The cost of installing a new vinyl pool liner ranges from $2,250 to $4,535, with an average price of $3,335. Pool liner replacement can start as low as $300 for small above-ground pools, while the replacement for larger in-ground pools can cost as high as $5,000.
Liner replacement is an essential part of maintaining a vinyl swimming pool, one that is generally required every 7 to 10 years. One of the most important factors that affect the pool liner replacement cost is whether it’s for an above-ground or in-ground pool. Several other factors will also impact price, including the pool’s size.
On this page:
- Average Costs
- Cost Estimator by Pool Type
- Other Factors That Affect Cost
- Related Services
- Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
- Cost of Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement Across the U.S.
- FAQ About Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement
- When to Call a Pool Professional
Average Costs of Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement
| National average | $3,335 |
| Typical range | $2,250 – $4,535 |
| Extreme low-end | $300 |
| Extreme high-end | $5,000 |
Pool owners typically pay $3,335 for a vinyl pool liner replacement, with a typical range between $2,250 and $4,535. A small above-ground pool liner could cost as little as $300, while a much larger L-shaped pool liner replacement may reach $5,000.
This pricing guide will cover multiple factors that determine whether replacing your pool’s liner will cost higher or lower than the national average. The following section will highlight the most significant factor: the type of pool installed on your property.
Cost estimator by pool type
When it comes to vinyl surface material, homeowners can choose between an above-ground and in-ground pool system. Replacing vinyl liner for an above-ground pool ranges between $240 and $1,300, while replacing vinyl liner for an in-ground pool ranges between $965 and $4,025.
| Pool type | Typical price range |
| Above-ground | $240 – $1,300 |
| In-ground | $965 – $4,025 |
Other Factors That Affect Cost
When building a new swimming pool, you’ll need to consider many cost-affecting factors to get a good estimate of how much to budget. The same can be said about installing a new swimming pool liner, with the following points to consider:
Pool size and shape
Replacing the liner of a large swimming pool requires more time to complete, leading to higher labor costs. If the entire pool liner needs to be replaced, professionals will charge even more for materials and labor. In short, the cost of a new pool liner installation goes hand-in-hand with the pool size.
Additionally, standard rectangular or oval-shaped pools will have a lower replacement cost than kidney or L-shaped pools. Replacing liner for pools with a unique shape may require more time and effort, resulting in higher prices.
Liner thickness
Vinyl pool liners come in a variety of thicknesses, and the choice is solely based on your personal preference and budget. Thicker liners are more resistant to punctures, and this added durability allows them to last up to 9 years when properly installed.
Thin liners cost significantly less than thicker ones, but they don’t offer the same durability.
Vinyl liners can be 20, 27, 30, or even 40 mils thick. Not to be confused with millimeters, one mil is one thousandth of an inch.
| Liner thickness | Price |
| 20 mils | $ |
| 27 mils | $$ |
| 30 mils | $$$ |
| 40 mils | $$$$ |
Liner design
Although less customizable than concrete pools, pool owners can still choose between different liner designs to get an aesthetically pleasing vinyl swimming pool.
For those on a tight budget, liners with a solid or basic color are the most affordable. Dark colored liners, as well as those with patterned designs, generally cost higher to install and repair.
Pool draining and refilling
Pool cleanup professionals will need to drain your pool for a full liner replacement. Once the process is complete, they will refill the pool water back to appropriate levels. Owners of large pools will have to pay more than those with small or medium-sized pools.
It is important to note that draining a swimming pool should only be done by a professional pool company, or experienced pool builders. Attempting to drain it yourself could damage your pool and void its warranty.
Related Services
Replacing the vinyl pool liner is an essential long-term maintenance task, and there are several more services that can restore your pool back to its original state.
These services include:
Pool opening and closing
If you’re living in a cold area that experiences harsh weather conditions, you might want to consider closing your pool during the winter months. Doing so will keep your pool water clean, prevent it from freezing, and reduce the risk of other damage.
The process of closing and opening the pool costs $405 on average.
Basic pool repair
Apart from liner replacement, vinyl pools may still require basic and periodic repairs. UV rays are one example that can be harmful to your pool liner, resulting in cracks or bleaching. Some minor cases of damage can easily be repaired without the services of a professional, provided you have the right equipment.
On average, the price of repairing vinyl liners ranges from $367 to $1,233.
Pool cover
Installing a cover will help keep debris out of your pool, retain heat in the water, and ensure safety around the pool area. It will cost you anywhere from $390 to $2,400 to install a pool cover.
Pool accessories
Looking for ways to extend the swimming season, or to get more assistance with pool cleaning? You can enjoy the warm water on chilly nights with the help of a pool heater, while an automatic pool cleaner would reduce the amount of time spent on cleaning the pool.
| Accessory | Average cost |
| Pool heater | $3,000 |
| Automatic cleaner | $625 |
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
Getting a full liner replacement is a detail-oriented task that requires a professional. However, there are cases where basic repairs will be enough to restore your pool back to its original state.
Examples of such cases are:
- Minor leaks in the liner wall
- Patching small rips and tears
In addition to Amazon, affordable vinyl pool liner repair kits can be purchased at retail stores such as Lowe’s, Walmart, and Home Depot. A popular brand that is easily available, Swimline, will cost you approximately $18. Vinyl pool liner repair kits can be used for both above-ground and in-ground pool systems, without the need of draining the pool water.
Cost of Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement Across the U.S.
All the costs listed in this pricing guide are national averages, and do not apply to every city or state. The vinyl liner, equipment, and labor costs are generally higher in urban areas than in suburbs or rural areas.
FAQ About Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement
After several years of enjoying your vinyl pool with your family and friends, you will soon find that the liner needs to be replaced. Failure to do so will significantly reduce your above- or in-ground swimming pool’s lifespan. But what are the signs that you need to hire a pro and get it done?
● Leaks caused by holes or punctures
● Wrinkles develop in liner
● Discoloration
● Damage resulting from the overuse of pool chemicals
● Pool’s age, more than 5 years old
● Visible tears and cracks
Below are ways to spot a leak in your vinyl pool wall and get it fixed:
● Find a soft spot that feels squishy.
● Put a few drops of coloring near the spot. If it flows in the liner wall, you have found the spot.
High concentrations of chlorine in the water can certainly damage and bleach the vinyl pool liner, causing it to deteriorate rapidly. Unfortunately, vinyl pools are the least durable compared to concrete or fiberglass pools. Pool owners will need to be careful with chlorine levels in their vinyl pool water to avoid additional repair costs.
When to Call a Pool Professional
Vinyl pools are resistant to algae and the cheapest type of pool to install. Homeowners who wish to install one on their property must be ready to cover the long-term maintenance costs that include vinyl liner replacement.
With an average cost of $3,335, it is clear that replacing liners is not a cheap task. However, the good news is that this type of maintenance is only required after 5 to 7 years of installation, sometimes even after 9 years. Owners of small above-ground pools may even pay as little as $300 for a new pool liner, so prices will go higher or lower than the national average depending on the type and size of the pool.
When you are ready to — or need to — replace your vinyl pool liner, we’ll connect you to pool care professionals in your area.
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