Above Ground Liner FAQs

1. What is the most economical choice for replacing my above ground liner?
Overlap liners are usually the most economical choice for above ground liner replacements. Overlap liners have a larger wall height and the liner is lifted and draped over the sides of the pool wall. The liner is secured by plastic coping. Because the liner is draped over the wall, it is more difficult to achieve a straight tile pattern. Solid blue or overall prints without a tile line are more popular with overlap liners because inconsistencies with draping are not as noticeable.

2. What is the difference in beaded liners versus j-hook liners?
Beaded liners are used with bead receiver. The bead of the liner tucks into the bead receiver strips. Typical bead receiver strips are four to five feet in length. The advantage of beaded liners is the easy installation and removal of the liner, because the bead receiver sits below the top seats and the top track and seats do not need to be removed for a replacement liner. J-hook liners are installed over the pool wall, eliminating the need for bead receiver. The bead of the liner is shaped like a hook and attaches over the wall of the pool. The advantage of j-hook liners is the positive seal that the liner bead creates around the pool wall. Bead receiver can gap; water can splash into that gap and down the wall between the liner and pool wall, causing damage. The positive seal eliminates any chance of splash damage. J-hook liners are also known as Uni-Bead, EZ-Bead, Duo-bead, among other names, but the concept of a liner that does not require bead receiver is the same.

3. What wall height liner should I order?
48”, 52”, and 54” refers to the actual wall of the pool. Liners are cut with a certain amount of shrink to accommodate approximately 2” packed sand foundation and 3” cove. If your sand foundation and cove is less or more than that approximation, mention to your dealer when ordering the liner to ensure the most optimal fit.

4. Standard beaded liners do not fit my pool, the bead is too small/too large. What special bead types do you offer?
Some brands of above ground pools have a special bead receiver and standard bead does not fit. Esther Williams / Delair, Wilkes, Johnny Weissmuller are some of the most widely known. If you suspect you have one of these brands or another unusual bead type, let your dealer know so he can measure and ensure you get the best fit on your new replacement liner.

5. Would an overlap 48”/52” liner fit my 54” wall?
No, overlap 48”/52” liners are not cut with enough wall material to be lifted and draped over the pool wall without excessive stretch.

6. My pool bowls slightly in the center. Will a flat bottom liner fit?
If your pool bowls slightly, 4-6” from your wall height, a flat bottom liner should fit with no problem of excessive stretching. If your pool bowls more than 6”, you should discuss further options with your dealer about the possibility of a custom cut liner.

7. My pool is not exactly 24’ Round, it’s just slightly less than that. Should I order a standard size liner?
Some brands of above ground pools made their pool sizes just slightly smaller or larger than the industry standard sizes. The best way to know you are purchasing the correct size liner is to also take a perimeter measurement of your pool. Just lay the tape along the pool wall around the bead track. Then you can calculate what the perimeter should be for those standard sizes and compare. If it’s within 4-6” of your measurement, you should be safe ordering the standard. If it isn’t, talk to your dealer about the possibility of a custom cut liner.

8. How should I prep my above ground pool before I replace the above ground liner?
Remove all the grass and roots within the pool area and 1 foot beyond. Grass and weeds can and will grow through the liner material and the damage is not covered by the warranty. After the surface has been leveled, spread a 2” layer of mason sand over the entire bottom area of the pool within the confines of the wall. This protects the liner from the metal edges of the pool. Rake out smoothly and hand tamp to pack the sand. Form a earthen mound or cove by compacting the mason sand around the inside perimeter of the pool area. Cover the screws on the wall joint with Duct Tape to protect the liner from being punctured.

9. What type of sand should I use to prep for my above ground liner installation? Are there other material options or is sand the only best method?
Mason sand is recommended. Beach or play sand is not recommended as it will not compact and will leave footprints. There are foam options on the market to line the walls and floor as well as foam cove that are also great options. Your dealer can help you decide which method is best for your application.