I noticed a circular hole approximately 1 inch in diameter my inground pool vinyl liner that was not there yesterday. What caused it and how can repair it?

-Sharp Object: A sharp object, such as a rock, piece of glass, or a pool toy, may have punctured the liner.

-Animal: Animals like sharp objects in the pool could have damaged the vinyl liner.

-Chemicals: Excessive amounts of chlorine, bromine, or other chemicals can weaken the liner and make it more susceptible to tearing or puncturing.

-Improper Installation: If the pool liner was not properly installed, it may have developed a weak spot that eventually tore open.

How to Repair:

1. Clean the area: Clean the area around the hole with a mild detergent and water to remove any dirt, debris, or algae.

2. Cut a patch: Cut a patch from a spare piece of pool liner material. The patch should be slightly larger than the hole.

3. Apply adhesive: Apply a pool liner adhesive around the edges of the hole and to one side of the patch.

4. Press the patch in place: Press the patch firmly into place over the hole. Make sure that the adhesive is evenly distributed and that there are no bubbles or wrinkles.

5. Use a weight: Place a heavy weight on top of the patch to hold it in place while the adhesive dries. This will help to prevent the patch from shifting or coming off.

6. Let the adhesive dry: Allow the adhesive to dry completely according to the manufacturer's instructions. This may take several hours or even days.

7. Fill the pool: Once the adhesive has dried, you can fill the pool with water. The patch should be secure and should not leak.

Tips for Preventing Future Holes:

- Keep sharp objects out of the pool: Make sure that there are no rocks, glass, or other sharp objects in the pool that could puncture the liner.

- Be careful when using pool toys: Avoid using pool toys with sharp edges or corners that could damage the liner.

- Don't over-chlorinate the pool: Excessive amounts of chlorine can weaken the liner and make it more susceptible to tearing or puncturing.

- Have the pool liner professionally installed: If you are installing a new pool liner, make sure that it is installed by a professional. This will help to ensure that the liner is properly installed and that there are no weak spots that could lead to future holes.