How To Measure an Inground Pool Liner

To begin measuring your pool, you’ll need a couple of items. This will include someone to help measure, measuring tape, telescopic pole, string, metal washers, clipboard, pen, liner form, and chalk.

Let’s start with measuring the overall dimensions (LxW) of the pool. Because pools come in all different shapes, there will be different required measurements for each kind of pool. The pool in this video/guide is a Grecian with a center step. Pay close attention to the required measurements for your pool shape, and have a helper record them in the appropriate sections.

When measuring your pool’s length and width dimensions, be sure to measure from the bead track, and not from the deck’s edge. This will provide the most accurate measurements.

After measuring the overall length and width, you can tackle the corners. There are three common types of pool corners: Cut, Radius, and 90-Degree. Steps 5-7 explain how to measure the different types of corners.

Cut corner style requires you only measure the straight length of the corner.

The Radius corner requires a little extra work. Using chalk, draw a continuation of the straight side of your pool at the corner forming a 90-degree corner. Then measure the length from the 90-degree angle to the points where your corner begins.

90-Degree corners do not require any further measurement.

Next, it’s time to measure the pool depth. To complete this we will need the pole, string, and washers to make a depth measuring tool.

There are four common hopper types for vinyl pools; The standard, wedge, constant slope, and safety ledge. The pool in this video/guide is a standard hopper, but our measuring methods will apply to all types.

Starting at the shallow end, lower your weighted string until you hit the pool bottom, where the floor meets the wall. Make sure the weight is touching the floor and that the string is straight and not slack for the most accurate measurements.

Once happy with the placement of the washer and string, pinch the string where it meets the water surface, and pull out the weight.

Now measure the length of string between your pinch point and the bottom of the weight.

Next, measure the distance from the water level to your liner track. Add the initial water depth measurement to this second measurement for the total shallow end depth. Follow this method for the rest of the key points required for your hopper measurements.

When measuring hopper slopes and safety ledges, use your weighted string to find the edge of the particular features, then measure the length of the pole from the pool wall to the string.

Next is the step section, If you have fiberglass steps that are not covered with vinyl, then measuring the steps is not required. If your steps are covered with vinyl, continue to follow the measuring form and record the dimensions in the appropriate sections.

That covers the basic procedures for measuring an inground pool liner. To download your own measuring form click here.  If you have any questions on this topic, leave a comment down below.