How Much Does Pool Liner Replacement Cost in Chicago? [2025 Data]

For the average homeowner, pool liner replacement in Chicago costs $1,654, with most projects ranging from $566 to $2,743. The actual cost depends on factors like the size and shape of your pool, the type and quality of the liner, and any extra repairs your pool may need. 

Illinois is known for frigid winters, and with all the ice, sleet, and snow, you may have to replace your pool liner sooner rather than later. Dig into the cost factors of a pool liner installation so you’ll be ready when summer comes. 

Pool Liner Replacement Cost Factors

Patching your pool liner as it ages can save you on the cost of a replacement. Once the damage becomes too severe to repair or frequent enough that it’s clear your liner is nearing the end of its lifespan, a local pool liner installation pro will recommend a replacement. The following factors impact the cost

Pool Size and Shape

On average, pool liner replacement costs $2.75 to $3.50 per square foot in Chicago. The larger your pool, the more you’ll pay for a replacement. The pool shape also plays a role, as it takes less labor to remove and install a pool liner in an oval or rectangular pool. 

Replacement is more challenging if your pool’s shape has lots of curves and edges, like a kidney-shaped or figure-eight-shaped pool. Expect those pool shapes to cost more in labor, though they’re less common in Chicago, where aboveground pools are the most popular.

Aboveground vs. In-Ground

One of the largest cost factors is whether you have an aboveground or in-ground pool. In Chicago, you’ll spend closer to $566 to replace the liner in an aboveground pool (especially if the pool is small) and closer to $2,743 to replace the liner in an in-ground pool. 

The price difference comes down to labor. Liners in an in-ground pool are more difficult to access. These pools are also larger than average and require extra pool liner installation steps. 

Type of Liner

There are three main types of pool liners, and the one you choose will impact the cost. Since Chicago has harsh winters, it’s a good idea to choose a more durable liner. Your pool contractor can help you choose the right one for your pool.

• Beaded liner: The average beaded liner costs $500–$1,000. While this option is more costly, it’s more durable and can withstand harsher weather in cities like Chico.

• Overlap liner: Overlap liners cost $200–$600. These wallet-friendly liners are easy to install, making them DIYable for handy homeowners. That said, they’re not as durable as other liners, which isn’t ideal in Chicago’s extreme weather.

• Uni-beaded liner: Uni-beaded pool liners cost $400–$900 and offer a good balance of value and durability. These liners are harder to install because you need precise measurements, but they create a streamlined look on both standard and unique pool shapes. 

Thickness of Liner

A thicker liner costs $300 to $500 more than a standard liner. This upgrade is a good idea for pools in Illinois, where liners need added durability to stand up to harsh winters. With proper maintenance, an average pool liner will last about 10 years. By investing in a high-quality, durable liner, you can extend the lifespan to around 15 years.

Additional Repairs

Once your contractor removes your old pool liner, they’ll assess the structure of your pool. Harsh winter weather means your pool may have sustained some cracks or leaks, and you may need a few repairs. Swimming pool repairs cost $250 to $1,200 and vary with the severity of the damage. Here are some common repairs:

• Crack repairs: $75 per linear foot

• Leak detection: $100–$500

• Bead replacement: $130–$300

• Filter replacement: $1,400–$2,000

• Pump replacement cost: $700–$4,000

• Drain repair: $180–$230

• Heater repair: $160–$730

• Light replacement: $65–$150 per light

Draining and Refilling

You’ll need to drain your pool to change the liner and refill it when the job is done. If you use your hose, water is billed at the standard metered rate of $4.89 per approximately 1,000 gallons. For a pool that holds 15,000 to 30,000 gallons, you’ll pay around $74 to $147, plus the same amount for sewer usage. 

Pool Liner Pro Costs

Labor costs could make up more than half of the total price of pool liner replacement. Here’s how that breaks down. 

Labor Costs

A pool contractor in Chicago charges $80 to $150 per hour. The cost of living in this city is around 15% higher than the national average, so prices are slightly elevated compared to other areas. You can save some money by scheduling your liner replacement during the off-season, as long as the weather allows.

Additional Pros to Consider Hiring

If your contractor finds that your pool needs plumbing or electrical repairs, you’ll need to hire additional contractors: 

• Electrician costs: $70–$110 per hour

• Plumber costs: $75–$95 per hour

Permits

In Chicago, you may need a building permit for a pool liner replacement if the job includes additional structural repairs and plumbing or electrical work. Smaller and shallower pools may not need a permit, but check the size regulations. Permits for repairs range from $250 to $1,000, depending on the classification. 

Does a Pool Liner Replacement Add Value to Your Home?

An in-ground pool can increase your home’s value by 7% to 8%, but it will vary in different neighborhoods. Since Chicago is an area with a shorter swim season and harsh winters, buyers can be turned off by the maintenance a pool requires. This is especially true if your pool is in poor condition. For this reason, it’s a good idea to replace your pool liner if it’s noticeably worn.

If other homes in your area have pools, a well-maintained pool will be more valuable. Illinois has a high concentration of aboveground pools, but in-ground pools retain the most value in upscale neighborhoods.

How Angi Gets Its Cost Data

Home is the most important place on earth, which is why Angi has helped more than 150 million homeowners transform their houses into homes they adore. To help homeowners with their next project, Angi provides readers with the most accurate cost data and upholds strict editorial standards. We survey real Angi customers about their project costs to develop the pricing data you see, so you can make the best decisions for you and your home. We pair this data with research from reputable sources, including the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, academic journals, market studies, and interviews with industry experts—all to ensure our prices reflect real-world projects. 

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