Above Ground Pool Liner Installations

Getting your pool ready for swim season is what we’ere all about. Whether you choose to change your own pool liner or have a professional do it, you can rest assured this website will give you solid accurate California specific information. We have 30 years experience building above ground pools and replacing pool liners in LA County, so we know the soil and weather conditions well. Years of trial and error have given us insight into what products work in the acidic soil and salty air of the California Coast. And having a true pool professional change your liner will ensure a wrinkle and leak free installation. Please scroll down to view all important details and considerations to make the most of your swimming pool makeover.

What’s Included With Our Professional Pool Liner Installation

Punctual arrival at scheduled appointment time. We like to be on time and customers expect it. The first thing we get there is to do a visual assessment of the pool’s exterior and filter equipment. From there we remove the old pool liner and set it to the curb for pick up. Once out the pool wall is carefully inspected for any rust damage. If all checks out the pool is disassembled for the new liner replacement. This also includes removing the skimmer box and return jets. Then we move on to the pool floor where we carefully re-work it removing any obstructions like rocks, roots etc. Then the pool floor is smoothed out better than new. This is followed by an application of nutgrass killer and installation of Armor Shield, Wall Foam or Pool Cove if applicable. From there the new pool liner is installed and fastened to the pool wall. Next the water is pumped into the pool and all wrinkles are removed from the pool walls and floor. After the initial 500 gallons of water are in, the re-assembly process begins. Finalized by the installation of the skimmer, return jets and any remaining plumbing. Typical timeline for complete pool liner replacement is 3-4 hours. Prices schedule above is for flat bottom pools only. Prices may vary for pools with decking, deep centers or deep ends.

What’s Needed From You

For those looking to have us replace your pool liner, there are a few things that are required in order for our crew to complete the job. There are only four things we need prior to arrival and most you probably already have. First the pool liner and liner accessories should be delivered and on-site. Secondly the swimming pool must be drained of water. This is important as even when using a sump pump it can take up to 4 hours to remove the water from the average size above ground pool. This is rarely an issue as most people have had liner failure so the water is already gone. Visit our FAQ or Blog for help here if needed. The third requirement is running water. We need a small amount of water to set the liner, install the skimmer and remove all the wrinkles. After which your pool will need filled immediately upon our completion of the liner change. Lastly we need electricity for a very short time to complete our task. Access to a typical electrical outlet for approximately 15 minutes is all that’s required. In all it takes our crew approximately 3-4 hours to replace the average pool liner and it usually takes an additional 8-12 hours to fill the pool with water. After that it’s time to swim!

What Pool Liner Accessories To Consider

Because we get so many questions in regards to this topic we’ve added a list of common above ground pool liner accessories and replacement items to consider when replacing your above ground pool liner. Each have a brief description of what they are and do. Along with this we mention how important they may be for a Calfornia pool liner installation. As you already know our intense sunshine, long summer season and unique soil conditions can really do a job on any SoCal above ground pool. So with a little knowledge and upfront planning you’ll likely add years to the longevity of your pool while providing many years of trouble free use.

Before you write me and ask let me clear something up. I know the items below all link to one website, I chose to link them somewhere for convenience. This helps illustrate the cost of items for different size pools. I chose this website because it’s clean and easy to navigate. I also happen to like and trust these guys so this is where I shop.

Here’s one last bit of advise about ordering pool liner supplies. Take the time to double check pool size, you may be glad you did. I know this may sound silly but one of the most common mistakes made is ordering the wrong size pool liner and accessories. If you end up with the wrong size items it may be weeks before you finally get your pool up and running:(

• Pool Liner – LA sun is really tough on pool liners. Spend a little extra money and get a 25ga. liner. The thicker material will outlast the 20ga. liners by several years. When liner shopping you may notice that there are several different types of liner, overlap, expandable, uni-bead and other names. If you are unsure of exactly what you have or wish to read more about the different pool liners available click here.
• Pool Floor Padding – This is another worthwhile investment. Soft soil is home to many burrowing rodents and insects like moles, ground hogs, beetles and more. These critters often dig under above ground pools and come up right under them causing leaks and holes in your expensive new pool liner. The best way to stop this from happening is Armor Shield Pool Floor Pad. This is a super tough material that moles cannot bite through and it and it still allows the pool liner to breathe. Use this item or nothing at all. Armor shield comes ready to use, no cutting or taping necessary. Foam. plastic sheeting weed barrier etc are no good for stopping critters and causes the pool to pre-maturely rust out by trapping in condensation from the pool liner. To view pool floor padding image and details click here.
• Pool Cove – You must have a cove for your pool. It’s there to protect your liner from coming in contact with the pool frame and getting damaged by puncture. You can make one from sand or dirt for free or you can purchase them ready to go. They have sticky tape on the backside and are very easy to install. They make for a very uniform and finished look to the floor of your above ground pool when used. Not a necessity but no down side other than cost. To view pool cove image and details click here.
• Pool Liner Coping – These are thin plastic strips that hold overlap style pool liners to the pool wall. They become dry and brittle over the course of a few years and are a good item to replace during a liner change. If yours are cracking and dry replace them now. If they are 5 years or older they will likely need changing. If you don’t there’s a good chance you won’t be able to finish your liner change without them. The good news is these are cheaply priced and good insurance. Again, SoCal sun at work here. To view coping image and details click here.
• Pool Wall Foam – I would not use this product on any new pool or pool wall in good condition as moisture tends to get caught in the foam and cause pool rust out. It’s only real use in my opinion is on already rusty pool walls. It’s there to prevent the liner from getting holes in it from the rough rusty surface. This pool is on it’s last leg and using wall foam here is only trying to buy a few more years of use from it before a new pool is needed. View pool wall foam image and details click here.
• Nutgrass Weed Killer – An absolute must in for any pool install. Nut-grass is an incredibly tough and persistent weed that will grow right through your pool liner. You will literally have grass growing in the bottom of your pool. It may be only one blade or hundreds and nothing will stop it. You may be able to patch over the holes but it usually comes right back. So take the time to treat the ground before installing your pool liner. Buy the commercial nut-grass killer if possible. It can be nearly impossible to find but often available online. Nothing come close in quality. If you cannot find it use a product called IMAGE from Home Depot, Lowes etc. It’s not as good but still effective. Available in the garden section. I would never install a pool or liner without treating the ground first. It’s simply not worth the risk of ruining your new pool liner, not to mention the cost of installation and water. To view nutgrass weed killer image and details click here.
• Skimmer Box – The skimmer is usually a white or gray box on the side of the pool where the pool water sent through a basket on it’s way to the filter system. Skimmers get brittle or deteriorate over time most things exposed to water, chemicals and intense California sunshine. During the liner change process is the perfect time to replace the skimmer box if shows signs of damage. The single biggest issue with old pool skimmers on above ground pools is stripped out screw holes. When this occurs it’s impossible to correctly tighten the pool skimmer to the pool wall and the result is a leaky seal and loss of pool water. Be sure to examine the screw hole on the box for splits or cracking and replace if necessary. Skimmer kits are modestly priced and typically come with everything needed for replacement including hardware, gaskets, lid, basket and new return jet. To view skimmer specs, images and details click here.
• Main Drain – This is probably the number one best upgrade you can make to any above ground pool. This addition does nothing to protect your pool liner from damage nor does it stop nut-grass or critters. What a main drain or pool floor drain does is drastically improve water circulation and filtration. This is done by drawing in pool water from the floor and sending it to the filter system by way of piping that has been buried prior to the liner installation. By adding a main drain pool maintenance is cut in half as the pool stays much cleaner and requires far less vacuuming of debris. An above ground pool with a main drain is easy to spot as it has a grate in the middle of the floor like a bathtub or any in-ground pool you’ve seen. This is not a product that can be purchased from a store. It is a feature that involves much labor and must be built into your pool by you or your installer at the time of the liner change. You can purchase the main drain unit and piping from a pool retailer.
• PVC Hard Pipe – This upgrade replaces the factory thin and flimsy plastic flex hoses that connect the pool filter system to the swimming pool. These factory hoses only last a few years before becoming brittle and leaking or bursting. This can allow water to drain out of your pool and burn up your expensive pool pump. The hard pipe upgrade replaces these hoses with strong everlasting hard or flexible thick wall PVC pipe. Much like the main drain this too is an feature that’s added to your pool and does not come in a kit.  This upgrade can be DIY project for those with basic plumbing skills. The good news is PVC piping never needs replacing and all items required are available at your favorite local home improvement store.

Best Places To Buy Your Above Ground Pool Liner

Sorry, we don’t sell pool supplies. However you still have some great options for purchasing all the items necessary for your pool liner change, but there is one harsh reality ahead. It’s important to understand that no one has all of this stuff up the street, on a shelf and in your size. It will have to be ordered and that’s just a sign of the times. It’s not really any big deal as good companies can have this stuff at your doorstep in just a few days.

So where do you go? There are big box stores, online retailers and your neighborhood corner pool store. I can say from the experience of having dealt with them all at one time or another that some are great and some downright bad. And what ever you do, don’t use price as your only criteria when shopping for pool parts. There are many ways you can be burned when it seems to be a great deal. You could go to big box stores like Amazon or Ebay but I’ve never found any real savings there. The prices aren’t always cheaper and you can NEVER speak with anyone. This may be alright with you but it’s not the way I like to do business. I prefer to deal with knowledgeable people I can talk to and ask questions if need be. I also prefer to buy local if possible. So I say shop anywhere you feel comfortable but I’m giving you my recommendation because this is the #1 most asked question we get. My choice is PoolsAboveGround.com. I have added a  link to them and a short list of other local pool dealers to consider.

PoolsAboveGround.com – I like this one, great local company. These guys know above ground pools inside out. They worked for Recreational Factory Warehouse for many years and they also worked for Doughboy pools and Leslie’s prior to starting this company. Above ground pools are their specialty, they have American made products and the good nut-grass killer everyone is looking for. Very trustworthy. This is where I get pools and liners, prices are great and they have live tech support. You’re not going to find any better.

Leslie’s Pool – Not particularly friendly or helpful but a very large chain and trustworthy. They sometimes sell pools but real above ground experience is non-existant. Like Pinch a Penny Pools they don’t do any work so they don’t really know much. Very trustworthy but crazy over-priced!!

Craigslist – Although you can score great deals if you are patient and keep your eyes peeled, dealing with sketchy people and meeting in Wal-Mart parking lots seems very risky these days. No way to know what your really getting and no way to vet the sellers. Not really worth the trouble for me. I recommend sticking to the reputable dealers and getting factory warranties. If you do decide to purchase a pool liner here I highly recommend an un-opened box with undamaged cardboard. It takes very little to puncture through the box and into the vinyl so examine closely and use your best judgement here.

Professional Pool Liner Installation Price Guide