How Much Does It Cost to Replace a Pool Liner? (2024 Update)
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Without your pool liner being in perfect condition, do you really have a pool you can use? Probably not. The problem is that pool liners become old and damaged. So, if you have owned a pool for a few years, you need to consider replacing it. The cost varies from $1,400 to $4,800.
But how much is this going to cost you, and why is it so important? This article goes over information about replacing your pool liner and costs to consider. If you have a pool or are considering getting one in the future, this article is for you!
The Importance of Replacing Your Pool Liner
Your pool liner is responsible for keeping all the water where it is supposed to be. Without the liner, the water would seep into the surroundings, and you would constantly be topping up your pool. This will cost a lot of money over time—hence why pool liners are essential.
But pool liners effectively come with a sort of shelf-life. Thanks to the weight of the water, they can stretch and go out of shape. They get worn down and could eventually start to leak over time.
Even if you are not a regular user of your pool, this can become a problem. Even if you try your best to eliminate any possible issues, you will still run into the problem of sun exposure weakening the liner, leading to those rips appearing.
So, if you want to keep your pool in pristine condition, you need to start from the bottom—literally. It makes the difference between having a pool you can use and one you cannot use.
So, How Much Does a Pool Liner Cost in 2024?
Cost is the big question, and it comes with several variables. First, it depends on whether you are talking about inground liners or above-ground liners. Also, size is an issue.
Inground Costs
For an inground liner, the cost varies from $1,400 to $4,800. The price is higher for larger pools due to the increased labor costs. Also, the thickness of the liner will increase the cost.
The average cost across the United States is $2,890 for an inground liner.
But let’s look at the average cost for the size of the pool.
| Size in Feet | Lowest Price | Highest Price |
| 12 x 24 | $1,400 | $2,100 |
| 14 x 28 | $1,600 | $2,400 |
| 16 x 32 | $1,900 | $2,900 |
| 18 x 36 | $2,300 | $3,600 |
| 20 x 40 | $2,800 | $4,500 |
Above-Ground Costs
Above-ground liners can be significantly cheaper. They may cost as little as $350, or the price could rise to $1,600.
On average, the cost across the United States is $835 for an above-ground liner. However, we can also look at the different costs according to rough sizes.
| Size in Feet | Lowest Price | Highest Price |
| 18’ Round | $400 | $950 |
| 30’ Round | $750 | $1,500 |
| 12 x 24 Oval | $500 | $850 |
| 18 x 40 Oval | $800 | $1,600 |
Also, the costs mentioned above are not only for the liner itself but also the actual installation. However, it’s best to double-check this before agreeing to the price. You may end up with a nasty surprise if you don’t get confirmation first.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
Unfortunately, you cannot only look at the cost of the liner and think that it represents the total sum of money you need to spend. Instead, you do have a couple of other costs to consider.
Inground liners cost more to replace because they require some additional groundwork to be undertaken before the actual installation. That means the need to pay for more labor when replacing the liner.
The bigger the pool, the greater the amount of groundwork. Clearly, that increases the time required to complete the task at hand.
How Often Should I Replace My Pool Liner?
This answer depends on whether you are talking about inground liners or above-ground liners.
In the case of inground liners, then you should look to replace your pool liner every 6–12 years. Now, that is quite a wide range, but it depends on the quality of liner, the amount of sun, and the general level of wear.
We all use our pools in different ways, so that explains the range.
But for above-ground liners, then it’s slightly different. With above-ground options, the range is slightly smaller at anywhere from 6–10 years.
Does Insurance Cover the Replacement?
The answer here is no. The replacement of your pool liner is due to the natural degradation of the liner. It’s something that just happens, and it happens no matter the brand of liner you purchase or how much you spend on it.
In those circumstances, the cost of replacing your pool liner has to come out of your own pocket.
What to Do Before Replacing Your Pool Liner
Replacing your pool liner is a big task. It’s not something you will generally be able to finish in under an hour. So, best prepare yourself.
- First, ensure you have disconnected all the pool plumbing. You do not want to have anything running when replacing the liner.
- Remove all accessories. So, if you have ladders, then take them off. Your pool needs to be completely clear of all items.
- You must also drain the pool in advance. Some installers advocate draining the pool several days in advance and then allowing the surface to dry. Of course, that means you need to know when enough dry days in a row will be coming.
But this all depends on your type of pool. Generally, you want to clear everything out of your pool to make it easier to remove the old liner and install the new one. However, if unsure, consider allowing an installation team to complete this part.
Conclusion
Replacing a pool liner today will, on average, cost you from $835 to $2,800, depending on different factors, like the size and thickness of the liner. However, an above-ground pool is certainly the cheaper option compared to an inground pool.
But considering that you only need to replace your liner after several years, it does work out at a relatively small sum on a yearly basis.
Featured Image Credit: Steve Heap, Shutterstock
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