Used Pool Installation

by David Burnett
(Lexington,SC,USA)

I just purchased a 2 year old pool in good shape. I would like your opinion on a couple of things I'm planning on doing before and during the install.

I am going to prime and paint all the rails with rustoleum as well as around the skimmer, return and bottom half of pool wall. Also, what do you think of the foam for the walls?

I know this may be a bit of overkill but I would like my $600.00 investment to last for 10 more years. Our old pool did 13years. One more question, beaded or overlap liner? Thanks for any suggestions. I enjoyed reading your site.



Hi David and thanks. The only reason I would ever recommend a beaded liner is if you are planning a deck that would prevent the rails from being removed in the future. An example of a good place to use a beaded liner is on this page.

Above Ground Pool, Deck and Awning

There are so many advantages to using an overlap liner. They are much easier to install wrinkle free and the cost less. Those are just two of the many, but pretty good ones.

Wall foam is used mainly for insulation. If you plan to heat your pool with a solar cover, solar panels or a gas heater they would be useful. I don't feel the foam would protect your wall enough to make it last longer. The best thing to make you wall last longer is to repair any liner leaks quickly. Don't let the skimmer or return leak and pay attention to your water level. If you know you are losing water, find the hole and repair it.

If you use the wall foam be sure and cut it several inches from the top of the wall. If left to high it will get in the way of the coping and make setting the liner a real pain.

Here are a few pages related to overlap liners that might help you make up your mind and also help in the installation process.

Overlap Liners


Above Ground Pool Liner Installation


Expandable Liner Installation