Fix it
Stability Ball Troubleshooting (2026)
Fixes for common stability ball problems: soft balls, leaks, rolling, slipping, and wrong sizing.
Most stability ball problems come from sizing or inflation rather than from a faulty ball. Work through the fixes below, starting with diameter and plug checks, before replacing a ball.
Ball feels soft a day after inflation
Top it up: new PVC stretches, so inflate to about 80 percent on day one, leave it overnight, then top up to full diameter. Check the plug is fully seated, since a half-seated plug leaks slowly and looks like a puncture.
Ball slowly loses air over days
Reseat or replace the plug first, since plugs cause most slow leaks. If the leak continues, inflate the ball, listen and feel for escaping air, and mark the spot: a damaged ball should be replaced, not patched for balance work.
Ball rolls away at my desk
Park it against a wall or in a ring base when you stand, and consider a covered ball like the Vivora Luno, whose cover grips the floor and holds shape. Keep the ball off smooth slopes and away from pets and children when unattended.
Hands or feet slip during core work
Switch to a ribbed or textured ball, use a mat under the ball, and check inflation: an over-inflated ball is hard and slippery, while a correctly inflated ball gives under load and grips better. Dry hands and feet also help on smooth PVC.
Ball feels too small or too large
Check the true diameter by measuring around the ball and dividing by pi. If the size is right but the feel is wrong, check inflation first: under-inflation mimics a smaller ball. If the diameter is genuinely wrong for your height, swap sizes rather than adapting your posture to fit.
Ball has gone out of round
Deflate it fully, reinflate slowly to the stated diameter, and leave it overnight before judging shape. If it stays egg-shaped, the wall has stretched unevenly and the ball should be replaced: an out-of-round ball will not support balanced work safely.
Questions, answered
Can I patch a punctured stability ball?
For balance and core work, no: a patched ball cannot be trusted under load, and a patch changes how the ball deforms. Replace a punctured ball, and use the old one only for gentle, non-load uses if at all.
Why does my ball smell of plastic when new?
New PVC has a factory smell that fades with airing. Inflate the ball in a ventilated room and leave it a day before use; a strong smell that persists after airing is a reason to return the ball.
Can I store a stability ball deflated?
Yes, deflate it, fold it loosely, and store it away from heat and sharp objects. Reinflate slowly when needed, and expect a settling period again, since stored PVC needs a day to return to shape.