Liner Advice

[robertg]

We have wanted an inground pool for years, but finally came to realization that our kids would be grown with their own kids before we could afford one (they are only 10 and 4 now). So we finally decided to go with an above ground.

We just purchased a used 16x32 oval with 52" wall - Artesian brand. We went and took it down last Saturday ourselves so that we would be more familiar with putting it back up. Had been told by friend with pool that it would be in our best interest to go ahead and purchase a new liner...would save a lot of headache in the long run. Especially since the owner had already drained the water.

Started Monday trying to purchase a new liner and it has turned in to quite an experience. Seems this is a non-standard size and most companies don't have it in stock. Have called all local companies and explored a few sites on the web. Have found a couple local options, but waiting to hear back from them on some final questions. Came across this forum and like the idea of trying to get some advice from fellow pool owners, whom aren't just telling me what I want to hear to sell me a liner (that I can't return if it doesn't work).

Pool originally had the J hook liner, but we are wanting to go to a true beaded liner. Want to build a deck and would like to not have to take the tops back off later unless absolutely necessary.

Anyone have any experience using the liner conversion strips? Do they work as intended, or should I stay away from them and stick with the J hook liner???

Should any manufacturer of liner work as long as it is made for the same size pool???

Also, noticed the owner's manual mentions "Buttress Oval" for the shape. Is this unique, or is it just a regular oval pool???

Does anyone have any experience with the company NationalPoolWholesalers on the web???

Thanks for reading and appreciate any responses!

Robert

[imnay]

We have wanted an inground pool for years, but finally came to realization that our kids would be grown with their own kids before we could afford one (they are only 10 and 4 now). So we finally decided to go with an above ground.

We just purchased a used 16x32 oval with 52" wall - Artesian brand. We went and took it down last Saturday ourselves so that we would be more familiar with putting it back up. Had been told by friend with pool that it would be in our best interest to go ahead and purchase a new liner...would save a lot of headache in the long run. Especially since the owner had already drained the water.

Started Monday trying to purchase a new liner and it has turned in to quite an experience. Seems this is a non-standard size and most companies don't have it in stock. Have called all local companies and explored a few sites on the web. Have found a couple local options, but waiting to hear back from them on some final questions. Came across this forum and like the idea of trying to get some advice from fellow pool owners, whom aren't just telling me what I want to hear to sell me a liner (that I can't return if it doesn't work).

Pool originally had the J hook liner, but we are wanting to go to a true beaded liner. Want to build a deck and would like to not have to take the tops back off later unless absolutely necessary.

Anyone have any experience using the liner conversion strips? Do they work as intended, or should I stay away from them and stick with the J hook liner???

Should any manufacturer of liner work as long as it is made for the same size pool???

Also, noticed the owner's manual mentions "Buttress Oval" for the shape. Is this unique, or is it just a regular oval pool???

Does anyone have any experience with the company NationalPoolWholesalers on the web???

Thanks for reading and appreciate any responses!

Robert

This may be an easy question to have an answer for. The online vendor that we have bought a lot of stuff from over the last 10 or so years is www.poolproducts.com.

Five years ago we bought our latest AGP including expanded depth liner (you should REALLY think about adding depth to your pool). We bought at that same time a new Hayward Super Pump, in-line chlorinator and etc, and etc. We have found their staff to be very smart and good to work with and they are a VERY reliable online business.

If you will go to their website and click on "liners" and then "above ground" and then scroll down you will come to beaded 16X32 liners in a variety of patterns and vinly thickness. Buttress Oval??? Never heard of it but call their "800" number and ask them your questions.

Please reply or send a PM if you want more of our personal experiences with this fine company.

Jim

[imnay]

A couple of quick thoughts.

In ground vs Above ground - just our opinion - be glad you are trialing AGP. 20 years ago a 27ft circular pool in-ground concrete/gunite would have cost us a bunch over $20,000.00.

We couldn't afford that but we wanted a circular pool so we found a contractor that agreed to install a AGP 27 ft sunk half into the ground with an expanded liner for a sloping floor to a center 6 1/2 foot depth - he even installed a gunite floor for under our liner and a second pump return outlet to the pool and a center "main drain" with a PVC system back to a slab behind our garage where he installed what amounts to an in-ground pump and filtration system.

Total price in 1988 dollars was $4200.00 including pool and all installation - what a deal and over 20 years later we are srtill lovin' our AGP!!!

So be glad you chose the AGPool option - a pool is a wonderful backyard fun thing!!

You are braver than I am - I do a lot of DIY but trying to install a pool intimidates me!

[robertg]

We have wanted an inground pool for years, but finally came to realization that our kids would be grown with their own kids before we could afford one (they are only 10 and 4 now). So we finally decided to go with an above ground.

We just purchased a used 16x32 oval with 52" wall - Artesian brand. We went and took it down last Saturday ourselves so that we would be more familiar with putting it back up. Had been told by friend with pool that it would be in our best interest to go ahead and purchase a new liner...would save a lot of headache in the long run. Especially since the owner had already drained the water.

Started Monday trying to purchase a new liner and it has turned in to quite an experience. Seems this is a non-standard size and most companies don't have it in stock. Have called all local companies and explored a few sites on the web. Have found a couple local options, but waiting to hear back from them on some final questions. Came across this forum and like the idea of trying to get some advice from fellow pool owners, whom aren't just telling me what I want to hear to sell me a liner (that I can't return if it doesn't work).

Pool originally had the J hook liner, but we are wanting to go to a true beaded liner. Want to build a deck and would like to not have to take the tops back off later unless absolutely necessary.

Anyone have any experience using the liner conversion strips? Do they work as intended, or should I stay away from them and stick with the J hook liner???

Should any manufacturer of liner work as long as it is made for the same size pool???

Also, noticed the owner's manual mentions "Buttress Oval" for the shape. Is this unique, or is it just a regular oval pool???

Does anyone have any experience with the company NationalPoolWholesalers on the web???

Thanks for reading and appreciate any responses!

Robert

This may be an easy question to have an answer for. The online vendor that we have bought a lot of stuff from over the last 10 or so years is www.poolproducts.com.

Five years ago we bought our latest AGP including expanded depth liner (you should REALLY think about adding depth to your pool). We bought at that same time a new Hayward Super Pump, in-line chlorinator and etc, and etc. We have found their staff to be very smart and good to work with and they are a VERY reliable online business.

If you will go to their website and click on "liners" and then "above ground" and then scroll down you will come to beaded 16X32 liners in a variety of patterns and vinly thickness. Buttress Oval??? Never heard of it but call their "800" number and ask them your questions.

Please reply or send a PM if you want more of our personal experiences with this fine company.

Jim

Thanks! Gave them a call and feel much better about making the purchase now.

Not a 100% sure that we are going to install the pool ourselves yet. Realize that it would be quite a task to undertake. Going to get a price to have it set-up and then make a decision.

[imnay]

For your reference, five years ago we found an experienced AGP installer who put the new one in over our existing support structure for $1100.00 including installation of our new pump. I thought his price was a bit high but have heard of others charging a lot more.

IF you do hire someone for site prep and installation you could look into have the site dug out for extra depth and a extended dept liner. The extra depth liner will cost a bit more but there is no comparison between the standard 52 inch walls which net about a 48 inch water depth and a pool with a 6 ft or deeper added depth. I recall our liner would go up to 9 feet.

I would also ask installer price to add a second outlet from the filter/pump to the pool. The difference in filter performance is amazing. It's also why we really recommend addition of a floor drain with PVC back to the filter/pump. In over 20 years we never had to vacuum our pool. We can just sweep any floor debris into the center drain - it all goes to the same place anyway.

Our best wishes for good luck with your new pool!!