Thanks Janet,

I just patched the obvious split with a piece of vinyl and some 100% silicone. I did read elsewhere that some people have stuffed their ring with pool noodles. Interesting idea, if I could find them for about a buck apiece. I just went to the Intex site and there is no mention of conditioning the vinyl, should I have known about this?? My wife is looking for a warranty, I haven't found one yet.