When dealing with an above ground swimming pool liner there are two different types that you need to know about, overlap and beaded. Now each pool is different but the easiest way to tell which type you have is by looking at the outside of the pool. If you see the pool liner on the outside of the pool wall underneath the top rail then you have an overlap liner.
Overlap Pool Liners
Overlap liners are exactly what you think they are, they overlap the pool wall, that’s how they stay in place. These liners are stretched up and over the wall and locked in place with pool liner locks. It’s a very simple idea. There are some good things about having this type of liner, for one they are cheaper than beaded liners. So when you need to replace your liner chances are you will be saving a lot more money than the person with the beaded liner however there are some minor downfalls. One of those downfalls is choice. Since installing an overlap liner is easy you don’t really need to worry about how it looks so there aren’t many design choices. And of those designs choices you won’t see many with a border because when installing it’s hard to make it look even. But other than that, these are great liners.
Note: overlap liners will work on different size walls including 48”, 52” & 54”. Basically one size fits all.
Beaded Pool Liners
Just like an overlap liner, the easiest way to tell if you have a beaded liner is by checking the outside of the pool wall. If you don’t see the liner overlapping then chances are you have a beaded liner. It’s that simple. Beaded liners are installed simply by snapping the top of the liner into a bead track that runs along the top of your pool wall much like a zip loc bag. These liners are super easy to install and come in a large variety of choices. These liners tend to be a little more expensive but have way more design options then an overlap liner would.
Note: Before buying a beaded liner you must know the size wall you have including 48”, 52” & 54” since beaded liners are measured for different sized walls.
UniBead Pool Liners
These pool liners take the benefits of both an overlap and a beaded liner and combine them. You get the easy of installation of an overlap liner with the many design choices and heaviness of a beaded liner and it works for pools that take a beaded or an overlap.
Note: You need to know what size wall you have before buying since they are measured for specific sizes.
