How much does pool liner replacement cost?
How much does pool liner replacement cost?
$2,000 – $5,000 above-ground pool liner cost
$3,000 – $7,500 inground pool liner cost
Pool liner replacement cost
Pool liner replacement costs $2,000 to $7,500 total for average pools up to 800 square feet. Above-ground pool liner replacement costs $2,000 to $5,000, and inground pool liner replacement costs $3,000 to $7,500 total. Installation fees include site prep, pool drainage, liner sizing, and fittings.
| Pool size | Above ground liner installed* | Inground liner installed* |
|---|---|---|
| 14'x28' | $1,500 – $2,000 | $2,500 – $3,000 |
| 16'x28' | $2,000 – $2,100 | $3,000 – $3,200 |
| 16'x33' | $2,600 – $2,900 | $3,700 – $4,200 |
| 18'x36' | $3,500 – $4,000 | $5,200 – $6,000 |
| 40'x20' | $5,000 – $5,200 | $7,500 – $8,000 |
*Total average price of pool liner & all related installation labor fees.
Replacement cost by pool type
Replacing a liner in an above-ground pool is typically cheaper than it is for an inground pool. The prices shown in the table below include the materials and the entire project labor for pool draining, old liner removal, minor prep work, and new liner installation.
| Pool type | Average total cost installed* |
|---|---|
| Above ground | $2,000 – $5,000 |
| Inground | $3,000 – $7,500 |
*Prices increase for pools larger than 800 square feet in limited-access areas.
Above-ground pool
An above-ground pool liner replacement costs $2,000 to $5,000 total for most average jobs. Since most above-ground pools have simple, fixed shapes, the process of fitting the liner is much easier than it is for custom-shaped inground pools.
Inground pool
An inground pool liner replacement costs $3,000 to $7,500 installed on average. Replacing an inground pool liner is more labor-intensive because these pools typically have curved custom shapes that require a lot of liner adjustments to fit perfectly.
Extra fees can apply when the pool wall itself isn't easily accessible due to a complex design.
Pool liner cost by type
Overlap liners are the most popular and cheapest type to install since you don't need exact measurements for it to fit. Beaded pool liners are typically the most expensive liner type to install due to their added design complexity.
| Liner attachment type | Average material cost |
|---|---|
| Overlap | $150 – $600 |
| Unibead | $200 – $700 |
| Beaded | $300 – $900 |
Overlap pool liner
A new round overlap pool liner costs $150 to $600 on average for the materials only. An overlap pool liner folds over the top edge of an above-ground pool wall with clamps in the coping to hold it in place. Replacing an overlap liner is typically the easiest type of pool liner replacement.
Unibead pool liner
Unibead liners cost $200 to $700 for materials alone. These liners have a thicker vinyl strip attached at the edges that snap onto the top of the pool wall for easy installation. You need the liner cut to the exact measurements of the pool for it to fit.
A unibead liner also requires a foam coving underneath it around the bottom of the pool to stop the liner from stretching down or tearing in the corners of the pool base.
Beaded pool liner
A beaded pool liner costs $300 to $900 before installation and has an extra attachment called the bead receiver, which serves as a slim hook that the liner edge tucks into. This setup hangs the entire liner inside the pool instead of overlapping the wall.
Cost factors to replace a pool liner
Replacing a pool liner can come with a wide variety of extra fees:
Size & layout – Labor costs are higher when replacing the liner in a larger or irregularly shaped pool with multiple curves.
Liner thickness – Upgrading from vinyl liner thickness of 20-mil or less up to a 30-mil liner typically costs $700 to $1,000 extra for this more durable material.
Liner material – The cost to replace a vinyl pool liner is typically cheaper than replacing a fiberglass one.
Resurfacing – Pool resurfacing costs $6,000 to $15,000. An old concrete pool gets resurfaced with new cement to fix leaks, which costs much more. However, you can install a vinyl liner into an old concrete pool.
Pool condition – Older pools with structural issues or surface damage require extra repair work before installing a new liner.
Water features – Pools with features like waterfalls or slides can have higher replacement costs due to the added job complexity.
Accessibility – Difficult access to the pool area can increase labor costs due to the extra time and equipment needed.
Decking repairs – Extra fees for deck repair cost $750 to $2,500 on average. Removing an old deck makes it easier to replace the pool liner, especially for above-ground pools.
Old liner disposal – Removing and disposing of the old liner has additional fees depending on which type it is and whether the material is recyclable.
Geographic location – Locations with harsh weather conditions may demand higher-quality liners that cost more. Plus, labor rates are more expensive near large metropolitan areas.
Permits – A swimming pool permit costs $100 to $300, which is necessary in some cities depending on how much work it takes to replace the pool liner. If no structural work is essential as part of installing a new liner, then you may not need a permit.
Refilling the pool – The cost to fill a pool with water is $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons from a water delivery truck or $4 to $10 per 1,000 gallons when using your home's garden hose.
Pool liner repairs
Repairing a pool liner costs $150 to $300 on average for hiring a professional to patch it underwater, which saves you on the costs to drain and refill the pool. A specialist wears a dive tank to stay underwater long enough to fix vinyl liners with a patch and extra-strong adhesives.
DIY liner-patch kits cost $20 to $100, but not all these products are strong enough to fix pool leaks.
Pool liner FAQs
When do you replace a pool liner?
Replace your pool liner when:
Water is constantly leaking out of your pool.
Wall damage like rips and tears are visible underwater.
The pool deck is sinking, and erosion is visible around the pool.
You can see parts of the liner have bubbled up and float underwater.
Many stains are visible, or the lining color has faded drastically.
How long does a pool liner last?
A pool liner lasts 5 to 15 years on average, depending on the material quality, thickness, and how well you maintain the pool.
A pool liner can last 20+ years if you keep your pool water at the right pH levels, change filters regularly, and take care of the pool pump.
How long does it take to replace a pool liner?
Replacing a pool liner takes 5 to 6 hours for pools up to 600 square feet in size, or 8 to 9 hours for pools up to 800 square feet. These timeframes are for rectangular pools and jobs in ideal working conditions.
Repairing the base and installing the new pool liner can take up to 4 days for curved pools that also need structural repairs. Rebuilding an old and degraded pool will take much longer depending on what type of work is necessary.
Ordering special liner types takes longer because you must wait for the delivery from the manufacturer.
Is it worth patching a pool liner?
Your pool liner might be worth patching if the damage is minor with tears in 1 to 2 small places, especially if the liner is less than 5 years old with warranty coverage. For widespread tears and large rips in older pools, replacing the liner is typically best.
Can you put a new pool liner over the old one?
You can put a new pool liner over the old one only if the bottom of the pool is sand since the old liner helps maintain the pool's shape. However, in most cases, the pool liner will last longer if you remove the old one completely before installing a new liner.
Getting estimates from pool-liner installers
Before hiring a pool liner installer near you, be sure to:
Compare 3+ quotes from licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
Ask if they have credentials like:
Certified Service Technician® from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
SP-1 Spa and Pool Contractor certification
Swimming pool builder (SPB) license
Confirm if the contractor has 5+ years of experience.
Read their past reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Get an itemized estimate and contract copy before the job starts.
Avoid hiring the cheapest contractors who may have low-quality service.
Never pay in full until the job is complete.
Questions to ask
Check the expertise of a pool-liner replacement company by asking:
How many years of experience do you have in replacing pool liners?
What's your standard charge for inspecting a pool liner?
Have you replaced pool liners similar to mine in size, shape, or material?
What caused my pool liner's damage?
Will I need a thicker liner or more durable type, and how much extra is it?
Are there any structural issues in my pool to fix before liner replacement?
Which replacement methods and materials do you recommend, and why?
Does your quote include all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup?
Will there be additional charges for pool refilling or other related services?
How long will the replacement process take?
Can you provide references from past clients?
If unexpected issues arise during the replacement, how do you handle them?
Can I have a detailed written estimate, contract, and timeline for the project?
Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your work and the materials used?
What will I need to do before the crew arrives?
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.