Hi, the pros, not sure there are any. OK, there is one I heard the other day from a customer that was going to buy one. The sales rep told her it would be easier to keep the tile pattern even around the top. I told her that was probably true but I would not guarantee a wrinkle free installation. You never know if the liner well be slightly to big for the pool or slightly to small.

I know Matt has a j-hook liner and loves it, so before he comes aboard I will just say; he dug the center of the pool down by about eight inches, that does a lot to make sure the liner is not to big for the pool. He also has some nice install instructions above in the FAQ’s.

I personally swear by the overlap. The only reason for a beaded liner is if you have a deck that keeps you from removing the top rails. Then I can see it. Something like this
http://www.shadebuilder.com/above_gr...nd_awning.html
Other than that nothing beats an overlap.

They are less expensive and much easier to install wrinkle free. As for conversion, just buy the coping strips. The same retaining rods that hold the j-hook in place will hold the coping in place.

As for a tile pattern around the top of an above ground pool liner, worst idea ever. Vinyl liners never fit perfect, impossible. Some areas will stretch more than others. Centering is a near impossibility for most people. I worry far more about a wrinkle free install than I do about that stupid pattern around the top. I wish they would all just go away.

Said enough, Dennis