Pool liner replacement costs $2,000 to $5,000 for an average above-ground pool or $3,000 to $7,000 for an in-ground pool liner. These price ranges include the total job cost for the new liner, pool draining, removing the old liner, minor prep to the pool base, and liner installation.

• The cost to fill a pool with water is $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons from a delivery truck or $4 to $10 per 1,000 gallons from a garden hose.
• The highest prices apply for pools with many curves and free-form designs.

The biggest signal that you need to replace a pool liner is when you find water leaking out of the pool. Still, there are many other important signs that indicate your liner is wearing out, so call a swimming pool company if you see these problems:

• Can you see tears or rips in the pool liner underwater?
• Have parts of the pool bottom bubbled up?
• Are stains appearing on the lining?
• Has your pool deck slowly been sinking since you installed it?

The size and shape of your pool will determine how long it takes to replace the liner.

For example, consider these common scenarios:

• Replacing a rectangular pool liner up to 600 square feet takes 5 to 6 hours.
• Replacing a square liner up to 800 square feet takes 8 to 9 hours.
• For curved free-form pools that need structural repairs too, the total job time is up to 4 days to fix the pool and install a new liner.
• Rebuilding an old pool with new liner installation takes weeks or months according to the severity of the damages.
• Ordering a special liner will delay installation times due to backorder wait times and variable shipping timeframes.

You can expect most pool liners to last for 5 to 15 years or more if you've maintained the pool regularly. Keeping balanced pH levels in the water, checking the pool pump frequently, and changing pool filters as recommended will extend the lifespan of all parts of your pool.

Get a thicker liner since they can outlast thinner ones by several years.

Most swimming pool companies will advise you against putting a new pool liner over the old one since a liner is stronger when adhered directly to the pool base. Air pockets underneath the old liner especially make it impossible to cover it with a new liner.

However, sometimes you can leave an old liner in place if the pool bottom is sand and most of the old liner is in good condition. Talk to a contractor about your options if you have a pool like this to confirm the longevity of the new liner.

Patching a pool liner is worth it to save money on a full pool-liner replacement if you've had the liner for less than 5 years and the only damage is a minor tear. A professional wearing a dive tank can patch the liner underwater without even draining the pool.

Pool liners that are 5 to 10 years old, have large rips, or have started separating from the pool walls will typically need replacing.

Before hiring a pool-liner installer near you:

• Compare 3+ quotes from licensed, bonded, and insured companies.
• 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 can have low-quality service.
• Never pay in full until the job is complete.

Ask for qualifications like:

• Certified Service Technician® from the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance
• SP-1 Spa and Pool Contractor certification
• Swimming pool builder (SPB) license

Verify the knowledge of a pool company by asking:

• How many years have you been replacing pool liners?
• Can I see a list of references from past clients?
• Have you replaced pool liners like mine before?
• What's your initial fee for inspecting a pool liner?
• Does this bid list all materials, labor, delivery, and cleanup?
• How can I prevent liner damages like this in the future?
• Is a thicker liner better, and how much extra is it?
• Will you fix any structural issues in my pool before liner replacement?
• Which unexpected issues could happen during the job to raise costs?
• How long will this replacement take?
• Will there be additional charges for pool refilling or other related services?
• Can I have a copy of the itemized bid and timeline for the project?
• Do you offer a warranty or guarantee on your work?
• What will I need to do before the crew arrives?