Above-Ground and Inground Pool Repair Prices

Pool repairs cost $605 on average, but it can reach $2,700 if you want lots of work done. Labor is typically $80 to $120 per hour, but contractors often quote a flat rate with labor and materials included.

Swimming pools come in two styles: above-ground and in-ground. While the maintenance routine for both is similar, each type typically has their own repair needs.

There are some repairs that apply to both types, however, such as:

Drain, Fill and Treat

Expect to pay $175 to $225 to have your pool drained to fix leaks and other major faults. Filling it back up runs about $55 per 5,000 gallons. Don’t forget the chemical treatments as well, which are $450 on average to get your levels in the right range.

Pump Motor Repair

Repairing the pool pump motor costs $50 to $300 for labor and materials. Each replacement part costs at least $15. If the repairs don’t work, a new motor is $150 to $800. Replacing the damaged pump outright costs $700 to $1,500 as long as the install does not require new plumbing.

Fix the Skimmer

Skimmer repair might run you $50 to $300, or $175 on average. Just replacing the skimmer seal to stop leaks is $100 to $125.

Repair the Heater

Swimming pool heater repairs cost anywhere from $165 to $750. It is well worth attempting repairs since replacing the heater costs $1,600 to $3,800, or $2,700 on average.

Inground Pool Repair Costs

Inground pool repair costs up to $2,700 depending on the scope of the job. Most repairs are usually best left to an inground pool repair pro near you, but with regular maintenance, they are few and far between.

Price to Fix Pool Plumbing Leaks

Pool pipe leak repair costs up to $1,000 but most fixes are $400 on average. Pool main drain repair costs $400 to $700. The main line feeds water to the pool and the drain takes it away. Although repairing a leaking line on either side is possible, most homeowners simply choose to replace it altogether.

The bulk of the cost for this type of repair is not for the materials but for the labor involved. Even if owners know there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing, finding the exact leak takes time and effort as well as specialized equipment to measure the pressure in each pipe.

Pool Light Replacement Cost

The cost to replace pool lights is $625 apiece on average. Pool light repair costs are much more affordable at $65 to $150 each. Just replacing the bulbs is $20 to $100 for each one depending on their type and functions. Colorful LED bulbs cost the most but last longer than fiber optic and incandescent bulbs.

Inground Pool Leak Repair Cost

Inground pool leak repairs typically cost $350 to $1,000 for labor and materials, not including the price of draining, filling and treating the water. The total price depends on the severity of the damage, location of the leak and pool material.

Vinyl Repair and Replacement

Vinyl liner repairs and replacement costs $2,200 on average. Expect to pay a professional about $400 to repair a small hole in a vinyl. It only costs $20 to $30 if you can get away with a DIY patch repair. You cannot patch large holes, so it is $1,700 to $2,500 to have them repaired by an expert.

Not just holes cause leaks, either. The bead holding the vinyl liner can lose its strength and let the liner slip, which costs $130 to $200 to fix. Sun damage can wreak havoc on the vinyl and lead to leaks, so protect it with a protective shield that costs around $615.

Fiberglass Leak Repairs

Fiberglass pool repair costs $300 to $400 for a gel coat that restores dinged, scratched and cracked surfaces. Expect to pay up to $800 more to repaint after doing the repairs. You also have to cover the cost of draining the water, refilling the pool and applying the right chemicals.

Concrete or Gunite Pool Repair Cost

Gunite and concrete pool repair costs about $75 per linear foot for small cracks. Large spiderweb cracks, divots and bulges are much more at $700 to $1,000 for a 150-square-foot pool. Hydrostatic pressure can cause catastrophic failure of the liner, but you can easily prevent it with the install of a $14 pressure relief valve.

Leak Detection Price for Inground Pools

Expect to pay $100 to $500 for pool leak detection services. Professionals might include minor patch jobs in the detection price. Expect a separate bid for major repairs.

To prepare for the arrival of the professional and help them spot the leak, follow these steps:

• Clear out all toys and floaties
• Scoop up any debris in the water
• Verify the water is clear and safe to swim in

Above-Ground Pool Repair Costs

Above-ground pool repair prices tend to hover around the $605 average. These pools are typically less expensive to begin with, so the cost of fixing them is often much lower than inground pool repairs.

Cost to Detect and Fix Leaks

Leak repair for above-ground pools is usually $100 to $200 and includes small patch jobs. The cost to replace the pool liner is $100 to $700 depending on the size of the pool.

Pool Wall and Frame Repair Costs

Replacement walls for many pools is between $1,300 and $1,700. Metal frame parts are $15 to $30 apiece, while the lock bead is $130 to $200. The walls of the pool attach to a metal framework using a flexible bead. The resulting structure is very dependent on solid ground for stability. Floods and earthquakes and even high winds can cause this framework to buckle and collapse. Your insurance might cover this damage, so read your policy carefully. Age can also cause the framework to weaken and collapse.

DIY vs. Pro Pool Repair Services

Although pool crack repair costs more when done by a professional, stopping the leak the first time around is well worth the extra expense. They have the tools and know-how to track down the problem fast and suggest the right fix. Then, they can expertly repair the issue to make your pool look and feel like new again.

Pool contractors can also help you upgrade the space. You just have to budget in the price of a swimming pool remodel to make it just how you want. You can even pay for the cost of a hot tub install to make it even more fun to lounge around the poolside.

FAQs

How can I tell where my pool is leaking?

In some cases, the cause of the leak is obvious but that is unlikely. Most of the time, you have to actively seek out the leak by watching water movements, diving in with goggles to look for abnormalities or even using food dye to follow the flow of water out the hole. The easier option is to hire a pool repair expert near you to track down the problem and suggest just the right fix.

How much does it cost to maintain a pool?

The price of pool maintenance ranges from $50 to $700 per visit depending on what you want done. You can expect to pay $1,200 to $1,800 per year to have it cleaned and maintained. Weekly visits are $125 each and involve cleaning and testing the water, applying the right chemicals and emptying out the skimmers. Monthly maintenance visits are about $150 and include brushing and vacuuming the surface plus filter checks. Expect to pay at least $75 extra if your filter needs replacement.

How much does it cost to replace a pool pump?

The cost to replace a pool pump is typically $700 to $1,500 depending its type and size. Labor is $200 to $350 to install a pump in an inground pool with existing plumbing. The parts range from $300 for a basic single-speed model to $1,200 for a high-head submersible pump.

How long do pool lights last?

LED pool lights last up to 30,000 hours, while fiber optics have around 6,000 hours of runtime. You only have to change the LEDs once every 3 ½ years if you keep them on everyday around the clock. Fiber optic lights need replacement about once per year if used half as often.

Can you change a pool light under water?

Yes. In most cases, you do not have to drain your pool to change your light. The only exception is if the conduit slopes downhill toward the junction box. Just make sure to bring the bulb above the water line before unscrewing it and fitting a new one. Also, be careful not to splice or otherwise damage the wire as you swap out the bulb.