Above-ground swimming pools can have three types of liners that go with them. In Orlando, most metal-walled above-ground pools will have a uni-bead type of liner in them.
WHAT IS A UNIBEAD-TYPE LINER?
With this name, the first part of the word “uni” is short for “universal”. So, its real name is “universal bead” type liner.
This isn’t the best name for this liner, but it’s what we all call it, so there you go.
Now, the reason it’s a “universal-type” liner is because this liner has a J-hook AND a bead attached to the top of it. So, if you want to attach this liner using a J-hook, then you simply hook the top of the liner to the top of the pool’s wall and it hangs down and into the pool.
If you have a bead channel that is on the top of the wall of the pool, then you can easily tear off the J-hook portion of the liner which will leave a bead (thick square of triangle of vinyl) that you can now feed into the pool’s bead receiver.
Yeah, I know. It’s confusing. The good news here is that this type of liner will work for any metal-walled above-ground pool, so if you get one of these, you are good.
DETERMINING WHICH TYPE OF LINER YOU HAVE NOW WITH YOUR ABOVE-GROUND POOL
In reality, if you purchase a uni-bead type liner for your pool, then it really doesn’t matter what type of liner is already on it. The unibead will work to replace existing overlap, J-hook, and beaded liners.
You will need to know the dimensions of your pool and its height though. And if your pool has a deep center/end deeper than one foot, then you will have to get a special liner for that.
NOTE: To measure the size of your pool, use the distance from the inside of the pool’s wall directly across to the inside of the opposite wall. Measuring the top rails will give you the wrong size.
A UNIBEAD TYPE LINER HAS A SPECIFIC HEIGHT
Above-ground swimming pools come with three different wall heights. And they are 48”, 52”, and 54”.
Measuring the actual height of your pool’s wall(only) will give you this number.
Caution: Just measuring from the ground up may not give you an accurate wall height. Most AG pools are buried a little, so dig down to find the bottom track of the pool to measure.
Also, you want to find the top of the wall for the measurement. Don’t just measure from the top rail down.
CHOOSE THE LINER HEIGHT THAT IS CLOSEST TO 48”,52”, OR 54”
The wall height usually isn’t exact, so go with the closest number. Example: If your wall height measures 51 1/2 inches, then choose a “52” inch unibead liner for it.
NOTE: A 52” UNIBEAD LINER WILL FIT ON A 54” POOL
Since 52” is currently the most popular height for above-ground pools, you may have a harder time finding a 54” one to your liking. If you have a 54” pool and can only find a 52” liner that you want, then buy it. It will fit just fine.
NOTE: 48” UNI-BEAD LINERS CAN BE HARDER TO FIND
48” tall above-ground pools used to be the most common. Not anymore. If you have a 48” walled pool, know that you may have a harder time finding a unibead liner for it. Sometimes you’ll have to wait a little longer to get it.
THE ADVANTAGES OF A UNIBEAD LINER
As a pool installer for now 38 years, I’m a big fan of the unibead/j-hook type liner over the others. Here’s why.
1 Looks better
Old school overlap liners can be seen on the outside of the wall of the pool. This is not ideal. And some overlap liners can be rolled up and hidden under the top rails, but some cannot.
2 You can have a tile pattern
Since there is no excess at the top of a unibead/jhook liner, it can have a tile pattern on it which makes the liner look better at the waterline.
Note: Beaded-type liners can have a tile pattern too. Overlaps cannot.
3 A unibead liner can be used in a pool with any existing type of liner
Not sure which type of existing liner you have? No problem. A uni-bead will fit (as long as you get the correct size).
4 A unibead doesn’t need coping strips
Overlap liners need plastic coping strips so they can be safely secured to the top of the pool’s wall. These coping strips are not needed with a unibead liner.
5 Unibead/j-hook liners go all the way over the pool’s wall
This is a big advantage over the beaded-type liner, which fits into a bead track on the INSIDE of the pool wall. And since the beaded liner doesn’t go all the way over the wall, this can allow pool water to splash between the liner and the inside of the pool’s wall. Not good.
Note: Overlap liners go over the wall too.
6 Unibead/j-hook liners are better for semi-inground pools
When an above-ground pool is in the ground some, you want to move the wall and pool frame as little as possible when taking apart, installing the liner, and re-assembling.
Overlap liners require you to move the pool wall and/or uprights some when changing the liner. This is not ideal if the pool has a potential for a cave-in.
Note: Beaded liners are ideal for semi-inground liner changes as they require the least amount of movement and disassembly. The problem with them is that they allow water to get in between the inside of the wall and the liner, which can cause rust.
7 Unibead liners are more likely to be upgraded and made in the US or Canada
As of right now, I cannot recommend a liner made from China. They just don’t last as long.
Although more and more liners from China are not uni-bead-type, most are still overlaps. Getting a unibead liner won’t ensure that the liner is made in North America anymore, so make very sure you know where it’s made.
I RECOMMEND A HEAVY GAUGE, FULLY PRINTED, UNIBEAD-TYPE LINER ABSOLUTELY MADE IN THE US OR CANADA
This kind of liner is worth the extra money because it will last longer.
WHERE TO BUY AN ABOVE-GROUND POOL LINER IN ORLANDO
Most purchase liners online, but there are a couple of local choices here in Orlando. If you buy locally, you will pay more, but if there is an issue, this will be an advantage over wherever it’s coming from online.
Unique Pool and Spas in Orlando have a limited selection of liners beyond what they carry for their own pool sales.
If you are wanting a liner today, call them. They also sell a really good liner. You’re gonna pay for it but it’s a good one.
Some Pinch-A-Penny stores will sell above-ground pool liners. A couple of Pinch-a-pennys will specialize in above grounds (like the one in Mount Dora).
Call the Pinch closest to you and see what they have and then what they can get. Also, PInch-A-Penny sells a pretty good liner too.