The 6 Best Above Ground Pool Liners
This wiki has been updated 19 times since it was first published in February of 2019. A well-made liner not only protects your above-ground pool and holds in the water, but it can also add to your backyard decor and create a fun and relaxing atmosphere for swimmers. Although it’s exposed to chemicals, UV radiation, extreme temperatures, wind, and rain, a quality selection can still go strong for many years. Here we list the top choices, ranked for durability, aesthetics, and price. When users buy our independently chosen editorial selections, we may earn commissions to help fund the Wiki.
1. Smartline 18-Foot Round
2. In The Swim Boulder Swirl
3. Swimline Round
Editor's Notes
April 10, 2019:
Whether you’re installing a brand new above ground pool or looking to add new life to an old one, a durable liner will go a long way in providing protection and adding to the ambience of your backyard. They’re not all created equal, however, and one important factor to consider is strength. For choices that offer maximum thickness, look to the Harris Boulder Swirls or the Quality Pool Products, both of which are made with 100% virgin vinyl, which holds up better than those made with recycled materials.
While overlap selections tend to be more affordable (and easy to install) than beaded ones, the latter provide a cleaner look without any overhang, as they attach neatly to a track. An example is the Smartline Stone Harbor, which can conveniently be attached either with J-hooks or to a bead channel at the top of your pool walls.
Before placing an order, it’s important to measure your pool (twice would be prudent), to assure you’re purchasing the correct size liner. Also, consider color and design carefully; plain blue shows wrinkles more readily than patterns do. Dark colors retain heat, so they’ll tend to make your pool warmer as a result. Small, recurring patterns can have a dizzying effect. No matter which you decide upon, a carefully chosen, durable choice can conceivably last for many years when taken care of properly.
4. Harris 25 Gauge
5. Smartline Stone Harbor
6. Quality Pool Products Stoney Creek
Karen Bennett lives in Chicago with her family, and when she’s not writing, she can usually be found practicing yoga or cheering on her kids at soccer games. She holds a master’s degree in journalism and a bachelor’s in English, and her writing has been published in various local newspapers, as well as “The Cheat Sheet,” “Illinois Legal Times,” and “USA Today.” She has also written search engine news page headlines and worked as a product manager for a digital marketing company. Her expertise is in literature, nonfiction, textbooks, home products, kids' games and toys, hardware, teaching accessories, and art materials.