How to Identify Your Pool Liner Type

Look at the outside of your above ground pool. If you can see the liner hanging on the outside of the pool wall, you have an over-the-wall liner (also called an overlap liner).
If you don’t see the liner hanging on the outside of the wall, look under the top rail of the pool. If there is part of the liner rolled up underneath the top rail, you have an over-the-wall liner.
If you don’t see the liner hanging on the outside of the pool or rolled up underneath the top rail, check the channel that holds the liner in place at the top of the pool wall. If there is a U-shaped or J-shaped channel (made of plastic or metal) that the liner fits into then you have a beaded liner. (Hint: a beaded liner does not go over the pool wall)
If you don’t have a U-shaped or J-shaped channel on the top of the pool wall, check the liner where it folds over the pool wall. If the liner material is physically thicker where it folds over the pool wall and does not have coping (thin white plastic strips) holding it over the wall, then you have a J-hook liner.

Pro Tip:
Different manufacturers make pools to hold different types of liners:

Johnny Weismueller or Ester Williams pools hold a Beaded liner
Vogue pools hold an over-the-wall or J-hook liner
Doughboy pools hold an over the wall liner
Jacuzzi pools almost always hold an over the wall or a J-hook liner

J-hook liners can be replaced with over-the-wall liners as long as it has a plain or random print pattern.

A J-bead liner is a J-hook liner and a beaded liner combined and can be installed in pools made for either kind of liner.

IMPORTANT: These are general guidelines. There are always exceptions to the rule. For a positive ID, consult a professional.**

Last Updated on Tuesday, 14 April 2009 23:29

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How to Identify Your Pool Liner Type