Patch a vinyl pool liner leak yourself.

Yes, you can fix a small leak in a vinyl pool liner with a patch kit from the pool store.

Finding the leak is the hard part. Look for bubbles coming from the liner when the pump is off. If you can’t see anything, get a leak detection dye (it’s cheap) and watch where it gets sucked toward the liner. Mark the spot with a floating object or tape.

Patch kits come with adhesive and a piece of vinyl. Clean the area underwater with a scrub pad. Cut the patch into a circle with rounded corners (sharp corners peel easier). Apply the adhesive to the patch according to the instructions, press it firmly over the leak, and hold for 30-60 seconds. Let it cure 24 hours before running the pump.

This works for tears under an inch or pinholes. If the leak is at a seam or a gash longer than a few inches, call a pro. The patch will buy you another season or two, but it’s not a permanent fix for a worn-out liner.

It’s a weekend project, not a career.