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  2. Above Ground Liners: Buyer's Guide & FAQ

ABOVE GROUND LINERS: BUYER’S GUIDE & FAQ

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How do I know if I need a new liner? [open]
Eventually a patch won’t cut it, and you’ll need to purchase a new liner. The sun’s UV rays damage your liner over time and the chemicals you pour in your pool will slowly cause cracking and tearing, making the liner brittle and weak. Expansion and contraction while damage your liner due to the seasons naturally changing, this creates the oppportunities for leaks to appear. Above all, old age weighs on your liner. Fading and staining happen naturally over time due to the liner's exposure to the sun and harsh elements, so you may want a new liner that makes your eyes pop a lot more than your old one.

If all these factors have come together and you can’t just put a patch on it, it’s time to get a new liner. [Shop All Above Ground Liners]
How should I measure my pool for the best results? [open]
It’s important to measure carefully to ensure you get the right sized liner. To measure the height, you’ll want to measure from the bottom of the top rail to the bottom. You’ll also need to measure the length and width from the inside of the pool.

We recommend measuring everything twice to double check. [Shop All Above Ground Liners]
How do I tell what type of liner I need? [open]
You’ll need to look under your pool’s rail or coping to determine what type of liner you have. If it hangs over the wall and outside of the pool, you have an overlap liner. If you have a standard bead liner, you’ll notice a pre-existing track that the liner is snapped into. And if you have a J-hook liner, there will be a hook slid over the top of the wall. [Shop All Above Ground Liners]
Does it matter what color or pattern I pick? [open]
Liners come in many different styles, plenty of colors and patterns to choose from in order to create a perfect oasis. Overall it comes down to personal preference. Darker liners will attract more heat than lighter liners but they will fade more over time from sun and chlorine. A swirling pattern has its own set of benefits such as masking dirt better. [Shop All Above Ground Liners]
Can I patch or repair my liner? [open]
Patch Kits are easy to use and can make a strong repair to last for years to come. However, patching a leak doesn't always solve the problem and is seen as a temporary solution. The hardest challenge is finding the leak, prepping and preparing the patch and the area. First you must clean the area that you are patching, then cut the patch into a cirle or oval while using an ample amount of glue on the patching material. Make sure to apply pressure while placing the patch to ensure it holds. The longevity of the patch can range from days to several years depending on how severe the leak is and how well you prepare. [Shop All Patch Kits]

ABOVE GROUND LINERS

A well-structured, properly-positioned vinyl liner is one of the most important things for your pool. With different attachment methods, different gauges and different patterns, there’s a lot to think about in picking the right one.

There are several different ways liners attach to the pool structure: overlap, beaded, J-hook and several brand specific types. While some types are versatile, it’s important you get the right type for your pool. Nothing’s worse than ordering the wrong liner and being unable to use it.
Overlap Liners [open]
Overlap Liners fold over your pool’s wall and the rails are clipped on top. The liners are then clipped in place with coping strips. While they can be difficult to install, they’re typically the most economical option. [Shop All Overlap Liners]
Beaded Liners [open]
These standard bead liners are designed with a bead track, like a bump running around the top edge. This is snapped into place with a bead track running along the top of your pool wall. [Shop All Beaded Liners]

Here is an example of what a Standard Bead looks like:

J-Hook Liners [open]
Easier to install, J-hook liners have a thick rubber fold running along the top. To install, the fold is slipped over the top edge of the pool wall and the top rails are installed over it. No coping strips are required. [Shop All J-hook Liners]

Here is an example of what a J-Hook looks like:

UniBead Liners [open]
Unibead liners can be installed universally. It can be installed in many different styles such as a J-hook or beadeed liner.

Duo-bead liners and EZ-bead liners also operate in this same way. [Shop All Unibead Liners]

Here is an example of what UniBeads look like:

Kayak® Liners [open]
Kayak® Pools require a special type of liner. Kayak® Pools’ bead receivers look and work similar to standard bead receivers but has been modified to fit only Kayak® Pools.

Here is an example of what Kayak® Beads look like:


[Shop All Replacement Liners for Kayak® Pools]
Esther-Williams Liners [open]
These specially designed liners are made of thicker and larger beads than those found in the standard bead receiver. Due to the uniqueness of the design, be sure to get this style if you have an Ester-Williams or Johnny Weissmuller pool.

Here is an example of what Esther-Williams Beads look like:


[Shop All Esther-Williams Liners]
Wilkes Liners [open]
Wilkes brand pools have their own style of liner that is meant to fit with only these pools. In some ways, this liner looks like a J-hook-style liner but is much smaller. Because of this difference, Wilkes pools require this unique liner style.

Here is an example of what Wilkes Beads look like:

Liner Gauge [open]
You’ll want to consider the thickness — or gauge. While all liners are made of vinyl, they have different thicknesses. The higher the gauge, the thicker it will be. Durability also depends on the gauge as well; you may want to go with the thickest liner, however it will be much more expensive. It’s best to pick the thickest gauge that fits within your budget. [Shop All Above Ground Liners]
More Questions?
If you’re still unsure of what liner to pick or have more questions, call our in-house pool experts at 1-800-356-3025.

WE RECOMMEND ABOVE GROUND LINERS
FROM SMARTLINE®

Liners is what SmartLine® does best. Experience the high-quality vinyl for yourself. With a SmartLine® Liner, you’ll get:
  • A variety of fun and unique patterns
  • Different gauges and qualities to fit every budget
  • To select the right attachment style for your pool
  • High quality vinyl that’s resistant to abrasion, chemicals and fading from the sun
  • Warranties to promise your liner will last for decades

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