Once you’ve decided on a pool construction type and decided that a vinyl liner is right for you, congratulations: now you get to make another big decision! (We promise, this whole pool thing will get to be more fun very soon!) Vinyl liners come in four basic styles: beaded, overlap, J-hook, and overlap.
Vinyl Liner Option 1: Beaded Liners
The beaded liner type is definitely the most commonly used. The same liner type often used for above-ground pools, this vinyl liner type is really the only one that can be used for in-ground pools. Beaded liners are named for the bead, or barb, that runs along the liner wall. Usually positioned near the top of the wall, the bead fits into the bead receiver, a type of track that’s located on the pool wall. The liner is held in place when the bead locks into the bead receiver. This liner type is easy to install, and the typical appearance includes a pattern with a border near the top and a contrasting pattern across the rest of the wall.
Vinyl Liner Option 2: Overlap Liners
While only used for above-ground pools, overlap liners are known for being the most economical. True to its name, an overlap liner is pulled over the wall of the pool and is held in place with clamps of some sort until it is smoothed out; at that point, it is secured with coping strips and its top rails are installed. Only available in solid colors, this bargain-priced liner type is not a possibility for in-ground swimming pools.
Vinyl Liner Option 3: J-Hook Liners
Also known as J-bead liners, J-hook liners are named for the J-shaped hardened piece near the top of the wall of the pool. To install this type of liner in an above-ground pool, you need to remove the top rails of the pool. No bead receivers are needed, though, and overlap pool liners can become J-hook liners, which allow for patterned designs. Like overlap liners, J-hook liners are not possible options for in-ground swimming pools.
Vinyl Liner Option 4: Unibead Beaded Liner
Newer than the other liner types, the unibead beaded liner, as you might suspect, incorporates a bead. Unlike a traditional beaded liner, though, the bead in this type of liner is positioned just above a J-hook. Installation requires the same basic steps as does a J-hook liner. In addition, a unibead beaded liner can be converted into a traditional beaded liner. The main benefit of a unibead liner is that it offers greater security and still allows for patterns like those seen on traditional beaded liners. Of course, the use of a J-hook means that these liners can be used only for above-ground pools.
As you’ve probably surmised, if you’re going with an in-ground pool, you really have only one choice: a beaded liner. So you can cross one more decision off the list!
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Lyon Financial
Since 1979 Lyon Financial has made the backyard resort dream come true for over 400,000 families across the U.S. Through our solid relationships with more than 3,000 pool contractors and our continued commitment to putting our clients first, we have built a reputation as the first choice in providing pool financing solutions. For more information, visit lyonfinancial.net or call (877) 754-5966 today.
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