Above ground pools need a proper liner to keep the water inside rather than let it leak out. Beyond that, they can make your pool look cleaner as they might block off algae growth.
Rather than grab just any liner, we’ve researched eight top-rated products so that you’ll come away with the best above ground pool liner.
Understanding everything there is to know about pools helped us find these eight liners as well as put together an extensive buyer’s guide with all the information you need to make a decision.
Before we get into that, let’s go over our eight recommended above ground pool liners.
Contents
- 1 Our Top Recommended Above Ground Swimming Pool Liner
- 2 8 Best Above Ground Pool Liner Reviews:
- 2.1 1. Smartline 24-Foot Round Liner
- 2.2 2. Smartline Boulder Swirl 24-Foot Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Liner
- 2.3 3. Smartline 15-Foot Round Waves of Poseidon Liner
- 2.4 4. Smartline Antilles Dolphin 24-Foot Round Overlap Liner
- 2.5 5. Smartline Stone Harbor 24-Foot Round Pool Liner
- 2.6 6. Quality Pool Products 24-Foot Round Overlap Above Ground Pool Liner
- 2.7 7. HARRIS 24-Foot Round Beaded Boulder Swirl Pool Liner
- 2.8 8. In The Swim 18-Foot Round Overlap Above Ground Pool Liner
- 3 Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Above Ground Pool Liner
- 4 Above Ground Pool Liner FAQ
- 5 Making the Decision
Our Top Recommended Above Ground Swimming Pool Liner
- Our Rating:
- 100% virgin vinyl base
12 different design patterns
25-year limited warranty
- Our Rating:
- Fits 48-inches or 52-inches
Heavy-duty material thats UV-resistant and chemical-resistant
20-year limited warranty
- Our Rating:
- Virgin vinyl that resists fading
The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return.
25 Years manufacturer's warranty
8 Best Above Ground Pool Liner Reviews:
1. Smartline 24-Foot Round Liner
- 12 different design patterns
- Fits wall heights of 48-inches or 52-inches
- Lamiclear technology
- 25 gauge and 30 gauge material
- 25-year limited warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Smartline 24-Foot Round Liner is made specifically for above ground pools with steel sides. There are many above ground pool liner styles you can choose from as well. This way, you can look at something more appealing while swimming.
With some assistance, the overlapping installation process should be easy enough. After some time warming up in the sun, the Smartline Liner should stretch well and go on smoothly, securing enough to resist potential leaking.
Pros
- Easy installation process
- 12 appealing designs
- UV-resistant and chemical-resistant material
Cons
- Chance for it to develop holes
What Customers Are Saying
There are many consumers that appreciate the multitude of attractive design patterns you can select from. They appear vibrant in color, and the lamiclear technology helps the liner resist damage from chemicals and UV exposure, allowing the design to remain colorful.
Although the material is high in quality, there are also some user reports that mention seeing holes form in the liner.
2. Smartline Boulder Swirl 24-Foot Round Above Ground Swimming Pool Liner
- Heavy-duty material thats UV-resistant and chemical-resistant
- 20-year limited warranty
- Fits 48-inches or 52-inches
- Dark boulder swirl design
- Made from 100% virgin vinyl, these liners are computer cut and the seams are lap welded for a flawless fit and finish.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Smartline Boulder Swirl is designed for 24-foot rounded above ground pools. As they overlap via folding over the top of your pool walls, you don’t need a bead receiver to install this.
Rather than the usual brightly covered designs, this features darker hues and patterns. It can be a way for you to create a more unique looking pool while still protecting it from leaking out. With an acrylic top coat and virgin vinyl base, the liner is meant to last through numerous of seasons and various weather.
Pros
- Lies flat well
- Simple to put on
- Quality weather protection
Cons
- Seam might separate
What Customers Are Saying
Among other best quality pool liners, consumers appreciate the quality weather-resistant material in this Smartline Boulder Swirl. It’s a darker finish that many enjoy looking at.
Users also like how well this liner lies flat as wrinkles may run the risk of leaks or other issues happening with the liner. There may be some issues with the seams splitting, however, even though they’re supposed to be welded.
3. Smartline 15-Foot Round Waves of Poseidon Liner
- Fits wall heights 48-inches to 52-inches
- Waves of Poseidon pattern design
- Overlap installation style
- Virgin vinyl that resists fading
- The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or wide-mouth versions.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Smartline 15-Foot Liner features an eye-catching patterned design. It arrives hand-folded to reduce wrinkles, and it unfolds quickly so you can begin installing it right away.
This liner only works with pools that have a flat bottom. Beyond just the liner, you also receive a universal gasket kit for your pool’s skimmer and return. It works along with the liner to keep your pool looking clean.
Pros
- Made from thick vinyl material
- Includes a universal gasket set
- Easy to unfold and install
Cons
- Might not stretch out well enough
What Customers Are Saying
This Smartline Liner is felt by some users to be the best pool liners for smaller rounded pools. It takes little time to unfold the liner from its packaging so that you can start installing right away. The liner does well at sitting flat at the bottom.
If there are some issues to note, some consumers believe it may not fit the stated pool wall height of 52-inches. These users have problems stretching it out enough without resorting to tearing it.
4. Smartline Antilles Dolphin 24-Foot Round Overlap Liner
- Wall heights 48-inches or 52-inches
- 20 gauge and 25 gauge material
- Colorful coral and sea life design
- 100% virgin vinyl material
- The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or wide-mouth versions.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The Smartline Antilles Dolphin Overlap Liner uses durable material that’s designed to last through several seasons. It features a cool pattern that may remind you of swimming out in the ocean among the dolphins and fish.
Like with some other above ground swimming pool liners, this one includes a free universal gasket kit so that you can keep your pool clean all around.
Pros
- Good amount of stretch
- Material seems resilient
- Wrinkles smooth out well
Cons
- Overlap can slip into the pool while filling
What Customers Are Saying
Much praise for this liner is directed toward how well it stretches out after sitting in the sun for the recommended timeframe. The material appears rather resilient as well, resisting fading thanks to the UV protection.
You generally can set it up on your own, and the wrinkles smooth out well enough. However, even with the stretch, some users mention that there’s a chance the overlap can slip into the pool as you’re filling it back up.
5. Smartline Stone Harbor 24-Foot Round Pool Liner
- 25 gauge and 20 gauge material type
- Classic tile design
- UV protection maintains vibrant colors
- Wall height of 52-inches
- The included kit is for the pool’s skimmer and return. This skimmer gasket will work with either standard sized skimmers or widemouth versions.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Stone Harbor Pool Liner from Smartline is among the best pool liners for above ground pools thanks to how readily it stretches out in the heat. It’s made to install in under an hour, and for extra pool care, you can utilize the free universal gasket kit that comes with it.
The liner also features a common, yet attractive, tile design that may give your pool a contemporary look. There are varied shades of blue and tile shapes as well to add some uniqueness to the overall style.
Pros
- Doesn’t take long to install
- Holds water well without leaking
- Heat easily stretches it out
Cons
- Material may seem a bit thin
What Customers Are Saying
Consumers speak highly about the simple installation process with some mentioning it can take less than hour to fit. It may look tight initially, but the warmth from the water and the sun helps stretch it out with ease.
Users also like how well it seals so that there aren’t any leaks to worry about. With that said, some users also feel that the material is on the thinner side. There’s a chance that little tears or holes can ruin the material.
6. Quality Pool Products 24-Foot Round Overlap Above Ground Pool Liner
- Overlap fits 48-inch, 52-inch, and 54-inch walls
- UV protection
- Glimmerglass vinyl design
- 25-year warranty
- Lap seam construction.
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
This Pool Liner from Quality Pool Products is an affordable 24-foot above ground pool liner. It features a user-friendly installation process, and in case anything goes wrong, you get a 25-year warranty with it.
This overlapping liner can fit a variety of pool wall heights, and it uses an appealing Glimmerglass design pattern. The material is built to hold up against UV rays as well as fight off wear and tear from the pool chemicals.
Pros
- User-friendly installation
- Stretches well
- Material has a good amount of thickness
Cons
- Low-quality seams can cause leaks
What Customers Are Saying
As far as pool liners go, many users feel like this has a good deal of value compared to the budget-friendly cost. Installing it is simple enough as well, and the material offers enough stretch to pull it over walls of various heights.
The material also seems to have a good amount of thickness. However, the seams appear lower in quality. This may unfortunately lead to leaks, but the liner does come with a 25-year warranty.
7. HARRIS 24-Foot Round Beaded Boulder Swirl Pool Liner
- 48-inch wall height
- 25 gauge material thickness
- Unique water wear coating
- Beaded liner with boulder swirl pattern
- 25-year warranty
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
The HARRIS 24-Foot Round Pool Liner gives your pool a slightly darker look with its boulder swirl pattern. It uses premium-grade virgin vinyl material that holds up well against stretching. This material also fights off damage and fading from the sun’s rays.
Made for pools with a flat bottom, this is a beaded liner that features well-sealed seams that fight off leaks.
Pros
- Top-quality seams
- Thick 25 gauge material
- Stretches well without tearing
Cons
- Some difficulties stretching to fit skimmer
What Customers Are Saying
Based on other above ground pool liner reviews for the HARRIS 24-Foot Beaded Liner, users feel like the material is high-quality overall. The seams are well made, and the thickness allows you to stretch without worry of the liner ripping.
There were some complaints about needing to stretch it out further in order to fit over the skimmer, but the installation otherwise was straightforward.
8. In The Swim 18-Foot Round Overlap Above Ground Pool Liner
- 48-inch and 52-inch wall height
- UV ray protection
- Double welded seams
- 15-year warranty
- 20 gauge material
Prices pulled from the Amazon Product Advertising API on:
Product prices and availability are accurate as of the date/time indicated and are subject to change. Any price and availability information displayed on [relevant Amazon Site(s), as applicable] at the time of purchase will apply to the purchase of this product.
In The Swim offers an 18-foot round pool liner that’s a basic, solid blue color. Although it’s not as flashy as others, the pool liner offers enough durability to last you awhile. In particular, the virgin vinyl material is designed to hold up against exposure to UV rays.
With an overlap style, this may fit walls of various heights. The double welded seams are designed to withstand frequent use as well as harsh winters.
Pros
- Easy and quick install
- Good warranty
- Does a good job holding the water in
Cons
- Can wrinkle too easily
What Customers Are Saying
Many consumers like the simplicity behind this liner. It goes on with ease, and the material is durable enough that it does a good job holding the water. Also, they like the 15-year warranty attached in case anything goes wrong.
One of the main issues pointed out, however, is that the liner can wrinkle up once you’re filling the pool back up.
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Above Ground Pool Liner
Once you begin your search for above ground pool liners, you’ll realize just how many flood the market today. Even if you want to consider our reviews to make a decision, there are some key factors to keep in mind that will narrow down your choices even more.
Size
Of course, as you shop to place something inside of your pool, the size is one of the first aspects to look at. Some are made to fit 24-foot rounded pools, while others fit 15-foot rounded pools.
Also take a look at the wall height. You may find versatile pool liners that can fit both 48-inch walls and 52-inch wall. Others are only made for one specific wall height.
Flexibility
As you’re fitting the liner to your entire pool, it’s important that it stretches out enough, and that it isn’t difficult to manage.
At the same time, you want the stretch to not interfere with how strong the material is, so the liner shouldn’t be prone to tearing as you make it fit.
Durability
Normally, pool liners can last for years, with some even going around 12 years before needing to be replaced. You’ll know whether your liner of choice will last based on how the material is.
Most quality liners feature virgin vinyl material that offers strong seams to fight off tears and leaks. Good liners also withstand UV rays as well as the chemicals in the water so that the colors won’t fade anytime soon.
Color and Pattern
Do you want your pool to stand out more? If so, consider liners that have interesting patterns. These liners can bring more life to your pool, and some even believe that the darker liners can help warm the pool up a bit.
Warranty
Even if your pool is made using the highest grade materials, bad things can still happen. That’s why it helps if your pool of choice features a reliable warranty, especially because a pool liner cost can easily scale hundreds of dollars, which can make replacing it difficult for some people.
Also check out our best above ground pool pad. Made from durable quality materials.
Above Ground Pool Liner FAQ
How do you install pool liners?
Above ground pool liner installation can generally be done on your own or with one or two people helping. Generally with above ground liners, you’ll have to set it out under the sun so that the heat stretches it beforehand. The setup is clear-cut, but there are plenty of instructions online if needed.
Can pool liners be repaired?
If you’ve just made a purchase and aren’t keen to buy an above ground pool replacement liner, you may consider repairing it. With vinyl liners, you can merely fix holes and tears with a pool patch kit if you don’t want to replace it just yet.
Does saltwater damage pool liners?
Salt is known to be rather corrosive, so there are times when saltwater pools may cause damage to even high-quality liners. This can lead to holes and tears, which can then lead to leaks. So, it’s important to repair or replace as soon as possible if that happens.
How affordable are above ground pool liners?
Even though you may luck out and find above ground pool liners on clearance, most of them sell for hundreds of dollars. If you apply it yourself rather than hire professionals, you may save more in the long run.
Making the Decision
We found eight top-rated liners for your consideration, but if we had to choose just one, we feel the HARRIS 24-Foot Round Beaded Boulder Swirl is the best above ground pool liner. It features great durability while still having enough elasticity to stretch as far as you need it.
This pool liner also has a great 25-year warranty even though the material and seams should withstand frequent use and various weather conditions. There’s even a great, bold boulder swirl pattern that changes the overall feel and look of your pool.
