The Best Above Ground Pool Liners

Above ground swimming pool owners have hundreds of liner choices now than a few years ago. Instead of purchasing the standard white or blue liner, you can select from among a wide range of attractive designs such as pebbles and mosaic tile.

However, there are a lot of factors that you should consider when choosing the best above ground pool liners, not just the design. This article wants to give you the top 9 models on the market today and provide a comprehensive buying guide for the best liner for your above ground facility.

Here are the best above ground pool liners you can buy:

• Best overall: Smartline Crystal Tile 27′ Round Liner
• Best 24 ft pool liner: SmartLine Waves of Poseidon 24 Ft. Round Liner
• Best SmartLine pool liner: SmartLine Antilles Dolphin 24 Ft. Round Liner
• Best Swimline pool liner: Swimline 15′ Overlap Liner

Top 9 Above Ground Pool Liners Reviews 2020

Let’s start by looking at the top 9 above ground pool liners on the market today. These liners are:

1. Smartline Crystal Tile 27′ Round Liner

This is a UniBead style 27-foot round liner which is made of 100% virgin vinyl material. Durable and strong, the pool liner is made for above ground pools with steel sides. 

The liner is available in a wide variety of beautiful and unique patterns that can turn the pool into a mini paradise. Thanks to the acrylic coating, the liner holds up better when compared to other alternatives on the market. This coating prevents the fading of the liner, shielding the material from UV days and pool chemicals. 

The liner has a head receiver and is beaded for use. Thanks to the UniBead connection, it can operate as a J-Hook or Standard Bead pool liner. 

2. Swimline 15′ Overlap Liner

This is a high-quality pool liner for round aboveground pools up to 15 feet. The overlap liner is compatible with almost all 48 and 52 inches pools. 

Durable and strong, it’s made from 20 gauge 10% vinyl. Protected from ultraviolet rays and water chemicals, this liner can last for decades of use and it comes with a 15-year manufacturer warranty. 

The outer coating doesn’t only serve protection purposes; it gives the vinyl a very sleek, comfy, classy, and modern look. 

The pool liner can be customized easily unlike other materials like concrete or fiberglass which are often costlier and rigid. 

3. In The Swim 27′ Round Overlap Aboveground Pool Liner

In The Swim pool liner is an overlap type of round pool liner. Measuring 27 feet, the pool liner has a simple, plain, solid blue color and has an external surface that protects it from UV fading as well as chemical degradation. 

You can hang this overlap liner over your above ground pool wall sides. The pool liner will fit 48 inches to 52 inches walls and is made of excess materials. 

You can secure the liner with coping strips to hold it in place. However, note that the strips are not included. 

4. SmartLine Waves of Poseidon 24 Ft. Round Liner

Whether replacing a worn out liner or installing on a new pool, the Smartline Waves of Poseidon provides durability and it’s affordable. It comes with tile designs that interchange from the sky to navy blues to resemble the waves.

The material used to make this product is hand-folded to thwart permanent creasing or excessive wrinkling. Being an overlap liner, you only need to drape it over your pool’s wall when installing it. And it is very easy to secure it in place.

With this liner, your above ground pool will remain cool in many ways during those hot summer days to ensure that you get a place to cool in. The other great feature of this liner is that it’s UV fading, chemicals, and abrasion resistance, thanks to the Lamiclear technology.  It comes with a 25 years warranty.

5. Swimline 12′ Round Overlap Liner

This is an overlap liner for small-sized round swimming pools. Made of standard gauge and durable vinyl, it has strong seams that are dual welded. With a vibrant swirl design, the product is very beautiful, stylish, and classy. It will give a new facelift to your swimming pool. 

According to the manufacturer, you can use the product for either a 48 inches or 52 inches sidewall. It comes with 15 years of warranty and will keep the beautiful look for years. Also, the double welding of the seams will ensure the liner withstands the worst of winter and summer times. 

6. In The Swim 24 Ft. Round Overlap Above Ground Pool Liner

In The Swim 24 Ft. liner is among the best-designed above ground liners on the shelves today. It offers superb performance that you will make your swimming pool cool during hot days and it lasts for years.

With its stunning design, you and your friend will surely fall in love with it and spend time in your pool. And the only great thing about the In The Swim liner is not the style but also its high quality. Furthermore, it offers 100% UV protection, meaning that it won’t get damaged by UV rays.

The liner is easy to install and maintain as well. Another feature of this product is the 15 years warranty which ensures that you enjoy your liner for at least 15 years. It is also an affordable pool liner.

7. SmartLine Antilles Dolphin 24 Ft. Round Liner

Just like all other SmarLine liners for above ground swimming pools, this liner can be used to replace an existing model or as a first time application. It comes with durable patterns and it quite affordable.

Its patterns are quite pleasing and attractive – you feel as if you are swimming with dolphins. Its material is hand-folded in order to prevent excess wrinkling and permanent creasing. And since it’s an overlap liner, you only need to drape it over your pool’s wall when installing it.

Additionally, the unit ensures that your pool remains cool during the hot summer. It also comes with a warranty that shows you just how durable the product is.

8. SmartLine Stone Harbor 12 Ft. by 24 Ft. Oval Liner

Featuring one of the most pleasing designs, this tiled bottom liner comes in unique shades of blues that results in marble like tiles. The marbles are well-placed to form a classic but simple look. Furthermore, the material is hand-folded to avert permanent creasing as well as excess wrinkling.

Ideal for replacing or installing for the first time, the product provides durability while being friendly to your pocket. Installing is a simple process, all you need to do is to hook it on your pool and you will be ready to go.

The liner cools your swimming pool during the hot days to ensure that you get a cool place to relax in when you need it.

9. In The Swim 18 Ft. Round Overlap Above Ground Pool Liner

Another liner that has made it on our list of the top 9 above ground pool liners is the In The Swim 18 ft. model. This product comes with a 15 years warranty that covers against all damages and shows how reputable the liner is.

The liner is perfect for all flat bottom swimming pools that measure 48 by 52 inches and is very easy to install. It is one of the strongest products on the market today, thanks to its double welded seams.

With this liner, your pool is assured of maximum protection from harmful sun’s rays and will always remain cool no matter the weather. Finally, it is an affordable liner for your above ground pool.

Things to Know

It is important to know a few things about above ground pool liners. These things include:

The Material

Most pool liners are made of vinyl material that is brought together to fit your swimming pool.

Types of Liners

Above ground pool liners come in two main designs. Beaded or Overlap.

Overlap liners are the most frequently used units and are easy to install – you only need to hang them over your pool’s wall. Also, they feature plastic coping that locks them in place. Compared to beaded models, these liners are quite affordable.

Beaded models come with a hang on a channel known at bead channel and fixes to the top of your pool’s wall. They usually come in various sizes – the standard model fits most pools. They are also very easy to install.

The Measurement

Which eve model you choose, ensure that you determine the measurements of your pool before you purchase your liner. Measure from inside to inside wall but not top rails or caps. Further, determine if your facility has a 54, 52, or 48 inches wall height.

The Warranty

In general, above ground pool liners last for at least 10 years. But you can get a liner that comes with a 25 years warranty?

First, note that these units can be punctured easily. Hence, there will be no difference if your liner has a 10 or 25 years warranty. The warranty only covers manufacturing defects such as seam separation.

Best Above Ground Pool Liners FAQs

Q: What is an above ground pool liner? 

A: Often made of vinyl material, an above ground pool liner is made to hold pool water in a swimming pool and give it the swimmy, attractive aesthetics. They are usually available in three types; that is, the overlap liners, the J-Hook liners, and the beaded swimming pool liners.

Q: What are above ground pool liners made of?

A: Above ground pool liners are made of vinyl materials. This vinyl is usually printed in different types of patterns, colors, dimensions, etc., which is why many brands can differentiate their products. There are thin and thicker liners. Measured in gauge or millimeters, the thicker ones are more durable and last longer. 

Q: What is the best above ground pool liner to buy?

A: The best above ground pool liner, as earlier mentioned, is a thick liner (of at least 25 gauge) that has a coating to shield the material from chemicals and ultraviolet light. Some of the best liners for above ground pools are the Swimline 15′ Overlap Liner and the Smartline Crystal Tile 27′ Round Liner, depending on the size you are looking for. 

Q: When to replace above ground pool liner?

A: To know if it’s time to change the pool liner, you have to watch out for some signs. These include when you notice a significant fade in different parts. This is a result of sun exposure. The fading of the liner also makes it harder and very brittle. Other signs include wrinkles and the need to fill more water. 

Q: How much do above ground pool liners cost?

A: Above ground pool liners vary in cost. Their prices are dependent on the type of brand, the dimensions, surface protection, among other criteria. In all, while you can spend an average of $700 in replacing an above ground pool liner, the cost of replacement and installation ranges from $350 to $1600. 

Q: Can above ground pool liners be patched?

A: Yes, most liners can be patched. You can buy patching kits which include pieces of vinyl and adhesives such as the ATIE Vinyl Liner Pool Patch Adhesive Glue Repair Kit. You just need to keep the patch area dry before patching it up. 

Q: How can I determine the thickness of a liner?

A: Above ground pool lines come in two main thicknesses: 25 and 20 gauge. If your liner is labeled standard, that means it is a 20 gauge unit.

The difference between the gauges might seem insignificant, but it will come in handy when it comes to durability of your liner.

Q: Does the color matter?

A: The color might not matter like the style. So, look at the style or patterns in the liner before you decide to buy it.

Q: What type of above ground pool liner should I buy?
A: You should consider your pool size and shape, liner thickness, liner depth, desired liner pattern, and how the liner will fasten to your pool. This will allow you to know the type of liner that will work for your pool.

Q: What types of above ground pool liners can I find?
A: There are different types of these liners including rectangle, oval, and round pools. They also include hopper bottom, flat bottom, and expandable pool liners.

Q: What is the different between beaded and overlap liners?
A: A beaded liner has a thick bonded material at the top while an overlap model comes with excess material which folds over your pool’s wall.

Q: When should I install my line, morning, during the day, or evening?

A: You should install your liner when the weather is hot or when the sun is shining – temperatures of above 85 F. The sun will help your liner to relax.

Q: What is a pool wall/pad cove/foam molding for?
A: Pool pad offers a protective cover between soil/sand and pool liner. Wall foam protects your liner from corrosion and rust and enhances heat retention. Cove molding helps to eliminate tear, pull, and stretch at the bottom.

Conclusion

The best above ground pool liners come in different styles to ensure that you get a product that will suit your needs. These products are made of different material and will last for at least 10 years. When buying your pool liner, always ensure that it matches your pool (measurement) and is within your set budget. Get one of the products we have reviewed above and get value for your money.