Heating apparatus for pool liner repair and method

A heating tool for thermally manipulating an installed pool liner layer, the tool comprising:

• a manifold portion having a wall and a thermal distribution rail that includes a plurality of heat ports extending through the wall, the manifold portion includes an outer body configured in a paddle shape having a tapered insert tip, the outer body having a median perimeter line that defines a continuous, solid surface contour from an edge of the outer body to a paddle face surface that facilitates insertion between the pool liner layer and the supporting side wall above and below a water line level and a rigidity characteristic configured to pass the manifold portion between the installed pool liner layer and a supporting side wall, and the rigidity characteristic of the manifold portion maintaining the shape during manipulation and movement of the heating tool between the pool liner layer and the side wall;
• and
• a heat supply portion including a handle with a co-axially formed inlet passage in fluid communication with a fluid line connection that connects the inlet passage with a heated fluid source capable of localized softening of the installed pool liner layer.