How to Repair Holes in Inflatable Pool Lounges

An inflatable pool lounge chair can provide countless hours of sun bathing and relaxation until it springs a leak. Small holes in pool floats and toys are typically repairable at home with a few basic supplies. Commercially available patches and repair kits make fixing an inflatable pool float quick and easy.

1. First: Find the leak

   The easiest way to locate the leak in an inflatable object is to use a bit of soap. Take a wet washcloth, add a small amount of gentle liquid soap and work the soap into a lather. Run the soapy cloth over the area where a leak is believed to exist, or cover the entire object if the general area of the leak is not known. When the hole is covered with the soapy water, it bubbles and foams from the escaping air, showing you exactly where the leak is located.

2. Second: Prepare the surface

   Once the leak is located, thoroughly rinse off the surrounding area. Any remaining soap can interact with the adhesives used in the repair kit and can cause the patch to fail. Once the area is rinsed clean, dry the surface completely.

3. Third: Gather supplies

   Complete kits for patching inflatables are available in most department stores and pool stores. These kits include the adhesive, patch and any necessary tools for the job.

4. Fourth: Patch the Hole

   Once the area is completely dry, carefully apply the glue or adhesive to the patch and the inflatable object and press together. Allow the glue to dry completely, then test the item before using it by holding it underwater and looking for leaks.