What's an above ground pool without a pool liner? Designed to create a sealed pool structure to hold water, an above ground pool liner is also responsible for giving your pool it's identity. The best above ground pool liners don't only boast refreshing colors and designs, but also provide maximum durability to keep water in and prevent damage to your pool structure.
There are lots of different kinds of pool liners on the market, and they all cater to unique standards and preferences. Breathing new life into above ground pools, liners don't only protect the structure but also give a fresh new look to any above ground pool.
Different Types of Pool Liners
First things first, there are several different types of above ground pool liners, categorized based on how they affix to your pool walls. All of these types bring something unique to the table, and depending on your preferences, some of them might be a better choice than others.
Overlap Pool Liners
As the name suggests, an overlap above ground pool liner attaches to your pool wall by simply draping it over the structure, securing with coping strips, and then adding a pool top rail. The coping strips and top rail are what holds and locks it in place. Overlap liners are the cheapest on the market and often the best choice if you don't want to spend on conversion kits.
We recommend these Clip Liner Coping Strips by Nu Cobalt.
Beaded Pool Liners
A beaded liner is essentially a liner that's fitted with a bunch of beads along the edge. These beads snap into a bead receiver or track that runs around the inner edge of the pool’s wall. Because they’re easy to snap into place and to remove, beaded liners make a great choice for pool owners who want to be able to make replacements with ease. If your pool uses a standard overlap pool design, you can get a conversion kit to fit a beaded pool liner instead.
Unibead/J-Hook Pool Liners
Also called EZ-bead pool liners, this design comes with an attached J-hook hardware that lets you hang the liner against the edge of your wall. But what makes them particularly versatile is the fact that you can remove the J-hook hardware which reveals a beaded edge. This can then be attached to a track on your wall just like a beaded liner.
How to Measure an Above Ground Pool Liner
So, how exactly can you make sure that you're buying the best pool liner that's the right size for your above ground pool? Well, all you really need is a pen, some paper, and measuring tape. If you've got good memory, then you could probably ditch the pen and paper all together.
First, measure the height of your above ground pool walls. Start off from the bottom rail up to the top, and make sure there aren't any rocks or obstacles where you place your tape to guarantee an accurate reading. You might also want to measure the height along the opposite side of the pool for better accuracy. If you find that your height measurement doesn't match an exact vinyl liner size, round it off.
Round Pools
Now, if you've got a round pool, measure the diameter of your pool at two random points. If they're not exactly the same, then you should opt to write down the larger measurement to give your pool liner some allowance.
Oval Pools
Measure first from the round end to the opposite round end. This should be the longer measurement, and will labeled as 'length'. Then, take the measurement of your pool from the straight side to the opposite straight side, which should then be labeled your 'width'. Again, if you're not getting an exact pool liner size, then feel free to round off your measurement.
Rectangular Pools
Take the length and width, making sure to measure twice from random points in your above ground pool. Because pool corners tend to differ (with some being straight and others rounded) it's important that you take the time to note that detail so you can buy a pool liner that will match your corners.
Installation Tips for Swimming Pool Liners
Getting ready to install that fresh, new above ground pool liner? Before you get started, make sure you consider these tips to guarantee seamless installation and a perfect fit to protect your pool's integrity and extend the life of your vinyl pool liner.
Add a Pool Mat
A pool mat goes underneath your vinyl liner and protects the vinyl from a variety of potential damages. With time, the ground underneath your pool could easily grow weeds, and constant disruption to the dirt by footsteps on the liner itself could unearth rocks and other debris. If your above ground pool is on concrete, then constant walking could cause friction, wear, and tear on the underside of your pool liner.
This added layer of protection gives your above ground pool liner a softer, gentler surface to rest on, preventing any puncture damage from debris, overgrowth, and rocks underfoot. A pool mat could also eliminate the need for buying too thick a pool liner which ,in effect, could streamline the installation process.
Consider a Cove
If you've ever taken the time to notice, an in-ground pool's edges where the pool wall and floors meet aren't a harsh angle. Instead, there's a gentle slope that makes it easier to clean the pool all together. You can mimic the same effect in your above ground pool by using coving. Made from foam material, coving sits at bottom of your above ground pool, against the edge where the pool wall and floors meet.
Are they necessary? Well, not exactly. But they do play a role in protecting above ground pool liners by preventing stretching and warping. They also prevent the vinyl from wedging into the ground underneath your pool walls.
We found the Gladon Peel and Stick Above Ground Pool Coves very handy!
Roll From the Inside Out
A tendency that people have when installing above ground pool liners is to match the edges first and then roll the liner out. While that might seem convenient, this almost always results to a poor fit. So to prevent that, it's always best to lay your pool liner at the approximate center of your pool and then roll it out.
As you unfurl the vinyl, secure the edges to one side of the structure, and then instead of working your way around, proceed to the direct opposite side. This should help maintain the liner in the center as opposed to inadvertently tugging it closer to one end of your pool, leaving little material to work with once you reach the opposite end.
How to Choose the Best Above Ground Pool Liner
You’d be surprised just how many different pool liner designs there are on the market. Needless to say, not all of them will match exactly what you’re looking for. So if you want to be sure you’re buying the best above ground pool liner that’s right on the money, you might want to take some time to consider these points.
Type
Which pool liner type do you think would work best for you? Keep in mind that they all provide lasting performance, so your main consideration would be which one you think would best suit your specific preferences. The overlap pool liners are great for those who are trying to work with a limited budget, but they’re also harder to install than others.
J-hook/unibead above ground pool liners provide the greatest versatility, giving you double the options depending on what you might find to be the easiest way to install a liner. And then of course, there are the beaded pool liners that require the least effort for installation and replacement versus any other pool liner type.
Thickness
The best above ground pool liner should be just the right thickness for your needs, but that doesn't mean thicker is always best. Thickness is measured in mil (which is a thousandth of an inch) or by gauge depending on the manufacturer. It’s important to keep in mind though that ‘gauge’ in general isn’t a standardized measure and is more of an estimate of thickness than anything else. Often, gauge is a direct conversion of mil, so a 25 gauge virgin vinyl liner for a pool is essentially 25 mil, but some manufacturers might actually use 22 or 23 mil.
If you want to be sure you’re getting the right thickness, you should look for liners for above ground pools with measurements in mil. On average, pool liners come in either 20 or 25 mil. If you’ve already got a pool pad in place, then you might be able to get sufficient protection from a 20 mil pool liner.
One thing about thicker pool liners however is that installation could be much more difficult. Poor installation, bad draping, and poor fit could all impact the integrity of your swimming pool. So in essence, you shouldn't really buy a pool liner that's too thick if you can't guarantee that you can install it properly. If you've got a pool mat, then a lighter overlap liner that's easy to install might not be a bad idea.
Texture
An above ground pool replacement liner can come with a variety of textures that just make them more pleasant to walk on. A slight roughness can also increase traction and prevent guests from slipping underfoot, which can be especially important if you’re expecting little kids and older adults to take part in the summer fun.
When considering textures however, it’s important to think about grime build-up over the long haul. While a slight texture might be more pleasant to walk on, there’s the issue of maintenance. Heavy textures and deep grooves can become a hiding place for deep-seated dirt and bacteria which can make the cleaning process just that much more tedious.
Color and Design
There’s really no limit to the variety of colors and designs for pool liners. Some of them come in just a basic, solid color (oftentimes blue) to give your pool that authentic oasis aesthetic. There are others that come with patterns that mimic tiles and built-in pool flooring. And then of course, there are much more whimsical designs that incorporate colorful fish, and sometimes even fantasy creatures like mermaids. The sky’s the limit, really.
One thing about color however is that some shades tend to age better than others. If you’re concerned about fading due to UV damage, lighter colors might be a better choice. Darker pool liners are also more likely to absorb heat from the sun, making them more effective at maintaining warm pool temperatures.
Finally, consider visibility. Fallen objects and debris are harder to see against a dark pool liner which may work against you if you accidentally drop small items in your pool. Then again, a lighter pool liner will highlight filth and dirt, which may necessitate more frequent cleaning to keep your pool looking fresh.
Warranty and Durability
A warranty is basically a testament of a company’s confidence in their products. A longer warranty just indicates that a brand trusts in their design that much that they’re sure it won’t cave in to wear and tear too soon.
In general, the best above ground pool liner should have at least a few decades of warranty coverage to guarantee you’re getting something that’s not going to need a replacement anytime in the foreseeable future. On average, manufacturers offer a warranty between 10 years to 20 years with their pool liners, but the best above ground pool liners can offer much more than that.
That said, it’s equally important that you consider how durable your chosen pool liner is. Thick, vinyl material should resist puncture damage and thinning even with constant use and foot traffic. Double-welded seams also add an extra layer of durability.
This could wreak major damage on your pool hardware, causing all sorts of problems like mold, mildew, rust, and corrosion. Not to mention expensive repairs and cleaning that could put your pool into a temporary hiatus.
The 5 Best Above Ground Pool Liners
1. Swimline Oval Grand Tile Unibead Liner
Working as either a beaded liner or an overlap liner, the Swimline Oval Grand Tile Unibead Liner is often considered one of the best above ground pool liners because it's easy to install. The economical choice uses top quality virgin vinyl for durable, reliable performance that can withstand harsh weather and conditions. It's also loaded with UV-inhibitors that work to prevent sun exposure damage so you can enjoy the same, bright blue colors season after season.
Complete with a faux tile border print and deep blue water patterns, this liner adds a touch of decorative appeal and sophistication to any above ground swimming pool. And if that hasn't got you decided just yet, it's important to note that the above ground pool liner comes with a whopping 25-year warranty to cover any defects and manufacturing damages.
2. Swimline Round Blue Overlap Liner Standard Gauge
This above ground pool liner from Swimline is a perfect choice for pool owners who want a no-frills solution that doesn't sacrifice quality or durability. The 24 ft pool liner features the brand's standard gauge thickness, which is roughly around 20 mil. It comes in a number of sizes for round above ground swimming pools, and features a basic blue color that's particularly effective against fading and UV-damage.
Constructed with strong, double-welded seams, this reliable pool liner promises to keep its shape and stay intact even with constant tugging and pulling. And because it comes with a 15 year warranty, you can be sure to enjoy this pool liner's performance for many years to come.
3. SmartLine Waves of Poseidon Round Overlap Liner
The beautiful patterns and faux tile prints on the SmartLine Waves of Poseidon Round Liner have made it a hit among pool owners who want something a little more sophisticated. The deep blue colors and flecks of white create a refreshing pool aesthetic that can make anyone just want to jump right in. But aside from its looks, this pool liner touts durable virgin vinyl material that promises lasting performance even in cold, harsh weather.
Its deep, dark blue colors make it ideal for pools installed in locales with slightly cooler weather even during the summer, since the dark shades are known to magnetize and retain heat. Made from a durable 20-gauge material that's easy to install, this SmartLine Round Overlap Liner promises to provide excellent performance throughout the duration of its 20 year warranty.
4. SmartLine Solid Blue Round Overlap Liner
If you're looking for something that's a little better suited for harsh heat and strong winds and rain, then the SmartLine Solid Blue Round Liner might be what you're looking for. With a whopping 30 gauge thickness (also available in 25 gauge and 20 gauge ratings), this above ground pool liner is one of the heaviest on the market, putting it among the best quality above ground pool liners that might be exposed to harsh weather conditions a little more often.
The virgin vinyl base comes in a refreshing solid blue color that makes it easier to spot debris and small items that you might accidentally drop in the pool. It also comes complete with a UV-treated layer that minimizes the fading and discoloration caused by exposure to direct sunlight. And of course, since it is a 30 gauge material, it comes with an impressive 30 year warranty to give you that added bit of buyer confidence.
5. Swimline Oval Boulder Swirl Overlap Liner
Giving your pool a more organic, natural look, this above ground pool liner from Swimline touts a modest rocky print in a deep blue color. The design uses ultra durable, premium quality, 100% virgin vinyl that's double-welded for added durability. This prevents the material from ripping at the seams even with the constant weight of your pool water pulling it against your pool walls.
Complete with a 25-year warranty, this 25 gauge liner was designed with cold weather in mind. So aside from keeping your pool a little warmer thanks to its deep blue shade, the material also works to withstand harsh weather conditions perfect if you're looking for something to make winter-proofing a little easier.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. Can you use an overlap liner on a beaded pool?
Yes, you can. All you need to do is wrap the liner over the wall and secure with coping. There's no need to remove the bead rack from the wall.
2. How to tell what type of pool liner you have?
Just take a look at how it's secured to the wall. If it hooks over, it's a J-hook. If the liner just rests on the wall with coping securing it in place, it's an overlap. If it has little beads that secure to a rack on the inner wall, then it's a beaded liner.
3. How long do above ground pool liners last?
It depends on a number of factors. In general though, you should expect no less than 10 years of functional performance. Once the liner starts to show signs of discoloration, fading, and significant wear and tear especially along the seams, then it might be time for a replacement.
Breathe New Life Into Your Pool
Whether you're looking to give your swimming pool a brand new look and feel, or if you simply want to replace that old, tired liner, these picks might be exactly what you're looking for. Designed with durability and reliability in mind, these are the best above ground pool liners you'll find on the market today - bar none. So make sure you check them out and keep these tips in mind when you find yourself in need of a pool liner replacement to ensure seamless installation and decades of effortless maintenance.
