Wrong Size Liner

by Rebecca Henrichs
(Little Rock, AR)

I have a 24' X 54" Doughboy above ground pool. We are replacing the liner and for whatever reason did not realize that when we purchased the new liner they gave us a 27' X 54" liner.

This is an overlap liner, which is what we needed, but will it work since really only needed the 24' not the 27'?




Hi Rebecca. Absolutely not, never use the wrong size liner in your pool, you will have nothing but a mess of wrinkles. It should be sent back and the proper size returned to you.

The only thing universal, as in one size fits all, is the wall height. Many liners will fit walls with a 48" and 52" height and some even include a 54". But there is no such thing as a 24' to 27' size that would fit both pools.

If you made the mistake of taking it out of the box before checking the size you may have a problem. Most places will not take them back once they have been unpacked. Always double check the size on the box before removing the liner.

If you are in this situation I still don't recommend using it. Sell it on eBay or Craigs list to get some of your money back but get the right size liner.

Wrong Pool Liner

by Bonita
(Medway, OH USA)

I've made a terrible mistake. I ordered a 'beaded' liner instead of a J-hook? Is there a way this can be remedied without buying another liner?

Thanks, Mrs. Baker



Hi Mrs. Baker. If it were me I would use the liner. I would stretch it into place using my usual method, as described in the links below. I would pull the liner over the sidewall and hold it in place with coping strips. The retaining rods you have on your pool now would slip right over the coping, holding it in place.

Coping strips can be bought at anyplace that sells above ground pools, or ordered online.

It would be very easy to turn your beaded liner into an overlap liner, and not have to order a new one.


These pages might help also.


Expandable Liner Installation

Vinyl Liner Replacement

Beaded Liners

Overlap Liners