Stretching an Overlap Liner

I just purchased an overlap liner for my 15'X30' above ground pool. Should the seem around the bottom(floor) of the liner be exactly 15'X30' or will it need to be stretched?


Hi. The seam will never measure exactly 15 x 30. It will vary even with the amount of sun it is getting. The colder it is the smaller the liner will be. As it warms up it will actually become larger.

I feel the best way to install any overlap liner is to stretch it into place like shown on this page.

Above Ground Pool Liner Installation

It is also possible to install an oval overlap liner by setting the liner in the pool and opening it up. Sun is your best friend with both types of installation. Working inside the pool you would need to very carefully line up the seams to center the liner. At this point you would cloths pin it to the wall and recheck the alignment. Next you would want to smooth the bottom out as best possible and again check to make sure the liner is straight. When you are sure the liner is as straight and smooth as possible its time to start the water filling.

As the water fills I get on my hands and knees and push all the wrinkles to the sides smoothing the bottom out as smooth as possible. When doing this it's important to start in the center and work out in all directions so you do not throw off the alignment of the liner.

I use this method any time there is a deck in the way or some other reason that the liner cannot be stretched over the top rails. Stretching over the rails always works better and is always my first choice.