How much does it cost to repair a pool?
How much does it cost to repair a pool?
$500 – $1,500 average cost to repair a pool leak
$50 – $650 average cost to repair a pool pump
$50 – $300 average cost to repair a pool skimmer
Average pool repair cost
Swimming pool repairs cost $50 to $1,700, depending on the repair and pool type. A pool leak repair costs $500 to $1,500, while pool pump repair costs $50 to $300. An inground pool repair costs more than above-ground pool repairs because inground pool systems are more complex and harder to access.
The following table shows the cost of common pool repair jobs. Most professionals charge less to repair small parts or components, like a pump motor, rather than replacing the whole thing.
| Repair type | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Leak repair | $500 – $1,500 |
| Beam crack | $4,000 – $6,000 |
| Pump repair | $50 – $650 |
| Filter replacement | $250 – $1,700 |
| Skimmer repair | $50 – $300 |
| Drain repair | $400 – $1,500 |
| Light replacement | $500 – $1,700 |
| Heater repair | $150 – $750 |
| Liner replacement | $2,000 – $7,500 |
| Resurfacing | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Tile repair | $2,500 – $5,000 |
Leak
Pool leak repair costs $500 to $1,500 on average but can cost anywhere from $100 to $1,000 for above ground pools or $100 to $5,000 for inground pools. This job often involves draining the water, patching or fixing the leak, and refilling the pool.
A small crack may only require a simple patch, but extensive cracking or broken pipes require more complicated work. Professional pool leak detection costs between $100 to $500. This sometimes includes minor leak patching.
Beam crack
A pool bond beam repair costs $70 to $80 per linear foot and typically includes tile and coping replacement. The bond beam is a strip of concrete that supports an inground pool wall. Resurfacing and patching a beam crack along the length of a pool costs around $4,000 to $6,000.
Pump repair
Repairing a pool pump motor costs $50 to $300, including labor and materials. If you need a new motor but the rest of the pump is in good condition, replacing a pool pump motor costs $65 to $650.
If your pool pump is leaking, you will likely need a new one. Replacing a pool pump costs $300 to $1,600, depending on the power and type of pump.
Filter replacement
Replacing a pool filter costs $250 to $1,700. The filter itself costs $200 to $1,500. If you need to replace any pipes or add a new inlet, it’ll cost more. The final cost depends on the filter size and whether your filter uses sand, diatomaceous earth, or a cartridge.
Skimmer repair
Repairing a pool skimmer costs about $50 to $300, depending on the problem. Common issues include broken baskets or covers. Repairing a leak around the skimmer costs $100 to $150. If a repair isn't possible, replacing the skimmer costs $50 to $1,200+.
Drain repair
Pool drain repairs cost between $400 to $1,500, including draining and refilling the pool. Filling a pool with water costs $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons on its own. If the drain repair includes fixing a leaky drain or feed line, you may be better off replacing those parts.
Light replacement
Pool light replacement costs $500 to $1,700 per light, including the bulb and the surrounding fixture. The bulbs themselves cost $30 to $600, depending on the type. LED bulbs cost the most but last the longest.
Heater repair
Repairing a swimming pool heater costs $150 to $750, depending on the issue. Common problems include a heater not reaching a high enough temperature, not heating at all, corrosion, damage from wildlife, or broken connections. If the damage is beyond repair, replacing a pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200.
If your standard pool heater needs replacing, consider an energy-efficient alternative. A solar pool heater costs $2,500 to $6,500 installed, but only costs $10 to $25 per month to run, compared to $100 to $500 monthly for a traditional pool heater.
Resurfacing
Resurfacing a pool costs $6 to $15 per square foot or $6,000 to $15,000 total on average. Using basic plaster costs less than resurfacing with pebble, polymer, or aggregate finishes.
Tile repair
Pool tile repair costs $25 to $30 per square foot including labor, or $2,500 to $5,000 to retile an average-sized pool. The final cost depends on the tile material, style, and size.
If the tile is dirty but otherwise in good shape, opt for a professional acid wash for $150 to $300 instead of replacing the tile. This removes stains from the pool’s tiles and grout and makes it look new again.
Cost to repair a pool by type
The cost to repair a pool's interior depends on the material. The plaster commonly used on concrete pools has a tendency to crack or crumble and can be costly to repair. Vinyl and fiberglass pools are more likely to have punctures or scratches, which are simpler to fix.
| Pool type | Average total cost |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $100 – $1,000 |
| Vinyl | $150 – $300 |
| Fiberglass | $300 – $400 |
Concrete
Repairs for a concrete or gunite pool cost $100 to $200 for small cracks. Large cracks, spiderweb cracks, bulges, or divots cost $700 to $1,000 to repair because they’re more complex and time-consuming. If you need to resurface the entire interior of a concrete pool, it’ll cost up to $20,000.
Vinyl
Vinyl pool repairs cost as little as $20 to $100 for a simple DIY patch or $150 to $300 for a professional repair. A full vinyl pool liner replacement costs $2,000 to $7,500, depending on if it's an above-ground or inground pool. The most common vinyl pool issues are punctured or wrinkled liners.
Fiberglass
For gel coat application to repair dings, scratches, and cracks on a fiberglass pool, expect to pay $300 to $400. Repainting the surface after a gel application costs extra. A full resurfacing costs $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the size, shape, and desired finish.
Pool repair cost factors
The cost of a pool repair also depends on the following factors:
Pool size: Your pool’s size can sometimes affect how much repairs cost. Bigger, more powerful pumps and skimmers cost more than smaller ones. Replacing a liner or tiling on a large pool costs more because it takes more materials and labor to cover the square footage.
Severity of damage: The extent of the damage determines the price of most repairs, especially cracking on the interior. Extensive damage requires more time, materials, and labor than minor problems.
Above ground vs. inground: Inground pools usually cost more to fix than above-ground pools because they’re typically bigger, deeper, and more complex. Inground pool repairs cost about $400 to $2,700, while above-ground pool repairs cost $300 to $700.
Remodeling: If your pool needs major reconstructing, you’ll pay more than the cost of a simple repair. Pool remodels cost $5,000 to $30,000 on average.
Professional pool maintenance costs $30 to $95 per month for basic care and helps prevent potentially costly repairs down the road.
Labor
In most cases, it's better to hire a professional to repair your pool. This means you'll pay labor fees in addition to the cost of the materials needed for the repair. Most pool repair pros charge $45 to $70 per hour, depending on the location, season, and type of repair.Â
How to know your pool needs a repair
There are several signs that your pool may need repair, some more obvious than others. Ignoring these signs could lead to large, expensive issues later:
Low or fluctuating water levels
Cracks or other damage
Algae growth or murky water
Unusually loud pumps or filters
Uneven pool deck
Unpleasant odors
Rust on pool components
Low skimmer suction
Pool repair FAQs
Can you repair a pool liner?
Yes, you can repair a vinyl pool liner if the damage is minor. You can use a DIY patch kit and repair it yourself if the hole or tear is small, otherwise you’ll have to hire a professional.
You may need to replace the pool liner if the damage is severe or if you’ve already patched it multiple times.
Can you repair a fiberglass pool?
Yes, you can repair small cracks or scratches in a fiberglass pool. Fiberglass repairs are more complicated than vinyl patches and involve a layer of putty, gel coat, bonding coat, sealant, and fiberglass. This repair is doable yourself but probably best left to professionals.
Does homeowners insurance cover pool leaks?
Your homeowners insurance may cover a pool leak if it was caused by a fire, fallen tree branch, or other covered accident. Coverage varies by policy, so ask your insurance provider to be sure.
Can you repair a pool with water in it?
You can repair a pool without draining all the water if your pool only needs a simple patch. You can apply many vinyl liner patches and professional sealants underwater. However, some repair jobs like major cracking or resurfacing require draining the pool.
Getting estimates from pool repair companies
Follow these guidelines when searching for local pool repair companies:
Compare three or more quotes from experienced companies.
Look for members of organizations like the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Read through recent reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Be cautious with extremely low estimates, which usually indicate low-quality work.
Before work starts, get a contract and warranty in writing.
Wait until the job is done to pay them.
Questions to ask pool repair contractors
Ask these questions to choose the best possible pool contractor:
Is this business licensed, bonded, and insured?
How long have you been doing pool repairs?
Can I see a portfolio of pool you’ve repaired recently?
How long will the repair job take?
Will you have to drain my pool for this?
Can you repair this component, or will you have to replace it?
Do you offer a warranty for your work? If so, what does it cover?
We use our proprietary database of project costs, personally contact industry experts to compile up-to-date pricing and insights, and conduct in-depth research to ensure accuracy in all our guides.