How to Properly Measure Your Pool's Wall Height

As pool owners, knowing how to properly install a pool liner is an invaluable skill. Whether it's installing your liner on your brand new pool, or the inevitable day when a veteran pool owner must remove an old liner and replace it. We're always looking for ways to help fellow pool owners maximize their enjoyment of their pool, which includes being there for your questions! A question we've found that we get asked very frequently is how to properly measure a pool's wall height.

Above Ground Pools:

Above ground, pools provide some level of uniformity which makes for a little easier of a task. First things first, you must know your pools' diameter. For circle pools, you would measure straight across, from inside wall to inside wall and for oval pools, you will measure the length and width. Commonly, most above ground pools come with wall heights of 48", 52", or 54". To properly measure wall height you want to measure from the outside of the pool! Then, simply measure from the very bottom to the very top of the wall! We want to stress that knowing your pool is the best way to properly care for it. Does your above ground pool slope inwards towards the center, or from one end to another? Or maybe it doesn't slope at all? (These are important questions that you can talk through with our pool technicians and custom sales reps to find your perfect liner)

Inground Pools:

Inground pools lend themselves to more unique shapes and less conformity than above ground pools. That being said, don't fret about liner measurements. It'll require some attention to detail, but you got this! There's no doubt that an empty pool provides for easier measuring. Understandably so, however, you may not want to sacrifice swimming time to drain your pool that early in the process. With just a little extra legwork, you can accurately measure your inground pool depth without draining your pool. The easiest way to measure depth/height in a full swimming pool would be to use a plumb line. One can easily be crafted with string, a small weight, and a skimmer or vacuum pole. Cut a length of string that’s several feet longer than the deep end of your pool. Tie the weight to one end of the string, and tie the other end of the string to the pole. Hold the pole over the area you wish to measure and drop the weight into the water. Have a partner verify that the weight has sunken down and touched the pool floor. Have your partner exit the pool. With nothing in the pool other than the plumb line, have the partner pick the string up out of the water, noting where the string is wet from being submerged in the water. Measure the distance between the top of the wet portion of the string to the bottom of the weight. This distance you just measured is the height of your inground pool.(If you're looking for more info on measuring your whole pool, we do offer an in-depth how-to guide for inground pools, which you can check out here!)

Overview:

• Don't assume your pool is "Standard". Measure all necessary dimensions yourself to ensure you're purchasing the proper liner.
• Know your Pool! Take the time to not only measure your dimensions but to know slopes, slants, etc. of your individual pool!
• Don't do it alone. Measuring and installing a liner is easiest and most accurate when you have 2-4 people working on it. (Although it is possible to measure height by yourself)
• Always measure on a flat surface.
• Pay attention, take your time, and write stuff down! Take the extra couples seconds to organize your thoughts and measurements and believe us, you'll thank yourself later.