Overlap, Beaded & Unibead Pool Liners

Some of the most commonly asked questions when it comes to above ground pool are about pool liners, the different types and which one you should get. When looking for a pool liner it is important that you know the differences and which one you need for your specific application. This is the reason why we’ve taken the time to write this guide, so you know what you’re looking for and what type of liner fits your needs and pool. We’ll explain to you the differences between the main types of above ground pool liners.

Above Ground Pool Liners

Pool liners are a vital part of the pools construction. There are 3 main types of vinyl liners and they are overlap, beaded and unibead. The main reason for a pool liner is for the retention of water in the pool and for creating a protective barrier to help with the structural integrity of the pool itself. The key difference when it comes to these 3 types of above ground pool liners is how they are attached to the pool wall.

Overlap Above Ground Pool Liners

Overlap pool liners are the most economical option out of the 3 and they are by far the easiest to install. They are attached to the pool wall through the use of coping strips that are connected directly to the pool wall. This coping strip is a piece of plastic that runs along the top of your pool wall that connects to the pool liner through the use of this coping strip. Since the liner is ‘overlapped’ within this coping strip the pool liner is held in position from the inside and the coping strip ensure a snug fit. It takes several coping strip to contour the entire pool wall and this helps to ensure the entire pool wall has the ability to firmly hold the pool liner. While installing the pool liner you may experience some overlapping, if this is the case you may need to use a solid color but if you don’t experience any overlapping you can use a mosaic pattern to add some character to your pool.

Beaded Above Ground Pool Liners

Beaded pool liners come in a wide variety of styles and they are hands down the easiest to install and replace if it comes time to replace your liner. At the top of your pool wall there will be a bead receiver that the bead of the pool liner will fit into, thus being held in position. The bead on the liner simply snaps into place which not only holds it there securely but it also gives it a consistent and uniform look. Due to the fact that this type of pool liner in installed in such an even manner you can get beautiful mosaic designs as well as wall borders and tile trim printed on the pool liner.

Unibead Above Ground Pool Liners

Unibead pool liners are great because they allow you to replace an overlap pool liner with a unibead liner. Unibead liners offer the ability to be used with both the bead receiver and a J-hook receiver. If you don’t have a bead receiver, no problem, just hook the liner onto the rim of the pool wall and you’re good to go. If you do have a bead receiver you can simply remove the J-hook portion of the pool liner and install the beaded liner by snapping it into place. Both of these options give you a clean look without having any issue with overlap like you might get with an overlap pool liner. Unibead liners are great because of their versatility and the fact that you can get them with patterns found only on beaded liners.

All of these above ground pool liners come in a large variety of sizes ranging from 8′ to 33′. They comes in both oval and round and there is guaranteed to be one out there to fit your specific needs, and pool!