AG Pool Liner Guide

/ Above Ground Pool Liner, Vinyl Liner Pool

AG Pool Liner Guide

If your liner looks like a quilt with all the patches and quick fixes you've done over the years, it may be time for a new one. But how do you know if it's time for replacement? What kind should you get? Here's everything you need to know about above ground liners.

Hard Side vs. Soft Side

Soft-sided pools are comprised of one piece of material that acts as both a liner and the pool walls.

Hard-sided above ground pools feature liners, usually vinyl, and over time they can get damaged and faded. For the purposes of this blog, we'll be talking about hard-sided above ground pool liners.

What Contributes to Damage?

If you have several patches in your liner, and it's getting quite old, it's time to replace the liner. Here are some things that can contribute to damage.

The sun's ultraviolet (UV) rays can bleach your liner and dry out the portion of the liner above water level, making it brittle and weak.

Too much chlorine weakens the liner over time.

Lawn mower projectiles in particular can tear your liner.

Weather can be pretty harsh on your liner. Strong storms can send tree limbs and other debris flying at the pool, damaging your liner.

Liners get brittle over time. There's nothing you can do about that: liners just get old.

Heat and cold will expand and contract your vinyl, leading to leaks. Leaks can be patched, fortunately, but larger leaks can't always be repaired easily.

How to Choose a Liner

There are many styles to choose from, with the difference being the way they attach to your pool.

  • Overlap Liner: This folds over the pool wall, secured in place with coping strips.
  • Beaded Liner: Also known as snap bead and standard bead liners, these have a bump at the top edge, tucked into a track on the pool wall.
  • J-Hook Liner: This has a thick rubber fold that runs along the top edge.
  • Universal Bead: Shaped like a J-hook, just beaded.

How to Measure Durability

The thickness will give you an idea of durability. Extremely thick liners are tough to install and keep wrinkles out of.

Mil and gauge are the two units of measure referring to the thickness of vinyl liners.

Most liners measure 20 or 25 mil. Gauge isn't standardized in the swimming pool industry, so it's best to just check the mil measurement.

What are Liner Pads Made Of?

Liner pads are comprised of these two materials:

  • Foam Liner Pad: Good for retaining heat and ensuring a smooth, soft floor, these roll out in strips and are trimmed to fit precisely under the floor of the pool.
  • Geotextile Liner Pad: This is comprised of one sheet of polyester-based material, and is precut.

Determining Size

You'll need a tape measure and a note pad to determine the size of liner you will need. Measure twice to verify. For height, measure from the bottom rail to the top.

  • Round Pools: Measure straight across the top inside of the pool.
  • Oval Pools: Measure inside the pool from rounded end to rounded end for length, then from straight side to straight side for width.
  • Rectangular Pools: Measure from inside the pool walls.

Installing an AG Pool Liner

Drain your pool right before you're ready to install the new liner. You will need the following supplies:

  • Liner
  • Liner pad
  • Sand
  • Utility knife
  • Screwdriver
  • Broom
  • Tamper
  • Mallet
  • Shop-Vac
  • Duct tape
  • Gaskets

1. Remove Old Liner and Accessories

To stabilize the pool walls, leave the top rail intact, then remove the skimmer and return. Cut the liner a couple of inches below the top rail.

2. Attach the Shop-Vac

Place the vacuum hose into the skimmer until it's six inches above the ground, securing with duct tape.

3. Add Sand

Lay a three-inch bed across the inside of the pool. Level it with a broom and then use the tamper to pack it down.

4. Install the Liner Pad

Following the manufacturer's instructions, install the pad wearing only socks to prevent damage.

6. Unroll the Liner

Put the liner in the center, unfolding it as you work outward.

7. Remove the Top Rail

Remove the top rail one section at a time so the walls don't collapse.

8. Center and Hang

Make sure the liner is centered, then hang the liner.

9. Replace Coping and Top Track

Replace the coping if you have an overlap liner, then install the track while securing the plates.

10. Switch on the Shop-Vac

The vacuum will get rid of most liner wrinkles. Push the liner toward the edges as you work your way around.

11. Fill the Pool

While the water fills the pool, re-install the top rails and caps.

12. Remove the Shop-Vac

When there's a few inches of water, switch off the vacuum and take out the hose while removing all tape. Replace the skimmer and fittings when you have about a foot of water in there. Keep filling until it's done.

Balance Your Water

Your liner needs regular maintenance to live a long life. If you use too many harmful chemicals, the longevity of your liner will be compromised and won't keep your water clean and clear.

Cleaning Your Water

Here's what you will need to keep your liner clean:

  • Telescoping pole
  • Pool brush
  • Vacuum head
  • Water testing kit
  • Pool shock
  1. Brush

Attach the brush to the pole, then scrub the walls and floor.

  1. Vacuum

Vacuum out all the debris you just loosened.

  1. Balance the Water

Test the water and add chemicals as necessary.

4. Shock the Pool

5. Run the filter

Run the pump for at least a couple hours, or until the water runs clear.

Installing and maintaining your above ground pool liner takes a bit of work, but it's worth it in the end! Get in touch with Central Jersey Pools for any more advice or to schedule an appointment for installation. We can handle your liner install and maintenance any time.

 

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