pool liner replacement cost
While replacing your pool liner is a necessity for a safe, long-lasting pool, you don’t have to go thousands of dollars over budget.
If you’ve been trying to gather information on the average cost of pool liner replacement, then you’ve come to the right place.
Come dive in with us as we explore the cost of replacing your pool liner.
In-Ground Pool Liner Replacement Cost
In-Ground Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement Cost
On average, you can expect to pay around $2,200 on a vinyl liner for your inground pool.
For a simple patch job, costs can be as low as $350, while a complete replacement on a large pool could cost as much as $5,000.
These estimates are for the materials and installation costs combined.
In-ground vinyl pool liners cost anywhere from $700 to $1,500 on average. They come in custom shapes and typically have unique add-ons depending on the features of your pool, such as bench seating and covered steps.
A few factors that can increase your in-ground pool liner cost include:
- Unique patterns (other than your typical blue)
- Greater thickness (standard in-ground pool liner size is 28 Mil)
- Custom shapes (made for additional pool features)
In-Ground Fiberglass Pool Liner Replacement Cost
Fiberglass is one of the most popular vinyl pool liner alternatives out there. Compared to vinyl, fiberglass is more durable, long-lasting, and works to prevent mold growth, which is one of the biggest problems with vinyl pool liners.
Of course, you can expect to shell out a bit more of your hard-earned cash when replacing fiberglass liners. Even the most minor repairs for fiberglass pools are around $650.
When it comes to materials and labor, you can expect to pay anywhere from $1,400 to $4,800, depending on the size and shape of your swimming pool and its location.
In-Ground Pool Liner Installation Cost
Beyond materials, you will need to pay for installation. You can expect to pay anywhere from $1,000 to $2,500 solely for installation for inground pools. However, with additional materials for unique swimming pool features, such as steps or bench seating, your cost could go up to around $4,000 for an inground swimming pool liner installation.
Installation costs vary pretty widely, factoring in not only the shape and size of your swimming pool, but also the condition that your current pool liner is in. Many professional installers will base their vinyl liner repair prices on the location of the pool and the place in which the installation will take place.
Here are a few average prices for average inground swimming pools:
- Inground Swimming Pool Liner (16×32) – $2,000
- Inground Swimming Pool Liner (20×40) – $3,500
Above Ground Pool Liner Replacement Cost
Generally, above-ground pool liners are much less expensive than inground pool liners. You can expect to pay anywhere from $100-$600 to replace your above-ground pool liner. Of course, the overall cost depends on factors such as liner thickness, pool size, and materials used.
Above Ground Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement Cost
One of the primary factors in determining replacement costs for above-ground pools is the material. For example, excluding installation costs, a 12′ round liner can cost you as little as $100.
However, a 20′ x 30′ oval liner can easily cost $650 or more.
You must also keep in mind how thick the vinyl liners are. Thicker liners will cost more.
Average vinyl liners are 20 Mil or 20 thousandths of an inch. For added durability, many pool owners go with 25 Mil vinyl liners, though it costs more. You will also have to pay more if you want custom patterns and colors (blue vinyl liner is the least costly).
Lastly, you will have to determine which type of product you want to use, impacting the above-ground pool liner cost. Above-ground pool liners either use uni-bead, j-hook, or overlap designs to create an edge seal.
Unibead is the most expensive, and overlay is the least costly. While overlap above ground pool liner can work, it isn’t nearly as durable and long-lasting as uni-bead.
Above Ground Vinyl Liner Installation Cost
When replacing your above-ground pool’s liner, you will also have to factor in installation.
When repairing an above-ground pool liner, expect to pay anywhere from $300 to $800 for installation cost.
The cost will depend on numerous variables.
Some of these cost variables include:
- Swimming pool size and shape
- What kind of condition the floors, coving, ground, and pool walls are in, and whether they also require repair.
- Time of year (pool liner installation pros tend to have higher rates during their busy season which is spring and summer).
- Pool location (harder-to-reach pools can affect the labor rate).
With these factors in mind, you could quickly end up paying up to $1,400 or more for pool liner installers.
Here are a few average prices for average above ground swimming pools:
- Above Ground Pool Liner (18′ round) – $600
- Above Ground Pool Liner (10×20) – $800
When To Replace a Vinyl Pool Liner
Most vinyl liners will last anywhere between 15-20 years. However, numerous factors can impact how long your pool liner will last, as well as several reasons why you may need to replace a vinyl liner.
It is essential to give your pool a routine rundown to prevent the damage from becoming too significant to repair. Here are a few things you should look for when determining whether or not it is time for a complete liner replacement.
Age
When pool liners get older, they tend to lose their elastic properties—several things age vinyl liners over the years, including chemicals and harsh weather conditions. You’ll typically know when pool liners are bad when they start losing color.
When they can no longer support water pressure, they will begin falling off in small pieces. At this point, you will have to call a professional to replace your vinyl liner.
Poor Installation
Proper pool liner installation is crucial for longevity. Your pool liner should not act as structural support for your pool but rather a protective cover. When installed correctly, liners should float off the ground and walls of your inground pool. When installed poorly, they will rub against the walls and base, which can cause damage.
Harmful Pool Chemicals
Many people use the wrong pool chemicals, which can harm vinyl pools. So when you’re looking for pool chemicals, make sure to look for “vinyl-safe” labels.
Sun Damage
Sun damage is more pronounced on the vinyl that rests above the waterline. This often requires total replacement. When your new pool liner is installed, you should take steps to protect it from future sun damage. Many people install pool coverings or protective shields.
On average, people pay around $500 for 150 feet to replace their sun-damaged liner.
Liner Wrinkles
If your vinyl liner isn’t torn or damaged but just has a few wrinkles, you can choose to have a pool liner pro come out to fix the wrinkles.
On average, you will spend anywhere from $100 to $250 for pool liner wrinkle restoration.
Wrinkles come from harsh weather conditions, high water pressure, and poor pool liner installation.
Can I Replace My Own Pool Liner?
The cost of an in-ground pool liner is expensive, which is why so many people try to forego the cost of professional installation by installing it themselves.
You may be able to install your own inground pool liner, though there are many cases in which you should hire a professional, including:
- Your entire pool requires pool liner replacement
- You have no experience in replacing liner for in-ground pools or fixing pools in general
- You’re not sure about where the leak in your pool is coming from.
If you have determined where the problem is coming from, or if it’s a quick fix, you might be able to fix it on your own. There are DIY pool liner kits that you can purchase from your local hardware store. These kits are handy for minor tears.
Final Thoughts – Replacing Above-Ground and Inline Pool Liners With Your Budget In Mind
We hope that our pool liner cost guide helped provide you with an estimate for your pool liner job. Getting a new pool liner doesn’t have to break the bank.
If you need to replace your entire liner or fix any serious issues, make sure to call around to various liner professionals so that you can compare quotes and get the best price. Maintain your liner, and you’ll have a happy, healthy, long-lasting pool.
Because pool liners aren’t the only component that will need replacing over the lifetime of your pool, we’ve compiled a full list of Pool Renovation Costs to help you along the way!
Happy swimming!
A lawyer never retires. So I would just say that I am not as active as I used to be. Now I simply dedicate myself to fishing, my hobby, and my grandchildren. For Business Finance News I write about legal aspects of mortgage policies, mostly regarding the rights of policyholders. I also have articles about personal injuries.