How much do vinyl liner pools cost?
How much do vinyl liner pools cost?
$25,000 – $65,000 average total cost
Average vinyl liner pool cost
A new vinyl inground pool costs $25,000 to $65,000 on average for 300 to 400 square feet. Inground vinyl pools are cheaper and easier to install than traditional concrete pools, but their liners are not as durable as other materials and need to be replaced every 5 to 15 years.
| National Average Cost | $45,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $16,600 |
| Maximum Cost | $150,000 |
| Average Range | $25,000 to $65,000 |
A vinyl liner pool is a type of pool made with vinyl-lined walls instead of concrete, metal, or fiberglass. They are typically inground but are sometimes found in semi-inground or above ground pools.
Vinyl liners only last 5 to 15 years before you need to replace them. Vinyl pool liner replacements cost $2,000 to $7,500.
Vinyl liner pool cost by size
The cost of vinyl liner pools depends on their size. Most inground pools are about 300 to 400 square feet and 6 to 7 feet deep, but this can vary quite a bit depending on your pool preferences.
| Pool size (square feet) | Average installed cost |
|---|---|
| 200 | $16,600 – $32,600 |
| 300 | $25,000 – $49,000 |
| 400 | $33,200 – $65,000 |
| 500 | $41,500 – $81,500 |
| 600 | $49,800 – $97,800 |
| 700 | $58,100 – $114,100 |
| 800 | $66,400 – $130,400 |
Vinyl liner pool cost factors
The following factors influence the total cost of installing a vinyl liner pool:
Shape: Rectangular pools are easier and less expensive to build than round, curved, or custom shapes.
Depth: Deeper-than-average pools cost more to build and require more water. If you want a diving board, you may need a deep end of 9 or more feet.
Coping: The border material around the top edge of the pool costs $8 to $12 per linear foot. This border creates a transition between the pool and patio and holds the pool liner in place.
Water: Filling a pool with water costs $30 to $100 per 100 gallons with a professional water delivery service.
Location: Pools typically cost more in northern states than in warm southern states where pools are more common. Pools in cold climates also need to be winterized every year.
Permit: A permit for installing a pool costs $100 to $300. Most contractors include permits in their total price.
Maintenance: Pool maintenance costs $80 to $150 per month, including cleaning, chemicals, and opening or closing for the season. Pool repairs cost $50 to $1,700, depending on the problem.
Labor
Installing a pool is a complicated process that involves excavation, leveling, and removing trees if necessary. Pool installers typically charge more in labor fees for concrete pools because they're harder and more time-consuming to install than fiberglass or vinyl pools.
| Project | Average cost |
|---|---|
| Excavation cost | $1,000 – $5,000 |
| Yard leveling cost | $500 – $1,000 |
| Pool water delivery cost | $400 – $2,400 |
| Pool filter cost | $300 – $1,700 |
| Pool pump cost | $300 – $1,600 |
| Tree removal cost | $150 – $2,000 |
Pool upgrade costs
Adding features or custom upgrades costs extra and can extend the installation timeline. Common pool upgrades include:
Lights: Inground pool lights cost $500 to $1,700 per light for the fixture, bulb, and installation labor. Some LED and fiber optic light systems have Bluetooth capabilities. Installing lights during the pool installation costs much less than installing them afterward.
Pool deck: A pool deck costs $25 to $50 per square foot, or $5,000 to $20,000 total, depending on the size and material. Above-ground pools typically use wood, composite, or aluminum decks. Inground pools can use those materials, concrete, or pavers.
Pool heater: An inground pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 installed, depending on the type and size of your pool.
Waterfall: A pool waterfall costs $2,000 to $8,800 on average, depending on the type. A sheet waterfall costs $400 to $1,600. A rock waterfall costs $1,500 for faux rock or up to $17,600 for real stone.
Hot tub: Adding an attached inground hot tub costs $8,000 to 25,000 or $6,000 to $15,000 when built with the pool. Hot tubs add value to a home but cost $30 to $100 per month extra to run.
Diving board or slide: Diving boards for inground pools cost $300 to $700. Pool slides cost $1,000 to $4,000.
Safety features
If you decide to install a pool, you should have safety measures in place. Most states require a fenced yard, pool fence, or a suitable pool cover to prevent children or pets from falling into a pool.
Pool fence: A pool fence costs $10 to $45 per linear foot or $2,000 to $13,500 on average. The most affordable materials are mesh, galvanized steel, and black chain-link safety fences. Wrought iron and glass pool fences are visually appealing but cost more.
Pool cover: A pool cover costs $1,000 to $3,600 for a manual safety cover or $8,000 to $20,000 for an automatic cover.
Steps: Adding pool steps costs $200 to $2,500 depending on the material. Basic plastic or metal steps cost less than vinyl or polymer steps. Fiberglass or concrete steps are the most expensive option.
Vinyl liner pools vs. other pool types
Vinyl liner pools are cheaper and easier to install than most other pool materials, but they are more susceptible to algae and damage. Vinyl liners tend to tear or scratch easily, so they're not a very pet-friendly option.
Inground fiberglass pools cost $30,000 to $85,000 with installation. Fiberglass pools are flexible, durable, and pet-friendly. This material isn't as customizable as concrete, but it doesn't require a liner replacement like vinyl. Unlike concrete and vinyl, fiberglass is algae- and mineral-resistant.
A standard concrete inground pool costs $50,000 to $100,000 on average. Concrete pools are customizable and durable but prone to algae. Maintenance for concrete pools is also high because they need acid wash treatments every 3 to 5 years, which costs around $300 to $1,000.
Vinyl liner pool FAQs
Can I add a heater to a vinyl pool?
Yes, you can use the same pool heaters with vinyl pools that you would use in any other type of pool. Your location will determine whether the best choice is a gas, propane, electric, or solar heater.
Is a fiberglass or vinyl pool better?
Fiberglass pools are usually more durable and tend to last longer than vinyl liner pools, and they don’t need regular liner replacements. However, vinyl pools cost less to install upfront than fiberglass and other materials.
What is the difference between a vinyl liner pool and a concrete pool?
Vinyl liner pools are typically made with metal walls with a vinyl liner on top of them. They are much easier, faster, and less expensive than concrete pools. Pouring and curing concrete is a long, expensive process, but concrete pools last much longer and add more value to a home.
What is under a vinyl pool liner?
Most vinyl liner pools have metal walls beneath the liner. Some might have plastic walls, but this is not common, and pool contractors generally only use them on request.
Getting estimates from vinyl liner pool installers
Follow these guidelines when searching for inground pool installers near you:
Compare 3+ estimates from experienced, reputable pool installation companies.
Explore recent reviews for local pool installers on HomeGuide and Google.
Choose installers who are members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Be cautious with the lowest estimates, which may indicate poor-quality work.
Get a written contract before any work starts.
Don't pay in full until the job is complete and the pool passes all the required inspections.
Questions to ask pool contractors
Ask these questions to help you choose the best vinyl liner pool contractor:
How long have you been installing vinyl liner pools?
Can I see a portfolio of similar pools you've done?
Are you a member of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals?
Do you handle liner replacements as well?
Can you also install pool covers or heaters?
How long will this pool installation project take?
Does this area have a lot of rocks in the soil? Will that be an issue?
Do I need to wait before adding water?
Do you offer a maintenance plan or package deals?
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.