Above Ground Pool Liners vs Inground Pool Liners: What’s the Difference?
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If you're shopping for a new pool liner, one of the first questions that might come up is: What's the difference between above ground and inground pool liners? While they might seem similar at a glance, there are some key differences that matter when it comes to installation, durability, cost, and design.
In this post, we’ll break down the main differences so you know exactly what type of liner you need and why it matters.
1. Pool Structure and Liner Fit
The biggest difference comes down to how the liner fits into the structure of the pool.
- Above ground pool liners are designed to hang or snap into place along the top edge of the pool wall. They come in types like overlap, beaded, and unibead. These liners are flexible and made to fit a standard size shell.
- Inground pool liners are custom-fit to the exact shape and dimensions of the pool. They often include cutouts for steps, lights, and deep ends. These liners are usually installed by professionals and require more precise measurements.
If you have a standard-size, round or oval above ground pool, chances are you can order a ready-made liner and install it yourself. Inground liners almost always need custom manufacturing and pro installation.
2. Liner Thickness
In general, inground pool liners are thicker than above ground liners. That’s because they’re built to handle higher water pressure and more aggressive use.
- Above ground pool liners are usually around 20-25 gauge
- Inground liners tend to be 27 mil or thicker
Thicker doesn’t always mean better, but if you’re installing a liner in an inground pool with rough steps, angles, or diving zones, you’ll want something more heavy-duty.
3. Liner Patterns and Design
Both above ground and inground pool liners come in a wide range of patterns, but inground liners usually offer more design flexibility. Many inground liners feature tiled borders, textured surfaces, and more detailed printing.
Above ground liners often keep it simple, with blue mosaics or solid colors. That said, there are some beautiful above ground liner patterns out there, especially when shopping through a pool-focused brand like AquaDoc.
4. Installation Process
- Above ground liners can often be installed as a DIY weekend project. You drain the pool, remove the old liner, smooth the base, and drop in the new one.
- Inground liners require more prep work, including vacuum sealing to remove air bubbles and fitting the liner exactly to corners, stairs, and slopes.
If you’re comfortable with tools and have a helper or two, replacing an above ground liner is doable. Inground liner replacement is best left to a pro.
5. Cost
Here’s a quick breakdown of average liner costs (not including installation):
- Above ground liners: $400 - $900 depending on size and type
- Inground liners: $1,000 - $2,500+ depending on shape, thickness, and custom features
Installation can easily double those numbers if you hire a professional.
Which One Do You Need?
It really comes down to your pool type:
- If you have a round or oval above ground pool, look for a liner that matches your pool size and wall height (usually 48", 52", or 54")
- If you have a custom inground pool, you’ll likely need a professional liner installer and a custom-ordered liner
Why It Pays to Buy from a Brand You Trust
Whether you need an above ground liner or an inground one, the key is ordering from a company that knows pools. At AquaDoc, we only sell quality liners we’d use in our own backyards. No vague product listings, no guessing games. Just high-quality vinyl, detailed specs, and real support if you need help choosing the right fit.
If you're ready to shop, check out our collection of above ground pool liners or reach out with your pool dimensions. We'll help you find the perfect match for your setup and make sure you get it right the first time.
Need Help Choosing a Liner?
Let us know the size and shape of your pool and we’ll help you figure out what type of liner you need. Our team is always here to help you get swimming faster and with fewer headaches.