How to Measure for a Swimming Pool Liner

PoolKits | February 26, 2018

If you own an inground pool with a vinyl liner eventually you will have to replace it and the number one question will be, how to measure a swimming pool liner. Here’s the necessary information you need to measure and order a replacement inground pool liner from Pool Warehouse that fits perfectly. Replacing your inground pool liner is not difficult – we have sold thousands to homeowners who measured and installed their new liner themselves.  If you are a person that likes to do your own household projects, you can definitely measure and install your own inground pool liner. These How to Measure for a New Swimming Pool Liner instructions are for a rectangle pool. For other pool styles, you will need to adjust the instructions a bit. Give us a call at 800-515-1747 if you have questions or start by visiting our Pool Liner Measurements page to access our measurement forms. You can fill one out online or print & return to us. These forms make it easy to get just the right measurements for the best fitting vinyl swimming pool liner.

How To Measure A Pool Liner From Pool Warehouse

Tools Required for Measuring an Inground Swimming Pool Liner:

  • 2 – 100ft fiberglass tape measures (preferably different colors)
  • 2- stakes (12” nails, pieces of ½ re-bar or similar)
  • Telescopic pole with measuring markings (used to measure the slopes and depths)
  • Plumb bob and String
  • Pool Warehouse measuring sheets and pen
  • Utility knife
  • Chalk
  • Level

First, we will cover the basics of how to measure a swimming pool liner starting with measuring DEPTHS AND SLOPES. When measuring any slope, the measurement is of the horizontal distance of the slope, NOT the actual length of the slope on the pool floor. When measuring the side and back (end) slopes of any pool DO NOT ASSUME that any of the slopes are the same. Even if they look the same, measure them all. **Be sure to DOUBLE CHECK that your dimensions along the length of the pool add up to equal the total length of the pool and that your width dimensions equal the total width.

To measure the SLOPES of an EMPTY pool, simply hold a measuring stick or tape measure horizontally from the top of the slope, and drop a plumb bob from the ruler to where the slope meets the hopper pad and record this measurement.

To measure the SLOPES of a FULL pool, take a long pole and feel where the slope meets the hopper pad or where the long slope meets the shallow end. At that point, bring the pole to the coping at a 90-degree angle and make a chalk mark. This should be done for all breakpoints first, both length and width, then measure the distance between the marks. For the first mark from the edge of the pool, measure from the inside of the wall, not from the coping.

To measure the DEPTH of an EMPTY pool, hold a measuring pole vertically from the CORNER of the hopper pad and run a string across the top of the pool. Record this height. NOW SUBTRACT the distance from the top of the coping to the bead receiver. Do not measure from the center of the pad as it may be deeper and consequently cause wrinkles.

To measure the DEPTH of a FULL pool, hold a measuring stick vertically at the corner of the hopper pad and note the depth of the water, then measure the distance from the water line to the bead receiver. Add these to get the finished depth.

When measuring the LENGTH AND WIDTH of a pool, measure INSIDE the pool from wall to wall BELOW the coping.

NOTE: On symmetric pools (with no left or right bend) if you are requested to measure both walls, all four corners, measure diagonals, or several wall heights, PLEASE DO, although they need not be recorded unless there is a difference in any of them that might affect liner fit.

Once you’ve learned how to measure a swimming pool liner next you will need to price out the liner. For all Rectangle pool liners click below for Free Form or custom shapes please give us a call and we will quote that liner for you!

Click Here To Shop Rectangle Pool Liners!

How to Measure A Swimming Pool Liner Questions?

If you have questions on how to measure a swimming pool liner feel free to contact us now, 800-515-1747.

At Pool Warehouse, We Know Swimming Pool Liners!

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