How much does a pool remodel cost?
How much does a pool remodel cost?
$300 – $2,000 average cost (minor updates)
$5,000 – $30,000 average cost (major remodel)
Average cost to remodel a pool
A swimming pool remodel costs $5,000 to $30,000 on average, depending on the pool type and job. Inground pools are harder to access and cost more to remodel than above-ground pools. Replacing or repairing pool components costs $50 to $5,000, while resurfacing the pool interior costs $2,000 to $15,000.
| National Average Cost | $17,500 |
| Minimum Cost | $500 |
| Maximum Cost | $150,000 |
| Average Range | $5,000 to $30,000 |
Pool remodel cost by pool type
Most pool remodeling jobs pertain to inground pools, but there are some that apply to above-ground pools, like replacing a liner or old parts. The cost of remodeling above-ground pools is substantially lower because they’re easily accessible and use cheaper materials.
| Pool type | Remodeling cost |
|---|---|
| Above-ground | $500 – $10,000 |
| Inground | $6,000 – $50,000 |
Above-ground pool
Remodeling an above-ground pool costs $500 to $10,000, depending on the type of remodel. Some common upgrades for above-ground pools include repairing or replacing the liner and mending the bottom of the pool. Some owners also add lights, a skimmer, or a perimeter fence.
Inground pool
Remodeling an inground pool costs $6,000 to $50,000. Some of the most common projects include fixing leaks, replastering, or replacing the water pump, skimmers, or drain. Popular additions include water features, lighting, and fencing.
You can save money and time on pool remodeling by doing more than one project at the same time. Some contractors offer discounts for bundled services.
Pool remodel cost calculator
You can remodel a pool in several different ways, from minor alterations like adding a diving board to changing the pool's shape and design. The following table shows the average costs for common pool remodel projects:
| Project type | Remodeling cost |
|---|---|
| Additions | $300 – $25,000 |
| Conversions | $500 – $100,000 |
| Painting | $1,400 – $2,500 |
| Resurfacing | $2,000 – $15,000 |
| Expansion | $20,000 – $70,000 |
| Reshaping | $50,000 – $100,000 |
| Replacements / repairs | $50 – $5,000 |
Additions
Adding different features to an existing pool can make it more visually appealing, more comfortable, or better for entertaining:
Fence: Adding a pool fence costs $10 to $45 per linear foot or $2,000 to $13,500 on average with installation. Most states require fencing that’s at least 4 to 5 feet tall around your yard or pool.
Slide / diving board: Pool slides cost about $1,000 to $4,000. Diving boards cost $300 to $700 for inground pools.
Waterfall: A pool waterfall costs $2,000 to $8,800, depending on the type. Sheet waterfalls cost $400 to $1,600. Rock waterfalls cost $1,500 for faux rock or up to $17,600 for real stone.
Deck: Adding a pool deck costs $25 to $50 per square foot or $5,000 to $20,000 total on average. Most pool decks are wood, composite, or aluminum. A pool patio costs $5 to $35 per square foot for concrete, stone, or pavers.
Patio: Inground pool owners often install a patio around their pool instead of a wooden deck. Patios cost $5 to $35 per square foot with installation. Concrete patios usually cost less than stone or paver patios.
Hot tub: Adding an inground hot tub costs $8,000 to 25,000 if you’re adding it to an existing pool. Hot tubs can add value to a home but cost $30 to $100 per month to run on top of your pool maintenance costs.
Heater: Adding a pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200, depending on the type. Gas and electric are typically more affordable, while solar heating systems cost more.
Cover: Pool covers cost $1,000 to $3,600 for manual or $8,000 to $20,000 for automatic. Some states waive the requirement for a pool safety fence if you have a suitable cover.
Enclosure: A pool enclosure costs $5 to $15 per square foot or $4,000 to $14,000 total. High-end glass or polycarbonate enclosures cost $15 to $65 per square foot.
Conversions
Converting a pool from one type or size to another is a complex job and often involves some level of excavation and resurfacing. The following table shows the average costs for pool conversions.
| Conversion type | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Chlorine to saltwater | $1,100 – $2,200 |
| Chlorine to natural | $50,000 – $175,000 |
| Pool to pond | $40,000 – $80,000 |
| Shallow to deep pool | $10,000 – $50,000 |
| Deep to shallow pool | $4,000 – $7,000 |
| Vinyl to fiberglass pool | $50,000 – $70,000 |
| Vinyl/fiberglass to concrete | $50,000 – $100,000 |
Chlorine to saltwater: Converting a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool costs $1,100 to $2,200 in an existing inground pool. Saltwater is gentler on your skin and hair than chlorine but costs more.
Chlorine to natural: Converting to a natural pool costs $50,000 to $175,000. Natural pools use plant life instead of chemicals to filter water. This pool type is environmentally friendly but larger than average to accommodate the plants.
Pool to pond: Converting a pool to a pond costs $40,000 to $80,000 on average.
Shallow to deep pool: Converting from a shallow pool to a deep pool costs $10,000 to $50,000. This involves draining, excavating, and resurfacing.
Deep to shallow pool: Converting from deep to shallow costs $4,000 to $7,000. This option is less expensive because it only requires draining, filling in, and resurfacing and not excavating.
Vinyl to fiberglass pool: Converting your pool material from vinyl to fiberglass costs $50,000 to $70,000. Converting from vinyl or fiberglass to concrete costs $50,000 to $100,000.
Painting
Painting the bottom of a concrete, fiberglass, or vinyl pool costs $1,400 to $2,500 and uses up to 10 gallons of paint. This does not include draining or repairs. Some pools need epoxy-based paint, which costs more. Painting a pool adds aesthetic appeal and helps protect it from UV exposure.
Resurfacing
Resurfacing gives a pool a new look and improves its durability, preventing new cracks and leaks from forming. The cost to resurface your pool depends on the pool type and material:
Resurfacing a concrete pool costs $6 to $15 per square foot or $6,000 to $15,000 total. Most pools use plaster, which costs less than epoxy pebble, polymer, or aggregate.
If you have a vinyl liner pool, replacing vinyl pool liners costs $2,000 to $7,500.
When resurfacing or remodeling your pool, consider freshening up the appearance of the deck or concrete patio around it. Resurfacing a wood deck costs $3 to $9 per square foot. Pool deck resurfacing costs $3 to $12 per square foot or $1,500 to $10,800 total for a concrete pool patio.
Expansions
The cost to expand a pool is about $20,000 to $70,000. This project is costly but usually less expensive than completely removing the existing pool and building a bigger one. A larger swimming area provides more room for guests or practicing laps.
If your pool is concrete, the contractor will have to demo part of it, excavate, and pour new walls. If your pool is fiberglass or vinyl, they will excavate and add a new shell or liner.
Reshaping
Reshaping a pool costs $50,000 to $100,000 on average. Changing from one pool shape to another is a complex project, involving much of the same work as expanding. Custom designs will take extra time and money to complete.
Replacements / repairs
Pool repairs cost anywhere from $50 to $1,700, depending on the type. Replacing components usually costs more than repairing them but is sometimes unavoidable.
Steps: Adding pool steps costs $200 to $2,500. Vinyl or polymer steps cost more than plastic or metal ones but less than fiberglass or concrete.
Tiles: Pool tile repair costs $25 to $30 per square foot or $2,500 to $5,000 to retile an average-sized pool, depending on the material, style, and size.
Pool lights: Pool light replacement costs $500 to $1,700 per light. This includes the bulb and its surrounding fixture. The bulb itself costs $30 to $600, depending on the type. LED bulbs are the most expensive but last the longest.
Drain: Repairing a pool drain costs $400 to $1,500, including draining and refilling the pool.
Filer: Replacing a pool filter costs $250 to $1,700, depending on the size and whether it uses sand, diatomaceous earth, or a cartridge. Replacing any related pipes or adding a new inlet will cost more.
Pump: A new pool pump costs $300 to $1,600, depending on the power and type of pump.
Leaks: Pool leak repair costs $500 to $1,500 on average, or $100 to $1,000 for above-ground pools and $100 to $5,000 for inground pools. This job involves draining the pool, patching the leak, and refilling.
Enclosure: Repairing a pool enclosure costs $200 to $600 for small repairs or $1,200 to $3,500 for a full replacement.
If your pool tile is stained but otherwise in good shape, you can get a professional acid wash for $150 to $300 instead of replacing it.
Pool renovation cost factors
The type of remodeling project and whether the pool is inground or above ground have the biggest impact on the cost of a pool remodel. However, the following factors also affect the cost:
Pool size: Your pool’s size can affect remodel costs. Many contractors charge per square foot or per linear foot, but the prices vary depending on the project. Bigger pools require more materials and labor time than small, compact pools.
Draining / refilling: In most cases, the contractor must drain your pool to remodel it. Filling a pool with water costs $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons. Most contractors advise refilling a pool slowly and continuously after remodeling, so you should plan on being home during refilling.
Excavation: Remodeling costs are higher for large projects that require excavation, like expanding the pool's size or reshaping it.
Removal: Filling in or removing a pool costs $300 to $2,500 for above-ground pools or $4,000 to $16,000 for inground pools.
Labor
Most pool remodeling professionals charge between $65 to $100+ per hour for labor, depending on their location, the season, and job type. This fee is in addition to the cost of materials.
How to save money on a pool remodel
If you’re concerned with spending too much on a pool remodel, try to find simpler projects that freshen up your pool, like an acid wash or tile repair instead of a full resurfacing. Choose less expensive materials, like ceramic tile instead of glass.
To save money on maintenance and pool ownership over time, consider these projects:
Use a variable-speed pool pump
Replace old pool lights with LEDs
Update older plumbing
Use a pool cover to reduce evaporation and conserve energy
Pool remodeling FAQs
Can you remodel an inground pool?
Yes, you can remodel an inground pool. In fact, most remodel jobs are on inground pools. Common projects include resurfacing the inside of the pool, fixing leaks, adding features like a heater or cover, and replacing old parts.
Should I remodel my pool?
You should remodel your pool if you want to increase the value of your home or update its appearance. Other common reasons for a pool remodel are:
Upgrading outdated pool lights, tile, or other features
Enhancing safety with a security fence or pool cover
Improving efficiency with a new filtration systems or pump
Creating a spa-like atmosphere with a hot tub or water feature
Do you need a permit to remodel a pool?
You’ll need a permit for a pool remodel if the project requires any excavation, plumbing, or electrical work. Check your local regulations or ask your pool contractor to verify.
How long does a pool remodel take?
Pool remodels take about 4 to 8 weeks, depending on the pool size and what you’re having done. A simple replastering or smaller repair may only take a few days, but a full remodel or major change takes much longer.
Getting estimates from pool remodeling companies
Follow these guidelines when looking for pool remodeling companies near you:
Compare 3+ quotes from experienced companies.
Look for members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP) or similar organizations.
Explore recent reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Be wary of extremely low estimates, which can indicate low-quality work.
Before the project starts, get a contract and warranty in writing.
Wait until they finish the job to pay in full.
Questions to ask pool remodel contractors
Ask these questions to choose the best pool remodeler for your project:
Are you licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been remodeling pools?
Can I see pictures of pools you’ve worked on recently?
How long will this project take?
Will you have to drain my pool? If so, will you also handle refilling it after you’re done?
Do you offer any deals for bundling multiple projects?
Does this come with a warranty? What does it cover?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.