How Much Does It Cost to Repair Or Replace a Pool Liner?

Average Vinyl Pool Liner Costs

When estimating the cost of a pool liner, it's crucial to distinguish between in-ground and above-ground pools. In fact, the liner cost between these two general types of pools can differ significantly.

In-ground pool liners can run you anywhere between $700 and $1,500. Above-ground pool liners are generally less but can still range in price between $100 and $600, depending on factors like pool size and the thickness of the vinyl liner material.

Above-Ground Pool Liners

A vinyl liner for your above-ground pool typically costs between $100 and $600, not including labor.

However, the exact cost can vary significantly based on several factors that range from size and thickness to pool type.

• Size of material: A 12-inch round liner, not including installation, will cost as little as $100, while an oval 18-by-33-foot liner can be as much as $660.

• Thickness: Most vinyl liners are 20 mils thick, which is equal to 20 thousandths of an inch. You can get a thicker (and more durable) liner but will need to pay a bit more.

• Color/pattern: Basic blue colors are the lowest-cost option, while patterns (such as a swirl bottom) tend to be more expensive.

• Product type: Liners for above-ground pools use either overlap, j-hook, or unibead mechanisms to seal the edge. Overlap is the least expensive, but isn’t as reliable and long-lasting as its alternatives.

In-Ground Pool Liners

Similar to above-ground pools, in-ground pool liners range widely in cost—between $700 and $1,500.

Again, the exact type, shape, and size of the liner you need will play a major role in determining your exact price.

• Customizations: In-ground pools are more likely to come in custom shapes, which will have a major impact on the cost. 

• Add-ons: Add-ons to the pool, such as steel-covered steps and bench seats, will increase the cost.

• Patterns: Patterns tend to be more expensive than simple blue colors.

• Thickness: Most in-ground pool liners are 28 mils thick, but getting a thicker alternative might make sense—and will cost more.

Pool Liner Cost Factors

Several variables impact the cost of installing a pool liner, including size and shape, the type of pool, and the time of year.

Pool Size

The size of the pool is the single biggest determinant of its installation cost. The below chart of standard sizes can help you determine just how your pool can fit into this equation.

Labor

Above-ground pool liner installation will typically cost between $250 and $800, while in-ground liner installation generally costs more at a price point between $1,000 and $2,500.

Thickness

A thicker, 28 MIL pool liner costs around $400 more than a comparable standard 20 MIL pool liner. Thicker liners last longer and can withstand more exposure to harsh weather than typical 20 MIL liners. If you choose a thicker liner, it’ll last longer and won’t tear as easily, but it’ll cost you more and be harder to install.

Pool Shape

Your pool’s shape impacts the cost of your liner. Round pool liners are less expensive than similarly sized rectangular ones. For example, you can see in the table above that a 648-square-foot rectangular, in-ground pool liner costs between $2,300 and $3,600. Compare that to a 706-square-foot pool, or 30-foot diameter, above-ground round pool liner, which only costs $1,600 to $2,400.

In-Ground or Above-Ground

In-ground pool liners cost more than above-ground ones. For example, an oval, above-ground 12x24-foot pool liner costs $500 to $850, whereas a rectangular inground pool liner of the same size costs $1,400 to $2,100.

Liner Pattern or Design

If you choose a liner with a pattern or design, you will pay more than going with the classic blue liner. Keep in mind that darker pool liners are harder to repair and may cost you more down the road.

Location

Your pool’s location and its accessibility impact labor cost. If the pool is far away from where the contractor must park, the pathways are narrow, or there is limited room to get equipment to the site, then this increases the job’s difficulty and how much time it takes to complete. 

Time of Year

If you need pool liner replacement services in prime pool season—spring and summer—you will likely wait longer and pay more than if you took care of this issue in fall or winter. 

Warranty

Most in-ground pool liners have a 20- to 30-year warranty. It's important to remember, however, that most warranties only offer full protection for between two and five years. After this period, the value of the warranty is prorated. So, if you need a new pool liner after 10 years, the warranty may only cover 10% of the total price. Additionally, warranties often don't cover labor or necessary tasks like emptying or refilling the pool.

Common Vinyl Liner Repair Prices

In some cases, it's more cost-effective to repair the liner rather than replace it. If the liner is comparatively new and is in reasonably good condition, and there's just a small tear, repairing is likely the better option.

Patching Holes, Tears, and Snags

Patching holes in the liner can cost between $100 and $500 if you cannot identify the source of the leak. A DIY liner patch kit costs between $10 and $30.

Sun Damage

Sun damage costs around $530 for 150 feet. Damage from the sun—especially pronounced above the waterline—often requires replacement but can be prevented by covering the pool or installing a protective shield. Sun damage not only involves fading and discoloration, but the UV rays weaken the vinyl and cause significant cracking over time, so it's important to protect your pool liner. 

Wrinkles in the Liner

Professionals can fix wrinkles for around $100 to $250. Wrinkles can occur due to poor installation, water pressure, and weather conditions.

Popped-Out Beads

New beads cost about $130 to $300 each. Beads around the pool's edge hold most vinyl liners in place. If you cannot pop the bead back into place, you will need to purchase a new one.

Bulged Liner

Water pressure and weather conditions can cause your liner to bulge. If it doesn't settle into wrinkles after the groundwater settles, you might have to replace the liner to get rid of the problem. The warranty usually covers this issue.

Leaks

Depending on the size of the leak, your cost can go up to $2,500, at which point you may consider replacement instead.

Floor Damage

Fixing holes on the floor of an above-ground pool is not simple. It requires draining your pool and determining whether the leak stems from the liner or the pool itself. Once you know the answer, the cost will fall into one of the above categories.

When to Replace a Vinyl Pool Liner

Swimming pool liners usually last 15 to 20 years, though it's difficult to put an exact duration on the life of above-ground and in-ground liners. There are various reasons that lead to replacing the vinyl liner rather than trying to patch it.

Be sure to check for these signs ahead of time so you don't lose too much water or cause excess damage to your pool.

Otherwise, you might need to do repairs to the swimming pool in addition to replacing the pool liner:

• Age: As a liner grows older, it loses elasticity. Sun, weather conditions, and chemicals wear it down, which causes chunks of it to fall off.

• Improper installation: If vinyl pool liners are installed incorrectly, they won't touch the ground and pool walls like they're supposed to. This could lead to a void in the warranty because it damages the liner bead or rips the liner.

• Cut by sharp objects: Since vinyl liners are soft, people, pets, and debris can easily cut them. It's not easy to patch one of these after such an accident, so it's better to replace than try and patch.

• Wrong pool chemicals: The wrong balance of pool chemicals can eat away at the pool liner faster. You need to be sure to use vinyl-safe chemicals or not install a vinyl liner around your pool.

Replacing Liner vs. Installing Fiberglass Pool

Fiberglass is a popular alternative to vinyl when looking to ensure waterproofing in your swimming pool. Fiberglass pools consist of a shell built off-site, which means a pro can install it on your property in as little as two days. Once installed, they tend to be more durable and prevent mold growth that can become a common problem for vinyl liners.

Of course, these advantages come with a cost. Fiberglass pools cost more to install, with an initial cost ranging between $21,000 and $39,000 compared to $10,000 to $20,000 for vinyl pools.

That said, the lifetime cost of a fiberglass pool may be worth the initial price. Unlike the sometimes expensive repair costs for vinyl liner pools mentioned above, these types of pools generally only need minor pool repairs that cost around $675 for most problems. You also won’t have to worry about replacing a liner when its lifespan has expired.

DIY vs. Hiring a Pro

The cost of a vinyl liner alone can be expensive. So, should you really hire a professional, which adds significant dollars in labor cost?

The answer depends on your individual situation.

When to Hire a Pro

• You need a complete liner installation for your new pool.

• You are unsure about the exact issue causing a leak or other problems.

• You don't have experience working with vinyl liners specifically and the material in general.

• The fix will be complex and requires significant time and expertise.

When to DIY

• You have already identified the problem and know it’s a quick fix, like a small tear near the top of your liner.

• You have significant DIY experience.

• You’ve completed repairs of this nature before. 

Some problems, such as wrinkling, do occur due to improper initial installation. To make sure you get it right, it makes sense to hire a professional. Over time, you become more familiar with your pool as well as the necessary maintenance and repair. But especially initially, work with a professional to install your pool liner.

FAQs

How long does a pool liner last? 

A pool liner can last anywhere from 15 to 20 years, depending on your pool’s chemistry. If you keep your water balanced, your liner will last longer than if you don’t. For example, over-chlorination, too much sanitizer, and heavy metal buildup can contribute to a shorter lifespan.

Can you put a new pool liner over an old one?

It’s always best to start fresh rather than put a new pool liner over the old one. You will need to redo or re-groom the bottom of the pool base before installation anyway, so many homeowners choose to get rid of the old one and start anew.