Selecting an Above Ground Pool Liner

Choosing a pool liner?

Life is full of simple truths. For example, you can’t drive without tires and you can’t swim without pool liners.  Here’s the good news: choosing a liner to keep the water in your pool is much easier than paying a visit to the local tire store.  Selecting the right liner can help protect your pool for years to come and, with proper chemical balance and routine maintenance, will bring added durability to your investment.

 Types of liners

• Overlap - the most affordable and easiest to attach, overlap liners do what the name suggests: overlap the side of pool and then attach, via coping strips, to the side of the pool. 
• Beaded - considered by many to be the easiest to replace, beaded (or hung) liners simply snap evenly into place and offer more styles to help accent your pool.
• Unibead - many feel the unibead liner offers the most versatility while combining the best features from the overlap and beaded styles.
• A variety of other solid options exist including hopper, expandable and rectangular. Be sure that your pool works with the liner you’re selecting.

What else should I consider?

Next, consider the thickness of the liner for your specific needs. As a rule of thumb, the thicker the liner the longer it will last. Generally speaking, expect to pay a little more for a thicker liner. Have confidence knowing that a thicker liner will be more durable and should hold up for a longer period of time than a thinner liner. Also, a thicker liner will stand up to the sun’s UV rays better. 

Gauge vs. mil

When reviewing your choices, you will likely see liners offered in “gauge” or “mil” measures of thickness. Relax, these terms are nearly interchangeable in the industry and are simply models or measurement used by the various manufacturers of the liners.  The “gauge” form of measurement is used across multiple industries (think guns or metals) while “mil” is a more exact measurement standard of .001 inch. It is often said that above ground liners are shown in gauge while inground pool liners are described in mils. 

Finally, be sure to consider the warranty offered with the liner you select. Most liners will offer at least a ten year warranty, but consider warranties ranging from 15-30 years for additional peace of mind.

Checklist of things to consider when purchasing your liner

1. Be sure to understand what liner options are compatible with your pool
2. Select the liner that fits your needs
3. Select a thickness (gauge/mil) that will meet your demands
4. Consider the style you want as an accent or feature for your pool
5. Check the warranty to make sure you have confidence in your decision
6. Install
7. Have fun