Save Your Summer Fun: How to Quickly Fix a Leaky Pool Float

May 7th 2024

young boy and teenage boy holding donut and pineapple shaped pool floats

Few things can deflate a perfect day in the pool faster than a leaky pool float. But you can save the day – and the pool floaty! – with a quick repair. Follow these four steps to patch punctured pool floats:

1. Use the Right Repair Kit

image of a tube of pool float repair glue

Your floating raft, ring or other inflatable pool toy may have come with its own patch repair kit that you have hopefully saved for this exact emergency. If not, you’ll need to purchase a pool float repair kit.

Start by determining if your pool toy is made of plastic, vinyl or rubber. Patches meant for rubber won’t work well on vinyl, and vice-versa. If you don’t know what your swim float is made of, check the product description on the manufacturer’s website or call the company’s customer service line to find out.

2. Find the Leak

Image of punctured pool ring with air bubbles leaking out

You may be able to find the leak while you’re still in the pool. If the pool toy is still partially inflated, place it under water one section at a time. Squeeze lightly and look for any bubbles escaping from the leak. Place duct tape or electrical tape near the hole so you can find it again later.

3. Prepare the Area

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

Make sure the area around the leak is completely dry before you attempt a repair, since dirt or sunblock could cause the patch to fail. Use the cleaning solution included in your repair kit or use rubbing alcohol on a soft washcloth to clean the surface. Dry the entire float, or at least several inches around the damaged area. Place the pool ring on a clean, flat surface. Try to flatten the area you’ll be repairing as much as possible.

4. Seal the Leak

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

Follow the instructions on the repair kit to patch the puncture in your inflatable pool float. For best results, try to center the patch over the hole as much as possible. Wait the recommended amount of time (typically about a half-hour) for the patch to dry before re-inflating the float.

Alternatively, waterproof sealants can be used to repair pool toys. Make sure the sealant is recommended for the type of material you’re working on, and follow the above steps for preparation. Apply the sealant in a bead on the hole. Spread out flat at least a half inch in each direction, and leave to dry for the recommended amount of time before re-inflating.

Perform the water test again. If no more air bubbles leak out of the area, your patch is secure and your pool float is ready for more fun in the sun!

Because one pool floatie is never enough, check out some of this summer’s most popular pool toys!

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