Above Ground Pool Liner buying guide

Liners are like a safety jacket for the pool. When you purchase a pool, the liners are complementary. But with time, these liners deteriorate and lose their ability to serve their purpose.

So, it becomes necessary to replace them with new ones to maintain the pool structure integrity. However, the task of selecting a new liner is not as easy as it seems.

You need to consider the size, material, and other additional properties to select the best option. For this, you require precise facts about the different characteristics of the product. A buying guide resolves this problem for you.

A comprehensive guide presents all the necessary information on all the aspects of above ground pool liners and aids you in funneling down the best option.

But before dealing with other elements, let us get a brief introduction about the product.

What do you mean by Above Ground Pool Liners? Why do you need it?

The above ground pool liners are liners that drape or overlap the side of the pool walls. It is further secured by the top rails of the pool. It is located above the ground. Such liners ensure the longevity of your pool and provide extra protection against cracks and leakages.

They are not only beneficial but also easy to install and maintain. You can find these liners in a very affordable price range. They can also work efficiently in less or limited space areas, and you can design them in your ways as well. The water remains in the pool securely with no leakages or cracks.

Why should you refer to a buying guide before selecting a suitable pool liner?

Pool presents a simple and relaxing way to enjoy the summer with your loved ones. To protect your favorite pool, you need to invest in proper liners.

A buying allows you to wrap your mind around all the aspects of the product. This enables you to clear all the pretense presented by different brands and make a suitable purchase.

Let us now dive into detailed information about several factors of the product.

Types of Above Ground Pool Liners

The first thing that you must know about the above ground pool liners is its type. There are two types of these liners. They are the overlap pool liners and the beaded pool liners. They are further explained in detail below :

Overlap Pool Liners

The overlap pool liners are the most common ones. They are straightforward to install and come in an inexpensive price range. The overlap pool liners are utterly suitable for people who want quick and easy installation at a lower budget.

The process to install involves the following easy steps.

1. Open and spread it in the center of the pool

2. Stretch it out to the pool wall's top

3. Securely clip them with the help of the coping strips and you are done

After following these steps, you will see that the liner will hang/overlap outside the pool's edges or walls. Wonder where it gets its name from? You can leave the liner like that or trim it as you wish.

Beaded Pool Liners

The beaded pool liners are also easy to install. These liners create a bump like shape on edge upon installation. You need to snap the liner in place to fix it. The beaded pool liners are available in different types as

1. J-Hook/V-Bead

As the name suggests, it has a hook on top that connects it to the top of the pool securely. You won't need a track or channel system with this.

2. EZ-Bead

It is similar to the J-hook variant, but it can connect to a standard bead channel to attain extra security.

3. Universal bead

This liner also has a J-hook and a beaded section below it. So, you have both the choices of using a J-hook or cutting off the top strip.

Things to deem about while selecting an appropriate Above Ground Pool Liners

Type of Pool

First thing first. You need to buy above ground pool liners that fit the type and size of your pool. These liners are usually 48, 52, or 54 inches high. You need to purchase the right size according to your pool. It will be problematic if you buy too large or too small.

Thickness is also a crucial factor to consider in terms of the pool. The thickness level should go along with the pool. 20 gauge is the most recommended and standard thickness size.

Colors

The choice of your liner color decides the color of the whole pool. However, along with this, there are more factors that affect the color of your pool. One such factor is the sky. The water of your pool will reflect the sky's color, just like how the sea does and appears to be blue instead of sandy brown.

If you want the dark beachy effect to appear on your pool, you can get it in the easiest way with dark blue liners scattered all over the pattern line up. A dark liner will absorb more sunlight making the pool warmer. Light liners will regulate a soothing temperature and have less UV damage.

The surroundings of the pool also play a role in the final color of the pool. Bright and sunny days will have the same impact on your pool, while cloudy days will make your pool appear dark. If there are many trees and buildings around your pool whose shadows lie on the pool, then again, chances are your pool will appear to be darker.

So you need to consider all these things and factors in mind to determine the color of your pool.

Patterns

There is a large variety of liner patterns available with any color you choose. Some designs will give you the beachy effect, while some will simply mimic the flow and surroundings. Some patterns display underwater fishes as well. Needless to say, the variety is overwhelming.

You need to choose your style and decide what kind of pattern you want in the pool. Once you have selected that, you will be able to cut down a lot of pattern options and narrow the varieties in terms of suitability and therefore decide quickly.

You can make a purchase accordingly once you are finished with the pattern hunt for your pool, along with the other significant factors to consider.

Durability

Durability is one of the most critical factors to consider. People look for durability in any product they purchase, and the same goes for above ground pool liners.

If you don't look after durability, then you may end up purchasing the same product again or getting it repaired frequently, which means wasting your money and time.

You may look for the thickness of the liner for testing the durability. However, it should be perfectly balanced. A very thick liner can be the reason for extra troubles, especially when trying to install it. Moreover, it is difficult to erase the wrinkles from a thick liner.

If you fail to install the liner properly, then it may not perform its functions as efficiently as it should. So, a pool liner should be thick in a perfect ratio such that it remains easy to install and can perform all the functions efficiently along with more extended durability.

You can use two measurement scales, mil, and gauge, to determine the thickness of the pool liner and whether it will be suitable or not. There are more elements that can help in the durability a little, but not as much as the perfectly balanced thickness.

Liner Pad

The pool liner sits on top of the liner pad that goes under or over the coving. These liner pads are essential as they prevent punctures and other damages from happening with the pool liner. These liner pads are usually available in two materials. They are as follows :

1. Foam Liner Pad

Foam pads are the best for protection against heat. They also make the pool floor smooth and comfortable to walk on. They are quite easy to install as they come in rolled strips.

2. Geotextile Liner Pad

The geotextile liner pads are usually made with durable polyester material. They worked wonders in preventing bumps, mildew-causing moisture, and nutgrass growth. You can easily trim them to make them fit in your pool. Moreover, they, too, are somewhat easy to install.

Surface Texture

Surface texture is another crucial component to consider when purchasing the above ground pool liners. The best looking pool liners can sometimes give a betrayal in terms of surface texture.

You may think that purchasing one with a very smooth surface will be the best option. But actually, it is not as you will be slipping all the time with such kind of surface texture, and that will ruin your mood.

Therefore you have to get a pool liner with a perfectly balanced surface texture in terms of smoothness and grip at the same time. Your feet must feel comfortable while walking on the surface texture and so it should be smooth. But not so smooth that you keep slipping on it constantly, and here comes the role of grip.

If you are purchasing the product online, then make sure to go through the reviews and check the suitability of the surface texture.

Material Used

The material plays a significant role, especially in terms of durability. If you end up purchasing a pool liner with lousy material-type, then you will probably have to encounter cracks and leakages soon and get repairs done frequently.

Since the job of the pool liners is basically to prevent leakage and dirt injections, they have to be of the most standard quality of the material. If you are high on a budget, then you can consider purchasing a virgin vinyl as it is very high quality and extremely durable, but a little expensive. It is made with brand new and fresh plastic and is excellent in terms of strength.

If the budget is a little bit of an issue, then try purchasing a pool liner with simple vinyl material as those too are very useful, efficient, and less expensive. Such material-type can also last for a long time.

Design

Design is what pleases the eyes and is, therefore, extremely important. You can personalize and design your pool in whatever way you want. There are so many options available for the design that it can be confusing yet entertaining.

Some pool fish liners have fish prints and designs. From dolphins to sharks, everything is available to enjoy and adventure. The choice for designers, in the end, is yours, and you need to plan or work it out.

You have to decide whether you want simple, plain, and calming design or a funky, energetic design for your pool. Once you are done with making a decision for this, you can easily cut down many options. So then you have some designs left for the final decision to make and choose one design for your pool. Remember that after making a purchase, you cannot go back, so choose wisely.

Thickness

As we have already discussed, the thickness is a crucial element for the durability of the above ground pool liners. Along with the pool liner's material, thickness, too, plays an essential role in deciding whether the liner is worth it.

In most numbers of cases, it is recommended to purchase a pool liner with a thickness of 20 to 25 gauge. Anything less than that can be too weak and problematic with leakages and holes, and the need for frequent repairs may arise in such a case.

Thickness more than that can also again be problematic, especially when it comes to installation. Getting wrinkles out from a very thick pool liner is an annoying and challenging task.

Make the correct decision when purchasing the pool liner in terms of the thickness, or else you may not end up with a promising product.

Warranty

It is always excellent and preferable to have a warranty with the purchase you are making. It assures security. In case the product you have purchased does not come out to be as suitable as you thought it would, you can quickly return or replace it with the help of a warranty.

On the other hand, if you don't have a warranty, you probably will have to deal with that product and waste your money. So, you need to finalize a product that comes with a guarantee to work things out efficiently if anything goes wrong.

Sidewall height

Sidewall height is necessary to consider, or else there are chances that the product purchased may not be the perfect fit for your pool. Most of the liners are made for a sidewall height between 48 to 52 inches. However, there are chances for it to differ.

The product you are deciding to purchase must have enough lines to cover the pool and the side walls. And also, after covering the pool and the sidewall, there should be enough liner left for overlapping or trimming.

Any miscalculations regarding the sidewall height can lead to problematic situations that one does not want to deal with. So, keep the sidewall height and its preferences when selecting an above ground pool liner.

Price

Price is a critical factor that is considered every time anyone makes a purchase. The cost of the above ground pool liners must fit your budget. Most of the pool liners are inexpensive and easily affordable, so chances are less for you to have a problem with that.

However, it is still better to first finalize a budget for yourself and then work accordingly to it. After all, it will be a waste of time to search and select a product and then find out that it is not suitable for your pocket. Therefore, planning is vital, along with the other factors and elements of purchasing the most appropriate and durable pool liner.

Difficulty in installation

Everyone wants their work or things to get done quickly. Nobody wants to continuously work on something for a long, long time when they can have an easy alternative.

Which brings us back to the point of easy installation with pool liners. Most of the pool liners are easy to install and don't require much time and effort. The overlap style liners tend to be a little more complicated than the other types. This is because it needs to be done cautiously as one move goes wrong and you have to do the work again.

Beaded style of liners is the easiest to install. All you have to do is snap them in the right place, and all your major work will be done. In the end, the choice is yours.

How To Install An Above Ground Pool Liner

Installing an above ground pool liner can sometimes be a little time consuming but not painful. All you have to do is follow some fundamental and simple steps. There are different kinds of above ground pool liners, and all of them have some slightly different processes for installation. However, some of the necessary steps that you will have to follow are as follows :

1. Arrange the required materials

The first thing that you will need to do this to prepare all the materials required for installation. These materials include :

1. New pool liner
2. Liner pad,
3. Screwdriver
4. Push broom
5. Adjustable Pliers
6. Utility knife
7. Tamper
8. Rubber mallet
9. Duct tape,
10. Shop-Vac & Gaskets

2. Get rid of the old liner

After arranging the materials, you are ready to start the real work. The first thing you will need to do is remove the old liner. You can do this with the help of the utility knife easily. Make sure to properly remove the liner pads and coving as well. You can follow up with the next step once you are done removing the old liner.

3. Attach the Shop-Vac

The next step is to attach the Shop-Vac. You will have to put the vacuum hose into the skimmer opening until it is above 6 inches from the ground. Then you will have to secure the horse and seal the opening with the help of duct tape. You can then add the sand bedding if you want to

4. Install liner pad

The next step is to carefully install the liner pad. Make sure to wear socks when doing this, or else you may damage the liner pad.

5. Coving

After you are done with the liner pad, make sure to paste and seal the coving carefully so that there are no gaps in between.

6. Unfolding

Put the liner in the center of the pool and then unfold it and pull it towards the coving.

7. Finalize

Remove the top rail so that you can set the liner. Make sure that you remove the strip of the old liner underneath the rail. Once you are done with it, make sure it is appropriately placed and hanging well. You can start the water once it is smooth.

FAQs

1. What are the steps to clean a pool liner?

Cleaning a pool liner requires a few steps to do it efficiently. Some of them are given below:

1. Start by scrubbing the liners thoroughly so that all the dirt wears off.

2. Further, use a vacuum to gather all the debris from the water.

3. Perform two things: balancing the water chemicals and shocking the water

4. Start the pool filters and let them run for long hours.

2. What is the right time for pool liner replacement?

Pool liners last anywhere between 5 to 10 years, depending upon their brand and quality. It is better to replace them beforehand to prevent any damage before.

3. How can I make the pool liners to last for a long time?

There are mainly two things that you need to take care of: the amount of chlorine to balance it and the optimum level of water in the pool.

4. How can I fix a leak in the pool liners?

You just need to purchase a pool liner repair kit, and in just some easy steps, you can fix the crack without any hassle.

Final Verdict

To maintain a longer structure integrity of your fantastic pool, you need to invest in proper liners. With all the information in your hand, all you need is to select the best option according to your needs.

Go through the presented pointers in the guide and select an ultimate product for yourself.