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What kind of DIY swimming pool liners are available in the UK?

  • Writer: Hemant Atrish
    Hemant Atrish
  • Sep 11, 2025
  • 2 min read

Following are the DIY Swimming Pool Liners available in the UK


Based on material, manufacturing, and installation, there are several types of pool liners available in the UK, predominantly made of PVC vinyl. The primary varieties are factory-made "bag" liners and reinforced membranes that are welded on-site.

 

Factory-made "bag" liners


These pre-made vinyl liners are tailored to the exact dimensions of a specific pool and come in a single, unreinforced membrane. They are most commonly used for domestic swimming pools. In the UK market, these are available in different thicknesses, usually measured in "thou" or as a fraction of a millimetre (e.g., 20 thou/0.50mm or 30 thou/0.75mm). 


  • Overlap liners: An oversized vinyl liner for above-ground pools that is draped over the wall and secured on the outside with coping strips before trimming.

  • Beaded liners: These have a reinforced bead at the top that clips into a track or receiver at the top of the pool wall, creating a neat finish.

  • Expandable liners: A variation of the overlap liner designed to stretch and fit pools with a deep end, usually up to 1.8 metres (72 inches) deep.

  • Unibead/J-Hook liners: Versatile liners that can be installed using either a bead receiver or hooked directly over the top of the pool wall. 


On-site welded reinforced membrane liners

Also known as "heavy-duty" liners, these are made from thicker, more robust vinyl that is reinforced with a polyester mesh. 


  • On-site welding: The material is delivered to the site in rolls and professionally welded together inside the pool to create a completely custom, seamless, and watertight finish.

  • Enhanced durability: Due to their 1.5mm thickness, these liners are significantly more hard-wearing than factory-made bags and are suitable for higher-traffic pools, such as those at schools or holiday parks.

  • Higher temperatures: Reinforced membranes can be used in pools that are consistently heated to warmer temperatures, unlike standard domestic liners.

  • Watertight repairs: They are an effective solution for repairing and waterproofing old, leaking concrete pools. 


Conclusion

When choosing a DIY swimming pool liner in the UK, consider the type of pool you have, the installation process, and the material's durability to ensure you select the best option for your needs.

 
 
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