Pool Liner Cost Summary
Most homeowners spend betweenFor countless families across the United States, swimming pools are wonderful additions to yards. They provide endless fun, as well as an opportunity to cool down during the summer and in warmer climates.
But swimming pools need care. Ignore your pool, and it won't be desirable or usable within a relatively short amount of time. That includes a number of regular pool maintenance and cleaning activities, but it also involves knowing exactly what your pool needs to provide the enjoyment you envisioned when you first installed it - such as a pool liner.
Vinyl liners are essential for any pool, inground or above-ground, that does not already provide waterproofing on its own, like concrete, gunite, or fiberglass pools. Most above-ground pools fit this criteria; Intex pools, for instance, can benefit from a liner that keeps the water inside throughout the seasons. A number of in-ground alternatives also need liners. Anytime you are unsure of the material used for your pool, it makes sense to at least consider a vinyl liner as an option for preventing leaks.
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.
Inground 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.
A vinyl liner for your above-ground pool typically costs between $100 and $600 for the liner itself. However, the exact cost can vary significantly based on a number of factors that range from size and thickness to pool type.
The main pricing factor is in the size of the material. A 12' round liner, not including installation, will cost as little as $100, while an oval 18x33 foot liner can be as much as $660.
Another variable to keep in mind is the thickness. Most vinyl liners are 20 mil thick, which is equal to 20 thousands of an inch. You can get a thicker (and more durable) liner with a width of 25 mil, but will need to pay a bit more. And of course, basic blue colors are the lowest-cost option, while patterns (such as a swirl bottom) tend to be more expensive.
Finally, the exact type of product will influence its cost. As mentioned in the introduction, liners for above-ground pools use either overlap, j-hook, or unibead mechanisms to seal the edge. Overlap is the least expensive, but will not be as reliable and long-lasting as its alternatives.
Similar to above-ground pools, in-ground pool liners range widely in cost - from about $700 to $1,500. Again, the exact type, shape, and size of the liner you need will play a major role in determining your exact price.
In-ground pools are more likely to come in custom shapes, which will have a major impact on the cost. Add-ons to the pool, such as steel covered steps and bench seats, will increase the cost. The same is true for patterns, which tend to be more expensive than simple blue colors.
Thickness also matters. Most in-ground pool liners are 28 mil thick, but getting a thicker alternative might make sense - and costs more.
Of course, the cost of the product itself is only the beginning. In addition, you also need to be aware of how much it costs to install a liner for either an in-ground or above-ground pool.
Above ground pool liner installation with typically run you between $250 and $800, while inground liner installation generally costs more at a price point between $1,000 to $2,500.
Typically, professionals will offer to install your liner as part of a package deal that includes labor and materials. The labor cost for above-ground pool liners alone tends to be between $250 and $800, depending on a number of variables. That, in addition to the cost of the liner itself, will total your cost of installation between $350 and $1,400.
Of course, these costs may vary based on several factors. Just a few points of consideration include:
- The size and shape of the pool in which the liner will be installed.
- The condition of the pool walls, coving, and floors, especially if they need to be repaired in the process.
- The time of year during which the liner will be installed. Professionals tend to be busy in spring and early summer, and might charge higher rates.
- The location of the pool, which will affect local labor rates.
- The rates of the professional or company you hire.
Inground Pool Liner Installation = $1,000 - $2,500
Installing in-ground pool liners tends to be more expensive than its above-ground alternative. Generally speaking, your cost will end up between $1,000 and $2,500 for the installation alone. Add materials, and you could end up above $4,000 to install a new in-ground pool liner.Of course, as is the case with above-ground pools, the installation cost will range widely depending on the size, shape, and condition of your pool. So will the time of year during which the installation takes place, as well as the pool's location.
As pointed out above, the size of the pool is the single biggest determinant in its installation cost. The below chart of standard sizes can help you determine just how your pool can fit into this equation.
| Pool Type | Size | Average Cost |
|---|---|---|
| above ground | 18 ft diameter (round) | $600 |
| above ground | 10x20 ft | $800 |
| in-ground | 16x32 ft | $2,000 |
| in-ground | 20x40 ft | $3,500 |
Of course, it's important to use this chart as a general guide rather than an exact estimation. The other variables necessary to determine your pool liner installation cost can still shift your overall expense.
Swimming pool liners usually last between 15 and 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 an excess amount of 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. The sun and weather conditions, along with the chemicals, wear it down. So it loses its color and can't support the pool wall or water pressure. When that happens, chunks of it fall off above the water line. These pieces will have to be replaced by a professional because they're too worn to patch.
- Improper installation: Vinyl pool liners are supposed to be protective covers, not structural parts of your swimming pool. If they're 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.
- Cut by sharp objects: Since vinyl liners are soft, they can easily be cut. It's not easy to patch one of these after such an accident, so it's easier to replace than try and patch badly.
- Wrong pool chemicals: If the wrong balance of pool chemicals is used, it 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.
Fiberglass is a popular alternative to vinyl when looking to ensure waterproofing in your swimming pool. Fiberglass pools consist of a shell that is built off-site, which means it can be installed 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 are more expensive to install, with an initial cost ranging between $20,000 and $40,000 compared to $10,000-$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 repairs that cost around $300 for most problems. You also will not have to worry about replacing a liner when its lifespan has expired.
For vinyl liners, the repair costs will be more nuanced. Due to a variety of causes, your pool may need any of the following repairs at a given time:
Holes, tears, and snags ($100 to $500)
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 ($530 for 150 feet)
Damage from the sun, which is especially pronounced above the water line, often requires replacement, but can be prevented by covering the pool or installing a protective shield.Wrinkles in the liner ($100 to $250)
Wrinkles can occur due to poor installation, water pressure, and weather conditions. Professionals often can fix the problem for around $100 to $250.Popped out beads ($130 to $300)
Most vinyl liners today are held in place by a bead around the pool's edge. If you cannot pop it back into place and need to replace it, you can purchase a new bead for about $130 to $300.Bulged liner (full replacement)
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.Leaks (up to $2,500, or a full replacement)
A leaking liner can be a potentially significant problem. 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 (varies)
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.Some of these repairs are more substantial than others. Visit our Swimming Pool Repair Cost Guide to learn more about the nuances involved in this process.
The cost of a vinyl liner alone can be expensive. So should you really hire a professional, which adds significant dollar in labor cost? The answer depends on your individual situation. Hiring a pro makes sense if:
- You need a complete liner installation for your new pool.
- You are unsure about the exact issue that is causing a leak or other problems.
- You don't have experience in working with vinyl liners specifically and the material in general.
- The fix will be complex and requires significant time and expertise.
It is important to note that 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 for all major projects connected to your vinyl liner, or anytime the pool needs completely drained.
Over time, you become more familiar with your pool as well as the necessary maintenance and repair. But especially initially, work with professional pool liner installers who have experience in making sure that the liner maximizes the length of your swimming pool.
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I need to know how soon a new liner wood be installed and how much it wood cost.
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Looking to have old above ground pool liner removed and new liner installed pool size 30' x 15'
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Original vinyl liner of above ground pool 12x12x48 was incorrectly installed 2 years ago (by my children unfortunately but they meant well!) . Now it is developing holes and still twisted and misshappen. May also need different sand on the bottom as the bottom floor gets footprints as we walk. haha
Need free estimate ASAP
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need to know how much to buy and replace vinyl lining. 36×18 with 9'deep bell in deep end.in ground pool
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I need to know how much it cost to replace the vinyl for a 20 x 40 rectangular in ground pool and what are going to with water?
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We have two holes in our vinyl liner that is 2 years old, and I would like to know approximately how much it would cost to repair the holes.
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This was helpful but how do I get more of a price quote for a vinyl liner and more data on the up front cost of fiberglass and the difference between warranty of the two What does the warranty cover?   How do I get a price quote for a 27 MIL. Liner for 20' X 40' pool?  What is the additional cost for a FiberGlass material or Labor?Â
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need 2 replace my pool liner
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I'm looking to have a new liner installed for an inground pool, ASAP!
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Need estimate on replacing fiberass liner
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Need liner replaced and a estimate.
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Looking to replace and install liner in in ground pool need estimates
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Need a price for liner replacement for a 25ft round.
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I need an estimate to replace the liner in my above ground pool. Â It's partially inground and about 28ft in size.
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beaded liner is coming out of track needs to be fixed asap. need estimate.we live in south jersey
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Need estimate for replacing above ground pool old liner is gone asap
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Need quote for replacing above ground liner asap!!
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Need estimate for replacing in ground pool liner
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Need in ground pool liner replaced ASAPÂ
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Need a price on installing above ground liner
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I live in Crestwood Ky and am looking for some one to replace my above ground pool liner. My pool is 28 round and 4 deep.
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We are looking for someone as well to install a new liner in our above ground 24x12' pool. The pool also varies in depth ranging from 3-5 ft. and located in Chicago.
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replace liner with 30 ml, 16' x 32' -include installation pool opening and extended warranty
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