How Much Does a Pool Liner Cost to Repair or Replace?

Swimming pools create a private backyard retreat for family and friends once warm weather arrives. That oasis can quickly turn into a nightmare if you notice tears along the walls or if the water starts dropping rapidly for no apparent reason. Whether a spring storm came through, causing falling limbs and branches to break through the vinyl or years of chemicals and sunlight have made the liner crack, repairing the damage is something you can’t ignore.

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How Long Do Pool Liners Last?

When you install a pool, you may think repairs and upkeep costs are further down the road, but that’s not always the case. With proper care, pool liners last between 10 and 20 years depending on the materials. Concrete and fiberglass pools tend to last longer, but vinyl pools require more general maintenance to remain functional.

Sunlight is often the biggest villain for backyard pools. Constant exposure to ultraviolet rays dries out the liner above the fill line, causing it to lose elasticity and become brittle. Concentrated doses of shock and other chemicals also eat away at your materials, causing the liner to eventually shrink and tear.

How Much Does a Pool Liner Cost?

The cost of a new pool liner depends on the type of pool and liner you have. The overall pool liner cost varies depending mostly on the thickness of the material and the dimensions.

Typical above-ground pool liners are thinner and more affordable. You can expect to pay between $2,000 and $5,000 (CAD 2,762 to CAD 6,905) for pools up to 800 square feet. Pool liners are typically sold in thicknesses of 20 and 26 gauge. The thicker the material, the more expensive the liner. You’ll also pay more for larger pools. A pool liner measuring 14 feet by 28 feet costs around $1,500 to $2,000 (CAD 2,071 to CAD 2,762) while a pool measuring 40 feet by 20 feet costs between $5,000 and $5,200 (CAD 6,905 to CAD 7,181).

Inground pool liners require much thicker materials because they must withstand ground pressure and adjust to shifting soils. The average cost for an inground liner is between $25,000 and $65,000 (CAD 34,524 to CAD 89,761).

Kidney-shaped pools, those with deep diving bowls and built-in steps, require custom liners. Depending on the size, a heavily customized liner can push the liner cost above $100,000 (CAD 138,094).

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How Much Does Installation or Labor Cost?

Labor costs for swimming pool liner installations vary depending on where you live and the type of professional you hire to do the job. Because of the steps involved, it’s rarely a good idea to do this yourself. The cost to install a new liner is a big part of your overall budget. When you pay for a professional pool liner installation, you’re paying for the contractor’s expertise to measure dimensions, safely drain the old water, remove heavy old materials, patch the sub surface and vacuum fit the new liner.

Pool labor costs also vary depending on the job and is included in your quote. For example, the cost to have someone fill your pool back up with water costs between $400 and $2,400 (CAD 552 to CAD 3,314), and the cost to resurface a concrete pool is between $6,000 and $15,000 (CAD 8,290 to CAD 20,725). Both include the cost of labor.

How Often Do Vinyl Pool Liners Need To Be Replaced?

As mentioned earlier, most liners last between 10 and 20 years depending on the material, but the average time before replacing a vinyl liner is between 8 and 12 years. Inspect your liner regularly for major warning signs of failure. Look for small punctures and patch those immediately with an underwater patch kit. If you’re dealing with constant water loss or the liner appears to be slipping, it’s definitely time for a replacement.

Above-ground pool owners should look for severe fading or rough textures above the water line. Once the liner gets hard it won’t flex, which can cause holes and leaks.

What Color Pool Liner Is Best?

Choosing the right liner color is a personal preference. The best color depends on your backyard landscaping, individual style and your local climate.

Lighter colors, such as pale blue and sand make the water appear to sparkle more and give it a Caribbean feel. One drawback is lighter colors allow you to see debris and leaves, so you'll have to keep the pool perfectly clean. When you're cleaning, you can spot algae and other imperfections easier, making it possible to know what spots to focus on.

Dark blue and even black liners create a dramatic lagoon-like feel. These liners absorb more sunlight and retain warmth more easily, making darker liners ideal for cooler climates where the water doesn’t get as warm. You'll save money on pool heating bills, especially during cooler shoulder seasons. Darker colors also give your pool a mirror-like feel, which reflects surrounding trees, landscaping and the sky, allowing it to blend in better with the environment.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.