10 Best Above Ground Pool Liners 2026 in the United States

The Smartline 18 ft Round Swimming Pool Liner in Boulder Swirl pattern is made from durable 25-gauge heavy-duty virgin vinyl, designed specifically for steel-sided above-ground pools with 54-inch wall heights. Its material is layered with acrylic and UV-resistant coatings, which helps protect against fading, chemical damage, and wear—important for keeping your pool looking good over time. The unique Boulder Swirl design with blue rock visuals adds an attractive touch to your pool’s bottom and sides. This liner uses a unibead style, making it adaptable for both overlap and beaded pool types, although it is not compatible with Intex or Pop-Up pools. Installation is easier when the liner is warmed in the sun beforehand to reduce creasing and stretching issues.

Measuring your pool accurately before buying is crucial since the liner must fit your pool's exact size and shape. One notable benefit is the 25-year limited warranty, which offers peace of mind regarding material and workmanship defects. On the downside, this liner weighs around 50 pounds, which might require some effort when handling and installing. Also, its design and size options are somewhat limited to this specific pool style and dimension, which may not suit all above-ground pools.

If you have a steel-sided round pool close to 18 feet in diameter and 54 inches tall, this liner provides a good balance of durability, visual appeal, and warranty support at a reasonable price.

The Smartline Boulder Swirl 24-Foot Round Liner is a solid choice for those with steel-sided above-ground pools. Made from 25 gauge virgin vinyl, it offers durability and a pleasing blue rock and swirl water pattern. This overlap-style liner is designed to fit pools with a flat bottom and wall heights between 48 to 52 inches, making it versatile but not suitable for Intex or pop-up pools.

The installation is user-friendly, thanks to the drape-over design and the included coping strips, which help secure the liner in place without the need for bead receivers. An added bonus is the universal gasket kit for the skimmer and return, which can help prevent corrosion and leaks over time. The liner’s North American cut material is hand-folded to minimize creasing, and laying it out in the sun before installation can make it easier to work with.

On the downside, the liner is quite heavy, weighing in at 71.6 pounds, which might be challenging for some during installation. The Boulder Swirl liner could be a great addition for families looking to enjoy their backyard pool during hot summer days, provided they ensure accurate measurements before purchase.

The Smartline 21 ft Round Swimming Pool Liner is designed for steel-sided above-ground pools with wall heights of 48 to 52 inches. Made from durable 25-gauge vinyl, this liner offers good resistance to wear and is built to last through multiple swim seasons. Its Boulder Swirl pattern features blue rock designs against a water-like background, adding a pleasing aesthetic to your pool area. This pattern is hand-folded and made in North America, which helps reduce wrinkling and creases during installation.

The liner uses an overlap style, meaning it drapes over the pool walls and is held in place with coping strips—this makes installation straightforward, especially for those replacing an existing liner. It’s best suited for pools with a flat bottom and is not compatible with pop-up pool models. One helpful addition is the included universal gasket kit for the skimmer and return, which helps protect the pool walls from corrosion and potential leaks. However, being an overlap liner, it may not fit as snugly as bead-style liners, which could be a consideration if you want the tightest fit possible.

Measurements need to be precise to ensure proper fit, as sizing is critical for this type of liner. With a solid customer rating of 4.4 out of 5 stars, it represents a reliable and affordable option for anyone looking to replace or install a new liner in a round steel above-ground pool without breaking the bank.