ABOVE GROND POOL LINERS
There are basically 4 main types of swimming pool liner which are in common use and knowing which type you have is a good idea before you start looking to purchase a replacement! The guide below is to help you make the right choice:
Overlap liners:
This kind of pool liner ranges from 15 to 30 gauge vinyl, the thicker the vinyl the more durable against ware and tear it willl be, also better for degridation by the sun. The vinyl can be plain or varied in design.The liner simply goes up the pool wall and over the top edge, hanging down the outside. Plastic coping strips are used to fasten the liner in place, but be sure to purchase enough coping strips for the size of your pool. An overlap pool liner can be used in any swimming pool as an economical substitute for a beaded or unibead style pool liner.
Beaded Liners:
This kind of pool liner differs from others by it’s method of attachment. These liners simply snap into a track at the top of the wall using the welt or bead that runs along the liners entire edge. The track runs continuosly along the top of the pool wall. Liners are usually 25 gauge vinyl and can be very decorative. The fact that you generally do not have to disassemble the top half of the pool to change the liner, makes them easier to install. This type of liner works very well in situations where a large deck is built around the pool.
J hook Liners:
The J-Hook liner is a very unique pool liner and will fit any common above ground pool. The liner can be hung over the wall like an overlap, or it can be used as a beaded liner. This style liner is always 25 gauge vinyl and always decorative. The unibead liner also comes in various pool wall heights, and when using this pool liner as an overlap liner, you only hang the J, or about an inch of vinyl over the pool wall and finish the install as normal. There is no guess work here. These liners are made for a given pool wall height. If this liner is to be installed as a beaded liner, you simply tear along the dotted line at the top of the pool liner, and remove the inch or so of vinyl that is no longer needed. Now its a beaded liner, and ready to install that way. If installing this liner beaded style, but in an overlap pool, be sure to have enough bead receiver on hand to make the conversion.
Expandable Liners:
The expandable pool liner is a stretchable vinyl made to accomodate a hopper in certain above ground pools. nothing more than a very tall pool liner. This style pool liner will allow for an extra 2-3 feet of water depth. This is most common on round above swimming pools. Expandable liners can only be installed in oval pools that have no buttress straps that run across the middle. Pools with straps cannot be dug out in the middle. Unless you are a professional pool installer, expect wrinkles or folds in the pool liner after installation.
