Above Ground Pool Liners Info

So you are thinking about putting in an above ground pool. First, you should decide on what kind of pool you want and what shape, then it is time to pick a liner. There are several different types of above ground pool liners. The 4 main types of liners are overlap, beaded, J-hook, and Unibead. The main difference in each of these liners is the way in which they attach to the pool.

Overlap Liners
Overlap liners may be the most common type of all the above ground pool liners. As the name implies, an overlap liner drapes over the pool wall. The liner is then held in place by plastic clips called coping strips and the top rail of the pool is placed over it. These liners typically do not have a border around the top edge as they tend not to be completely even all around the pool and they come in a variety of patterns and typically in a 48" or 52" wall height. The part of the liner that overlaps on the outside of the pool below the top rail can be trimmed so as not to be seen.

A beaded above ground pool liner typically will have many more pattern options available and include a border. The edge of the liner goes in a bead track. This track will hang inside the perimeter of the pool and once installed, the top rail will hide the track. These liners also come in a 48" or a 52" wall height, but when ordering you need to be sure of the height as they do not have the extra material that an overlap liner has. You should also be certain of the bead size of your current liner. If at all possible, allow extra time without the use of the pool to be able to clip off a piece of the beaded portion of your current liner to send in to compare to the size of the new liner that you are ordering.

A J-hook liner comes with attached hooks that will clip directly onto the wall of your pool. The pool rail will then be placed over the hooks to hold them in place. These are typically the easiest type of liner to install and are widely available at retail locations for that very reason. A J-hook liner also typically comes in a 48" or 52" wall height and is available in a variety of patterns and borders.

This is the most versatile type of above ground pool liner. This liner comes with a J-hook level that can be taken off if you have a bead track. For this reason, this tends to be the most popularly available type of liner in retail outlets for do it yourself type people who are putting in their own above ground pool.

All of these above ground pool liners are geared towards circle shaped pools that are one depth. It is important to remember that when you order a liner, most places will not take them back out of their original packaging due to the possibility of pin holes and other unseen damage. For this reason, you need to make sure of what type of liner and what size liner you need before you order. There are many more types of above ground pool liners out there for oddly shaped pools or rectangular pools or even above ground pools with a deep end. With just a little effort, you can have the perfect liner for you pool and many years of fun to go with it.

Note: Liners also have to be taken care of. Be careful when using robotic pool cleaners and sharp objects.