Thank-you Ted. I did understand. I am operating underwater and was reluctant to loosen the stair flange around the damage. I did place a large patch (1 1/2 in x 7 in) with one side up against the patch-to-flange interface. I then dabbed a liberal dose of marine sealant along that patch-to-flange joint and have slowed the leak considerably.. possibly stopped it. I view it as only a temporary solution until I can do a liner replacement, but hopefully it will last for a few weeks or a couple of months until I can have that done. We are in one of the parts of the country experiencing droughts right now and I wanted to be as responsible as possible on minimizing water use.

Thanks for your suggestions.. sorry I didn't respond sooner.