Above Ground Liners: Thickness is measured in Mil
When it comes to above ground pool liners, there is often confusion surrounding the term “gauge.” It’s important to clarify that gauge is a meaningless and misleading term in relation to pool liners. In fact, gauge is a term more accurately used to measure shotgun barrels, not pool liners. Just like you don’t order a foot of steak from the butcher, pool liners are properly measured in Mil, not gauge.
Some online retailers try to deceive consumers by using the term gauge to imply they are selling thicker, higher-quality liners. For example, they might claim to offer “30 gauge” liners, which can sound impressive. However, this is usually a misrepresentation. Typically, what these sellers are offering is a liner with a 15 mil wall and a 13 mil floor, far from the 30 mil they suggest.
In reality, no one manufactures above ground pool liners that are 30 mil thick. The additional weight of such a liner could cause structural issues with the pool walls. Moreover, there is no industry-standard tool for measuring the “gauge” of a liner, making this term unreliable and often deceptive.
The first lesson for consumers is to be wary of anyone selling above ground pool liners by gauge. This practice is misleading and designed to confuse buyers. Instead, focus on the actual mil measurement of the liner. The pool industry does use terms like “heavy gauge” to refer to thicker liners, but these should still be quantified in mils.
At McEwen Industries, we pride ourselves on the quality of our liners. Our “heavy gauge” Summerhill liner, for instance, features a 17 mil wall and a 15 mil floor, making it one of the best you can buy. Our above ground liners are produced in the same factory and to the same rigorous standards as our in-ground liners. Additionally, we can create custom sizes to fit any pool.
Understanding the correct terms and measurements for pool liners is crucial for making an informed purchase. Avoid sellers who use the term gauge and instead look for clear mil measurements to ensure you are getting a high-quality product. For more information or to find the perfect liner for your pool, contact your local McEwen dealer who lives and works in your community!