Rescue Your Summer Joy: Fast Solutions for a Leaky Pool Float

youth and teenager holding donut and pineapple-shaped pool floats

Nothing ruins a perfect day in the pool quicker than a leaking pool float. However, you can salvage the day – and the floatie! – with a speedy fix. Here are four steps to mend a punctured pool float:

Contents

1. Choose the Appropriate Repair Kit

image of a tube of pool float repair glue

Your inflatable raft, ring, or other pool toy might have been equipped with its own patch repair kit for this very situation. If not, you’ll need to find a pool float repair kit.

First, determine if your pool toy is constructed from plastic, vinyl, or rubber. Patches designed for rubber won’t adhere well to vinyl, and the opposite applies. If you’re unclear about the material of your swim float, check with the manufacturer’s website or contact their customer support for confirmation.

2. Locate the Leak

Image of punctured pool ring with air bubbles leaking out

You might spot the leak while still in the water. If the pool toy retains some air, submerge it in water one segment at a time. Apply gentle pressure and watch for emerging bubbles, indicating the leak’s location. Mark the spot with duct tape or electrical tape for easy finding later.

3. Get the Area Ready

image of water droplet crossed out, indicating to keep the repair area dry

Ensure the area surrounding the leak is entirely dry before starting the repair; dirt or sunblock can compromise the patch. Use the cleaning solution from your repair kit or rub alcohol on a soft cloth to clean it. Dry the float thoroughly, focusing on several inches around the hole. Place the pool ring on a pristine, flat surface, flattening the repair area as much as possible.

4. Fix the Puncture

Success! image of a repaired pool ring, inflated and ready to use

Follow the repair kit’s guidelines to mend the hole in your inflatable pool float. For superior results, center the patch precisely over the puncture. Allow the patch to dry for the recommended duration (usually around 30 minutes) before re-inflating the float.

Alternatively, waterproof sealants can effectively repair pool toys. Ensure the sealant is suitable for the material you’re fixing, and adhere to the preparation steps above. Apply the sealant in a bead over the hole, spreading it evenly up to a half inch beyond in all directions. Allow it to dry as per the instructions before inflating again.

Conduct the water test once more. If no air bubbles appear, the repair is secure, and your pool float is ready for more summertime enjoyment!

Since one pool floatie is never enough, check out some of this summer’s trending pool toys!

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