One of the saddest moments on a beautiful summer day is when your inflatable float starts to deflate. Generally made of vinyl, floats are easy to move and use, but their lightweight design makes them susceptible to tearing, reducing their lifespan.
Fortunately, with the right tips, a few tools, and the proper technique, you can quickly repair your float. Here’s how:
Step 1: Find the Hole
To determine where the hole is, start by fully inflating your float. It is important to leave the air in the float during the entire repair process as this makes the repair much easier. If you apply the patch when your float is deflated, it could stretch and come off easily once inflated.
Once your float is inflated and the air valve is closed, you can locate the leak using one of the following methods:
- Immerse the float in water: The leak will produce small air bubbles, making it easy to spot.
- Spray the suspected area with a cleaning product: Using your fingers, rub the product on the surface. When you see small bubbles forming consistently in one spot, you’ve found the leak.
Once the leak is located, mark it with a small piece of tape or make a mark on it to easily find it during the repair.
The float must then be completely dry before starting to apply the patch.
Step 2: Gather the Right Tools
Before you can repair the leak, you’ll need the right repair tools. Some floats come with a PVC patch, or you can purchase a repair kit. You can also use a strong adhesive, like shoe glue, depending on the size of the hole and the object to be repaired. Whatever sealant you choose, make sure it is flexible, durable, and, of course, waterproof.
If you are not using a PVC patch, you will need duct tape to seal the hole. However, keep in mind that if the leak is on a seam of your float, duct tape and PVC patches won’t work due to their position.
Note: There are many types of repair kits on the market, but they are not all equal. Some kits work only on vinyl floats, while others are designed for rubber or other materials. If you are unsure of the composition of your float, call the manufacturer’s customer service to learn more.
Step 3: Repair the Hole
Now that you have located the leak and gathered the necessary tools, it’s time to repair the hole.
Find the spot you previously marked with tape and generously apply the sealant or adhesive to the area. If you are using a patch or duct tape, make sure the piece is large enough to cover the entire area around the hole. Then, cover the hole with your patch or a piece of duct tape.
Once the patch or sealant is applied, it is crucial to let the area dry completely before using your float in the water.
Tip: Before applying your adhesive or patch, clean the area with rubbing alcohol or another disinfectant cleaner, ensuring there is no dirt or debris that could interfere with the patch adhering to the float material.
Maintenance Tips for Floats
Now that your float is repaired and ready to use, here are some tips to keep it in good condition:
1- Don’t Overinflate Your Float
The amount of air in your float will expand and contract depending on many factors, the main one being the weather. The sun and heat will increase the amount of air in your float. If it is fully inflated and you spend a day in the sun, your unicorn float or your inflatable flamingo float could overinflate and burst.
When inflating, it may be tempting to fill your float with air until it is smooth, but don’t do this (the wrinkles will disappear over time). Your float should be firm, but not hard.
2 - Keep Your Float Away from Potential Damage
Avoid sharp edges or corners that could potentially tear your float and avoid dragging it on the ground (especially on hot concrete). Do your best to protect it from anything that could damage it.
3 - Air Can Contract in Cold Weather
While warm air will cause your float to expand, cold air will do exactly the opposite. If you leave your float outside overnight, you might find it a bit deflated in the morning — this is completely normal. Just inflate it a bit, and you’ll be ready to float again.
4 - Store Your Float in a Cool, Dry Place
Once you are done using your float, it’s important to deflate it, dry it, and store it in a cool, dry place. Keeping your float inflated overnight won’t cause a disaster, but we recommend avoiding storing it in direct sunlight for extended periods to prolong its lifespan.
5 - Keep Your Pool Floats Immaculate
Chlorine and salt are the worst enemies of your float, as they can negatively affect most materials. Once you are done floating for the day, whether after a pool party or a relaxed family gathering, we highly recommend rinsing your float with fresh water and letting it air dry.
If you notice dirt on your float, prepare a soapy solution and use a clean sponge to scrub it well. Once you’ve cleaned your float, rinse it with a hose and dry it with a clean towel. Finally, let your float dry in the sun for a few hours, as UV rays act as a natural disinfectant.
Summary
So, how do you repair an inflatable float?
- It’s simple: find the leak and clean the surrounding surface to ensure it is free of dirt or debris.
- Then, apply your patch (or sealant) and let it dry completely.
- We suggest waiting about 24 hours before using your float after repairing it, but each repair kit is different, so be sure to read the instructions.
Once dry, you can take your float, head to the nearest pool, and enjoy it again, returning to your water games!
For the best floats on the market, check out our UnicornFloat shop — the best pool floats in the world! Whether you want to float on a pineapple inflatable mattress, a pizza float, or relax on a pool inflatable chair that can be used in water and on land, UnicornFloat has you covered.
UnicornFloat has everything you need to make this summer the best ever.
