Step 1) Measuring Your Above Ground Swimming Pool
Measure twice, order once! With our simple measuring guide it is easy to measure your pool, but always remember to double check your measurements for the perfect fit.
Measuring a Round Pool Liner
If you have a round above ground pool, measure the diameter straight across the center of the pool from a couple of different spots, inside the top of the pool liner wall to inside the top of the opposite wall. Sometimes above ground pools shift slightly (becoming less round in spots), so taking the average of 2 or 3 diameter measurements is the best way to be accurate.
Measuring an Oval Pool Liner
If your above ground pool is oval, you will want to measure the length from end to end at the center of the pool, and the width in 2 or 3 spots. Then, take the average width from your measurements. Again, measure from one inside wall to the other inside wall for length and width to get the correct measurement.
Measuring a Rectangular Pool Liner
If your above ground pool is rectangular, measure the length and width and be sure to note what type of corners your pool has. Some rectangular pools have square corners, some pools have diagonal corners and some have rounded corners. If you are ordering a stock rectangular pool liner, those will have with 90 degree (square) corners.
Measuring Your Pool Wall
When you measure the height of your pool wall, measure from outside the pool (not inside the pool), from the bottom rail to just under the top rail to ensure the most accurate pool wall height. Measuring from outside the pool ensures that sand or pool cove on the inside will not throw off your measurement.
Above ground pools typically have 48 inch, 52 inch or 54 inch high walls.
Step 2) Identifying Your Above Ground Pool Liners Bead Type
Before you can order a new pool liner for your above ground pool you must first determine the type of liner you already have. To do this you'll need to look under the top rail or pool coping which surrounds the perimeter of your pool. If you can't get a good look under the top rail or pool coping you may need to remove it.
Vinyl pool coping is usually screwed into your pool wall. Find and remove the screws in a small section so you can pry up the coping and look underneath to determine your type of liner. Be careful doing this. Most pools have a 6-8" shelf at the top of the pool wall that might be fragile.
Once you have exposed the top rail/coping then you'll need to take a look at how the liner is attached to the pool wall. The way it is attached will determine whether you have an overlap, beaded or U/J bead liner.
Above Ground Overlap Pool Liners
What is an Above Ground Overlap Pool Liner?
Above ground overlap liners are pulled over the wall and rolled up on the exterior side of the pool. This style of liner will normally have a round or flat plastic coping that snaps over top of the liner to keep it in place. Above ground overlap liners are the most prevalent type and are the least expensive.
How to Determine if You Have an Overlap Pool Liner
In a pool with an overlap liner the liner will hang over the outside of the pool. Carefully look under the top rail/pool coping. Is any of the liner visible on the outer-side of the pool? If so, you have an overlap liner. If you still aren't sure look for plastic pool coping strips which are used to hold the liner in place.
Above Ground Beaded Pool Liners
What is an Above Ground Beaded Pool Liner?
The most popular type of above ground beaded liner is known as the "Standard Bead or Snap Bead" which tucks / snaps into a coping that is fastened over the pool wall. The required coping is called a Bead Retainer. This liner bead is designed for customers who are building decks around their pool and will not be able to dismantle the pool to change the liner in the future. Above ground beaded liners provide a clean finished look as they are not visible from the exterior of the pool.
How to Determine if You Have a Beaded Pool Liner
In a pool with a beaded liner you will notice a pre-existing track on the pool wall which the pool liner fits into. In most cases you do not need to remove the top rail to see this track. Once you have identified the track you should confirm that the beaded liner is inserted into the track and doesn't go over the wall. If the liner goes over the pool wall then you're dealing with an overlap liner.
Above Ground U / J Hook (or U/ J Bead) Pool Liners
What is an Above Ground U/J Hook Pool Liner?
A U/J style above ground liner fits over top of the wall's edge directly (like an upside down letter "U" or "J"). Many of the U / J liners we carry are a universal bead that will work on either standard bead applications or U/J bead applications.
How to Determine if You Have a U/J Style Above Ground Pool Liner
Take a look at your pool wall. If you have a U/J liner bead it will look like a hook that slides over the pool wall, not a track. The hook allows the liner to hang from the pool wall.