Beaded Pool Liner To Big

by Pat

After we installed the pool liner we found that we have 3" that would not go into the beaded channel. What could we have done wrong? Could it be because the liner is not seated against the pool wall? It’s about 6" away in some spots and 3” in others about halfway around the pool. Would this cause the excess liner of 3”? Thanks, Pat George




Hi Pat. There is no exact science when it comes to beaded liners for above ground pools. It would be next to impossible to make a liner that would fit the pool perfectly. There are many variables. The temperature and the amount of sunlight are major factors. Your liner got stretched a little as it was installed into the bead.

On warm days pulling the liner to tight, and having excess, is easy to do. I have days when the liner was to small and I would have loved to be working on a hotter day or under more sunshine. After three or four times of taking the liner out of the bead receiver and putting it back in your fingers become numb.

But that is what needs done, several times if needed. A liner that appears to small needs pulled a little tighter each time, and they will eventually stretch and fit. Your liner needs the opposite. You should work on bunching the liner backwards as you install it. Your first attempt may leave you short, as bunching is easy to do. You should easily get the feel for how tight, or loose, the liner needs to be and you will get it right after a few tries. This is normal.

If that does not work out for you try installing it in the evening, when it is out of the sun and cooler. You will notice an amazing difference in how the liner feels and works. If the liner is a little tight, by not being against the edge, I would leave the filling for direct overhead sunlight and a warm day.

A beaded liner that is tight, not up against the pool wall, is much better than one that is to big. Once you start filling it should stretch into place nicely.

This page might help also. Beaded Liner Installation