive, wait a few minutes for it to dry until it becomes tacky. This will help the patch stick better to the surface of the pool.

It is important to note that different types of adhesive may be required depending on the material of the patch and the type of pool surface. Make sure to read the instructions carefully and use the appropriate adhesive for your specific patch and pool type.

Place the Patch Over the Damaged Area

Once you have applied the adhesive to the patch, carefully place it over the damaged area. Make sure the patch is centered and covers the entire damaged area.

Smooth out any air bubbles or wrinkles in the patch with your fingers or a roller tool. Be sure to apply even pressure over the entire patch to ensure a secure bond.

Allow the adhesive to dry completely before moving on to the next step. This may take several hours or overnight, depending on the type of adhesive used.

Smooth Out the Patch

• Inspect the patch. Once the patch is in place, check it to ensure there are no bumps or ridges. These may cause problems when you go to sand and paint the area.

• Use a putty knife. Starting at the center of the patch, use a putty knife to smooth out the edges. Use the knife to apply pressure, gradually moving outwards toward the edges of the patch.

• Sand the area. Once the patch is smooth, use a fine-grit sandpaper to gently sand the area until it’s completely flush with the surrounding wall. Wipe away any dust or debris with a clean cloth.

After you’ve finished sanding, the patch should be completely smooth and flush with the surrounding wall. At this point, you can prime and paint the area to match the rest of the wall. With a little care and attention to detail, your patched wall should look as good as new.

Frequently Asked Questions