Install Guides For Above & In Ground Pools

General Installation Guide for Above Ground Replacement Liners

Once the old liner is removed, along with return/skimmer/etc faceplates, gaskets, and screws secured, identify any hazards along the pool wall and floor, and take action accordingly.

Remove all grass and roots within the pool area. It is also wise to remove the grass one foot beyond the perimeter of the pool. Grass and weeds will grow through the liner material and cause damage to the liner, which is not covered by warranty. It is also recommended to use a ground sterilizer prior to spreading sand to help control growth around the pool.

After the surface has been leveled, spread a layer of masonry sand inside the pool walls. Rake the sand smoothly and evenly. Tamp the sand to pack it. This is a layer of protection from any metal edges of the pool. Using beach or play sand will not compact, and will leave footprints. Be sure whatever sand you use doesn’t contain any seeds, spores, rocks, or debris that will cause damage to the new liner.

Form a 4” x 4” cove (4” high and 4” out) by compacting mason sand, or place styrofoam cove strips, along the inside perimeter. Be sure to cover any screws on wall joints with duct tape to protect the liner from being punctured.

Place the liner box in the center of the pool. Carefully open the carton; DO NOT USE A KNIFE OR OTHER SHARP INSTRUMENT THAT COULD PUNCTURE OR CUT THE LINER! Unfold the liner and spread it out in the sun, allowing it to warm up. This will allow the liner to stretch more easily. We recommend installing the liner in 70°F or above, with abundant sunshine.

With the liner centered in the pool, move the liner so that the seams of the wall and floor fall on the center of the cove. The floor seams should run straight and parallel to the sides of the pool. Be mindful of your footwear, as you do not want to damage the liner with hard soles, boots, heels, etc.

Inspect all seams on the liner to ensure they are not open (separated), and check for any holes or punctures.

Fasten the liner to the wall in whatever method is required; beaded liners will snap into their respective bead receivers, and multibead liners used in a j-hook manner will simply pull over the pool wall. Continue working around the perimeter, ensuring that the seams stay straight across. The wall may need to be stretched and relieved as you near completion of the installation. Once the wall is installed, you may need to work the liner into the corners and cove.

Once the desired fitment is achieved, begin filling the pool to a 1” water level, and smooth out any wrinkles that may have occurred. A soft bristle broom may be helpful for this task. Continue filling the pool. Be sure to monitor any trapped air pockets on the wall and remove them by moving the liner away from the wall.

Do not cut any returns, skimmers, inlets, lights, etc. until the water level has reached 2” below each respective opening.

Attach any “DO NOT DIVE” stickers your liner came with 2” (two inches) above the water level. They must be clearly visible.

Wrinkles may appear, and are inherently natural, but do not affect the manufacturer’s warranty. Vacuum systems can help remove air from behind the liner when placed in the skimmer hole. Adjust the liner with short tugs to eliminate any wrinkles.

A properly installed liner must be supported by the ground, cove, and the pool wall. An improperly installed liner will not support the weight of the water, resulting in a blowout, which is not covered by the warranty.

Overstretching the liner will void the warranty. Excessive stretching of the liner will shorten the useful life of the liner.

Be sure to refer to your pool manufacturer’s instructions, as they will be an important source of information.

Remove Existing Liner and Accessories: Start by removing the old liner, along with any faceplates for skimmers, returns, and other fixtures. Secure any loose screws and gaskets.

Clear the Pool Area: Eliminate all grass and roots within the pool area and about a foot beyond the perimeter. Use a ground sterilizer before adding sand to prevent future growth that could damage the liner.

Level and Prepare the Base: Spread a layer of masonry sand inside the pool walls to level the surface. Rake the sand smoothly and evenly, then tamp it down to pack it solidly. This creates a protective layer against any sharp edges of the pool structure. Ensure the sand used is clean and free of seeds, spores, rocks, or debris.

Create a Protective Cove: Form a cove around the inside perimeter of the pool by compacting mason sand into a 4-inch high by 4-inch outward slope. Alternatively, place styrofoam cove strips for easier installation. Cover any exposed screws on wall joints with duct tape to protect the liner from punctures

Prep the Liner: Place the liner package at the center of the pool. Open the package carefully without using sharp objects. Spread out the liner in the sun to allow it to warm up and become more pliable, ideally in temperatures of 70°F or higher.

Position the Liner: With the liner centered in the pool, move the liner so that the seams of the wall and floor fall on the center of the cove. The floor seams should run straight and parallel to the sides of the pool. Be mindful of your footwear, as you do not want to damage the liner with hard soles, boots, heels, etc.

Secure the Liner: Inspect all seams on the liner to ensure they are not open (separated), and check for any holes or punctures.

Begin Filling The Pool: Start filling the pool to achieve a 1-inch water level, smoothing out any wrinkles with a soft bristle broom. Continue filling while monitoring for any trapped air pockets on the wall, adjusting the liner as needed to remove them.

Inspect and Adjust: Inspect all seams and the surface of the liner for any openings, holes, or punctures. Do not cut openings for returns, skimmers, inlets, or lights until the water level is 2 inches below each feature.

Apply Safety Markings: Attach any “DO NOT DIVE” stickers provided with the liner, placing them 2 inches above the water level and ensuring they are clearly visible.

Final Checks: Continue filling the pool, using a vacuum system to remove air from behind the liner if necessary. Adjust the liner with short tugs to smooth out any remaining wrinkles. Overstretching the liner can void the warranty and reduce its lifespan. Ensure the liner is supported by the ground, cove, and pool walls to prevent blowouts.

Wrinkles may appear, and are inherently natural, but do not affect the manufacturer’s warranty. Vacuum systems can help remove air from behind the liner when placed in the skimmer hole. Adjust the liner with short tugs to eliminate any wrinkles.

A properly installed liner must be supported by the ground, cove, and the pool wall. An improperly installed liner will not support the weight of the water, resulting in a blowout, which is not covered by the warranty.

Overstretching the liner will void the warranty. Excessive stretching of the liner will shorten the useful life of the liner.

Be sure to refer to your pool manufacturer’s instructions, as they will be an important source of information.