Soapy water finds the hole every time

The fastest way to find a slow leak in a pool float is to mix a little dish soap with water, inflate the float, and brush or spray the suds over the whole surface.

Work in sections. Where there’s a leak, the soapy water will start blowing a bubble — sometimes it’s just a tiny one, so go slow and look closely. Start at the seams and around the valve, because that’s where most leaks hide.

If the valve itself is the culprit, you might see bubbles even when it’s closed. In that case, a replacement valve is a cheap fix and easier than patching.

Once you find it, dry the area, use a vinyl repair patch or a dab of vinyl cement, and let it cure fully before inflating. If you can’t find a bubble at all, you may have a really teeny pinhole — submerging the float in a pool or bathtub and squeezing it gently will help that one show itself.

This usually takes ten minutes, not all afternoon.