Function

• Vinyl liners are used in above ground pools as the waterproof layer between the water and the walls of the pool. In-ground pools are generally sealed against moisture with plaster and do not require a liner, though vinyl liners may be used in in-ground pools as well.
  
  

Types

• Vinyl pool liners come in three varieties, determined by installation type: overlap vinyl liners, J-Hook liners also called Unibead (U-bead) and standard beaded liners. Beaded liners snap into a special channel at the top of the pool wall, called bead receivers. Overlap liners extend over the top of the pool wall and are secured using pool coping strips. J-hook type liners hook easily over the wall of Unibead or other bead receiver systems.
  
  

Features

• All liners are made of 20- to 25-guage vinyl and have double-welded seams. Beaded type liners often have decorative patterns around the top edge, where overlap styles do not.
  
  

Size

• Beaded liners are specific to the pool height, normally 48 inches or 52 inches. Liners can fit pools from 8 feet to 33 feet in size.
  
  

Famous Ties

• Famous swimmers Esther Williams and Johnny Weissmuller have above ground pool types named for them, and liners specially made to fit them.
  
  

Considrations

• Vinyl pool liners come in round, oval and rectangular to fit different shapes of above-ground pools. You can buy wedge material designed to lock beaded liners into their slot, instead of using homemade wedges like popsicle sticks or pennies.
  
  

Expert Insight

• Installation of vinyl above ground pool liners can be augmented by use of a shop vacuum to reduce the instance of wrinkles in the liner. See "Resources" below.