How Much Does Pool Liner Replacement Cost?

Normal Range: $1,243 - $3,871

Pool liner replacement costs average $2,505, but prices fall between $1,243 and $3,871. A pool liner installer can check out your pool and break down the costs.

How we get this data
Overview of a swimming pool with a blue pool liner
Photo: fotofabrika / Adobe Stock
Overview of a swimming pool with a blue pool liner
Photo: fotofabrika / Adobe Stock
Cost Insights
  • Pool liner replacement costs $5 per square foot on average.

  • Replacing the liner on an in-ground pool costs between $1,200 and $2,100 on average, while aboveground pool liners cost between $500 and $900.

  • Vinyl pool liners are the most popular, and they cost $300 to $4,000.

  • The cost of pool liner replacement is affected by liner type and thickness, pool shape and size, liner material, and more.

The average cost to replace a pool liner is $2,505, and most homeowners pay between $1,243 and $3,871. Some projects cost as much as $5,930 or as little as $352, depending on the type of pool, size, liner type, and more.

Pool liners keep water in your pool, prevent leaks, protect pools from interior damage, and keep mold and algae at bay—all while enhancing the visual appearance of your pool. In this guide, we’ll explain everything you need to know about what your pool liner replacement will cost.

Pool Liner Cost by Pool Type

An aboveground pool liner costs between $500 to $900 to replace, while in-ground pool liners cost between $1,200 and $2,100.

In-ground pool liner replacement costs will almost always be more expensive than replacing a liner for an aboveground pool. This is partly because in-ground pool liners require more labor to access, remove, and replace. They also tend to have steps that make liner replacement more challenging.

In-ground pool liner replacement costs an average of $1,800, while aboveground pool liner replacement costs an average of $700.

Cost by Liner Type

The type of liner you choose also affects the price of your new pool liner. There are three types of liners: overlap, beaded, and uni-bead liners. Overlap liners come in at the lowest end of the price range, but they have a lower lifespan than beaded and uni-bead liners.

The table below includes some average pricing for the three main types of pool liners. Keep in mind that these prices are for materials only and don’t include the labor cost to install them.

6 pool liner types for aboveground and in-ground pools illustrated, including J-hook, beaded, and tile
  • Beaded liner: Beaded liners have a groove attached to a track around the edge of the pool. This secure attachment method creates a clean appearance and helps prevent the liner from slipping. That said, it’s important to have precise measurements and handle the track system with care. 

  • Overlap liner: Overlap pool liners are draped over the top of a swimming pool and then clamped into place, so material and labor costs are lower than those for the other types. The design can leave visible folds at the top of the pool wall, but it’s still a good and easy-to-replace option for budget-conscious homeowners.

  • Uni-bead liner: Uni-bead liners create a seamless look. They have a curved piece that hooks over the top of the pool, and they’re the most versatile and flexible option.

Pool Size (Feet)Cost to Replace Liner
6x8$240
8x12 $480
8x20$800
10x8 $400
12x20$1,200
16x32$2,560
18x36$3,240
20x40$4,000

Cost by Pool Size and Shape

The average cost of pool liner replacement is around $5 per square foot, so, for a pool that’s 10-by-20 feet, you’d pay $1,000 on average.

In addition to size, liner replacement in L-shaped or kidney-shaped pools is more expensive than a standard rectangle or oval pool. Custom pool shapes and depths also demand custom liners, which are significantly more expensive than buying and installing a prefabricated liner that’s made to fit standard pool sizes.

The table below includes some average costs for pool liner replacement based on pool size, but keep in mind that these can vary considerably depending on customization.

Frequently Asked Questions

On average, you should replace a pool liner every 10 to 15 years, though it depends on the quality of the pool liner, how well you maintain your pool, and the climate in your area. If your liner becomes heavily damaged, you’ll need to have a pro inspect it to determine if it’s best to replace or repair it.

You shouldn’t install a new vinyl pool liner on top of an old liner as it can cause problems. For instance, once you drain your pool to install the new liner, the existing liner can dry out and become brittle. This can lead to deterioration that affects the condition of the new liner. Other types of pool liners can go directly over old liners safely, but you should always defer to a professional for the best course of action.

On average, a pool liner replacement project takes one to four days from start to finish. However, a few factors, like your pool design and total square footage, can affect the time it takes. Also, the installation can take longer if unexpected weather conditions cause a pro to pause the job.

While you can perform some repairs to a pool liner without draining the pool, you’ll need to empty it to remove the old liner and install a new one. Since most pools don’t have a main drain, you’ll need to use a submersible pump or pool cover pump to drain the water. If you are installing a new liner, be sure to assess and repair the pool walls and floor to ensure a good installation for the new liner.

How long a pool liner lasts depends on the type of pool. Most in-ground pool liners last between six and 12 years, while aboveground pool liners last anywhere from six to 10 years. You can extend the life of your pool liner by maintaining proper pool chemistry, adding chemicals individually to avoid staining the liner, using a pool cover to protect it from the sun, and keeping sharp objects away from it.

Need professional help with your project?
Get quotes from top-rated pros.

The homeowners guide to pool constructions and installations

From average costs to expert advice, get all the answers you need to get your job done.

Tell us about the job—we’ll find top pros.