How To Install Above Ground Pool Liners

An above-ground pool is useless without its liner. The pool liner is basically a large bag made of vinyl that is designed to hold water within the pool's frame. It is the most important part of above ground pools and has the potential to be the most frustrating. Liners must be handled carefully and installed properly to avoid damage to the vinyl. Our basic guidelines for liner installation will help you do it right, whether you're just setting up a new above ground pool or replacing an existing liner. Click Here to View Our Selection of Above Ground Pool Liners

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Things You’ll Need

• Above Ground Pool Liners

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Step 1

Drain Water - If replacing an existing above ground pool liner, drain the water from the pool and detach the hoses from the return jet and skimmer.

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Step 2

Return Jet - Remove the return jet from the pool wall. Save the return jet components so they can be reused on the new liner.

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Step 3

Faceplate Screws - Remove the screws from the skimmer faceplate. Save the screws for when you reinstall the faceplate.

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Step 4

Remove Faceplate - Remove the faceplate once the screws are removed. Save the faceplate for installation later.

Click Here to View Our Selection of Skimmer Parts

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Step 5

Detach Skimmer - Remove the skimmer body from the above ground pool wall. Remove the skimmer gasket(s) as well.

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Step 6

Ladders & Steps - Remove any ladders and steps that may be in the pool.

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Step 7

Remove Top Caps - Remove all of the top caps from the top of the pool.

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Step 8

Remove Top Rails -Remove the screws that secure the top rails to the uprights. Remove all of the top rails from the top of the pool.

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Step 9

Remove Top Plates - Remove the screws that secure the top plates to the uprights and remove all of the top plates.

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Step 10

Remove Stabilizers - Remove all of the stabilizers/top rims from the pool wall.

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Step 11

Remove Liner - Start by cutting the liner into smaller pieces. This will make it easier to remove the liner from the pool.

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Step 12

Secure Wall - Using tape or clamps, secure the wall to the uprights. This will prevent the wall from caving in.

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Step 13

Repair Wall (If Necessary) - This would be an excellent time to repair any excessive rust damage on the wall.

In-depth instructions for above ground pool wall repair can be found here, How to Repair Rusty Above Ground Pool Wall

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Step 14

Wall Foam - Attach wall foam to the inside of the wall using spray-on adhesive. Wall foam acts as a buffer between the steel wall and vinyl liner; provides a cushion for contact from swimmers and ladders.

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Step 15

Rake And Flatten Floor - This is our last chance to remove any imperfection on the surface of the pool floor, like rocks, roots, or any sharp objects. These foreign objects could puncture the liner once the water is added to the pool. Use a tamper to compact the soil as much as possible.

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Step 16

Pool Cove - Add a pool cover to the inner floor to wall seam; This adds a gradual gradient to prevent a pinch point for your liner. A cove can be made out of dirt or sand, but for a more uniform (and less likely to shift under pressure,) use Peel & Stick or Clip-On Cove.

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Step 17

Floor Padding - Similar to wall foam, this foam helps prevent liner punctures from swimmers and any objects you couldn’t sift out before installation. Some floor padding can even prevent punctures from invasive plants like nutgrass.

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Step 18

Unfold Liner - Place the in the middle of the pool and unfold the liner, layout to pool’s wall. Lay the liner out to warm up in the sun to increase the vinyl’s elasticity. 

Note: It may be best to remove your shoes while handling the liner at this point. The freshly unfolded virgin vinyl may not be at its full elasticity, making punctures from shoes and boots more likely. 

Click Here to View Our Selection of Above Ground Pool Liners

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Step 19

Attach Liner to Pool Wall - Attach your new pool liner to the pool wall. For overlap liners, place a coping strip over each section as you go. For beaded liners, you will need to place the bead receiver on the wall, then slide the liner bead into the receiver. Like the one shown in the video, J-Hook liners slide the liner cuff over the wall; coping strips aren’t required but can be used.

Related Article - Above Ground Pool liner Types

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Step 20

Install Top Stabilizer Rim - Place the top stabilizer over top the liner or bead receiver, as you go.

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Step 21

Begin Refilling the Pool - Use a hose to begin the refilling as the pool fills work out the wrinkles in the liner outwards from the pool’s center point.

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Step 22

Install Top Plates - First, ensure the uprights are level, then re-attach each top plate.

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Step 23

Install Top Rails and Top Caps - Re-install your pool’s full set of top rails.

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Step 24

Install Skimmer - Wait for the water level to reach between half to three-quarters of the way full, to begin preparing the skimmer installation. This water weight will make sure the liner is snug to the pol wall. Tack the skimmer faceplate in place with the faceplate screws to help you align with the skimmer body.

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Step 25

Install Return Jet - Press the return jet fitting into the sidewall cutout. Cut the liner while pressing the fitting through the hole. Cut away any excess liner material.

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Step 26

Congratulations, you have successfully installed your above ground pool liner if you have any questions below.

Click Here to View Our Selection of Above Ground Pool Liners

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