How Much Do Swimming Pool Repairs Cost? [2024 Data]
Normal range: $239 - $1,160
Repairing a swimming pool costs an average of $699. But depending on if it’s a leak, pump repair, or parts replacement, it can range from $239 to $1,160, on average.
Pool repair costs can range anywhere from $239 to $1,160 or more on average, but most homeowners pay around $699. The cost to fix a pool varies quite a bit depending on factors like the pool size and type and the extent of the damage. Use this guide to learn all about pool repair costs based on different factors so you can budget accordingly and get your pool ready for the swimming season.
- Average
- $699
- Low end
- $85
- high end
- $3,450
Pool Repair Cost Factors
Several factors, such as the pool type, size, and extent of the damage, affect the cost of fixing a pool. For instance, in-ground pool repairs cost more on average than aboveground pool repairs due to the complexity of finding a leak in the pool and repairing it properly.
Pool Size
Pool size affects the cost of repairs, as bigger pools need more materials and larger equipment. For instance, larger pools need bigger pumps, raising pool pump repair costs. In other cases, a larger surface area will affect your bottom line. The bigger the size, the more you’ll pay for the cost to resurface a pool.
When calculating the cost of repairing a pool based on square footage, you’ll find a range from $3 to $25 per square foot. This figure covers everything from low-cost fixes like regrouting to larger jobs like replacing pool coping.
| Pool Dimensions | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| 6-by-10 ft. | $180–$1,500 |
| 8-by-15 ft. | $360–$3,000 |
| 9-by-15 ft. | $400–$3,400 |
| 6-by-30 ft. | $540–$4,500 |
| 10-by-20 ft. | $600–$5,000 |
| 12-by-24 ft. | $900–$7,200 |
| 16-by-32 ft. | $1,500–$12,800 |
| 20-by-40 ft. | $2,400–$20,000 |
Pool Type
Although aboveground and in-ground pools serve similar purposes, in-ground pools cost more to fix due to the time and labor costs involved. Concrete in-ground pools cost the most to repair, while aboveground vinyl pools cost the least.
| Type of Pool | Repair Cost |
|---|---|
| Aboveground | $100–$700 |
| In-ground | $350–$2,700 |
In-ground Pool Repair Cost: In-ground pool leak repairs cost between $350 and $2,700 for labor and materials, not including draining, refilling, and treating the water. Your price depends on the leak severity, location, and pool material.
Aboveground Pool Repair Cost: Aboveground pool repairs are more accessible, faster, less labor-intensive, and less expensive. You can patch a small liner leak with a $20 kit, but expect the cost of a pool liner replacement to fall between $1,200 and $2,500. Aboveground pool repairs average $100 to $700.
Pool Liner Type
The type of pool liner significantly impacts your repair price. For example, repairing a vinyl pool liner ranges from $10 to $2,500, while concrete pool repairs cost $20,000 or more for resurfacing.
| Liner Material | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Concrete | $10,000–$20,000 |
| Vinyl | $130–$2,500 |
| Fiberglass | $300–$6,500 |
Concrete Pool Repair Cost: Small cracks in concrete pools cost $75 per linear foot. Larger cracks, spiderweb cracks, and divots are more complex, time-consuming, and expensive. Resurfacing a concrete pool costs between $10,000 and $20,000, depending on the size and finish.
Fiberglass Pool Repair Cost: For gel coat application to repair dings, scratches, and cracks, you’ll pay $300 to $400. If you want the surface repainted afterward, it’s another $800. A full resurfacing costs about $6,500, depending on the size, shape, and finish.
Vinyl Pool Repair Cost: Vinyl pool repair costs as little as $10 for a DIY patch or up to $2,500 for significant leaks or liner replacement. Below are common repairs:
| Viny Pool Repair | Cost |
|---|---|
| Bead replacement | $130 – $300 |
| Straightening wrinkled liner | $100 – $250 |
| Protective shield installation | $530 per 150 ft. |
Type of Repair or Extent of Damage
The type of repair is the biggest factor affecting the cost of fixing a pool. Minor repairs, like patching a small leak, cost around $30, while a new pool pump for a large pool costs $5,000 or more.
| Type of Repair | Cost Range |
|---|---|
| Drain | $180–$230 |
| Refill | $55 per 5,000 gallons |
| Leak repair | $10–$3,500 |
| Filter replacement | $1,500–$2,000 |
| Pump replacement | $700–$1,300 |
| Skimmer repair | $50–$300 |
| Leak detection | $100–$500 |
| Drain repair | $400–$700 |
| Beam repair | $75 per linear foot |
| Light replacement | $65–$150 per light |
| Heater repair | $160–$730 |
| Tile replacement | $20–$30 per tile |
Labor
In many cases, it's best to hire a pro to fix a pool, so you'll need to pay for labor costs and repair materials. Most pool repair pros charge $45 to $65 per hour, but prices vary with location, season, and complexity of the repair.
Pool Repair Cost by Type of Repair
Because so many factors contribute to the cost of pool repair, it's important to understand how prices vary between some of the most common fixes.
Drain, Refill, and Leak Fix Cost
The average price to drain your pool is $180 to $230. Refilling a pool costs $55 per 5,000 gallons, and fixing leaks ranges from $10 to $3,500. The total cost depends on your pool size, type, and leak size.
Cost to Replace a Pool Filter
The cost to replace a pool filter is between $1,500 and $2,000, including labor and materials. The filter alone costs between $150 and $1,000. Then you need to factor in the labor costs, which can quickly add up if your professional needs to add new lines or install new inlet and outlet pipes. The cost depends on the size of the pool and, therefore, the filter and type of filter system, such as sand, diatomaceous earth, or cartridge.
Pump Motor Repair Cost
Repairing your pool pump motor costs between $50 and $300, including labor and materials. Individual parts start at $15. If the motor is beyond repair but the rest of the pump is in good condition, replacing just the motor is a good way to save. The total cost to replace a damaged pool pump motor, including labor and materials, is around $250 to $650, but the cost can increase if your pool also requires new plumbing.
Repairing or Replacing the Skimmer Cost
Repairing a skimmer costs around $50 to $300, depending on the problem. A leak around your skimmer costs $100 to $130 to repair. But if a repair isn't possible, a professional skimmer replacement can cost $1,200 or more.
Pool Leak Detection Cost
Professional pool leak detection costs $100 to $500. Check with your pool repair pro to see if this includes minor leak patching. You can sometimes DIY pool leak detection, but you’ll likely need a pro to repair the leak for a long-term solution.
Pool Pump Leak Cost
If your pool pump is leaking, it needs replacing. The average cost of pool pump replacement is $700 to $1,300 but varies by the power and type of pump. At the low end, a small single-speed pool pump costs around $400, while a large solar pool pump costs up to $5,400.
Drain Repair Cost
Pool drain repairs cost between $400 and $700. If the repair also includes fixing a leaky drain or feed line, it may be more cost-effective to replace them rather than patch them, as drain repair costs mostly go to the time-consuming labor rather than parts.
Pool Beam Crack Repair Cost
A pool beam repair averages $75 per linear foot, including tile and coping replacement. Resurfacing and patching a beam crack requires professional labor and costs $4,000 to $5,000.
Pool Light Replacement Cost
Pool light repair costs between $65 and $150 per light, which is more cost-effective than replacement. If necessary, the average cost to replace a pool light is about $630 per unit. Replacing the bulbs alone can cost between $20 and $100.
Swimming Pool Heater Repair Cost
Swimming pool heater repair costs between $160 and $730. The cost depends on the issue, such as the heater not reaching the correct temperature, not heating at all, corrosion, wildlife issues, or poor connections. You may need to call a pool heater specialist or a pool electrician to ensure there are no underlying issues.
Pool Tile Replacement Cost
If you have broken tiles in your pool, you can usually replace them for an average of $25 per square foot. However, costs vary greatly depending on the tile type, style, size, and material.
How Much Does It Cost to Repair a Pool Yourself?
Since professionals charge $45 to $65 per hour, you can save by repairing a pool yourself. Many homeowners can repair minor leaks with a patch kit, but more complex repairs require specialized skills and expertise, so save complex jobs for a pro. Your time is better spent on proper pool maintenance and avoiding common pool care mistakes. When your pool does need repair, leave it to a local pool repair professional.
Cost of Common Pool Repair Add-Ons
When hiring a pool contractor, they may offer additional services to get your pool in tip-top shape. While some services include routine maintenance, others enhance the look of the surrounding area.
Pool Maintenance: The cost of pool maintenance averages $100 to $200 per visit, but you could pay less when tacking it on to a pool repair visit. Shocking a pool costs $50, and replacing pool filters ranges between $10 and $75.
Pool Deck Repairs: Enhance the appearance and safety of your pool deck. Painting a pool deck costs about $3,000 for a 600-square-foot area. Replacing a pool deck part costs as low as $300, depending on the size of the area.
Pool Landscaping: You'll pay $4.50 to $12 per square foot for the price of landscaping around a pool. Planting a tree costs about $100, and a large flower bed costs about $800.
How to Save on the Cost to Repair a Pool
The best way to save on pool repair costs is to keep up with weekly pool maintenance. However, pool problems will occasionally float to the surface. Here's how to save when they do:
Complete repairs in the offseason to avoid the rush of summer.
Consider DIY pool repair tasks like patching small leaks or changing pool filters.
Investigate pool leaks as soon as you see signs of a problem.
Consider the cost of a pool inspection if you're moving into a new home.
Check your warranty for your pool or pool products before calling a pro.
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’ve surveyed thousands of 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.
Want to help us improve our cost data? Send us a recent project quote to costquotes@angi.com. Quotes and personal information will not be shared publicly.
Frequently Asked Questions
Whether homeowners insurance covers a pool leak depends on your policy, so always check your policy documents before taking on repairs. If the leak is due to a fallen branch or a fire, your insurance likely covers it. However, your insurer likely won’t pay for wear and tear.
In-ground pools lose water naturally due to wind, heat, and humidity. They also lose water from the kiddos' cannonball competitions. But be mindful of the water level. If it drops too low and the pump draws in air instead of water, it will likely be damaged and require repair or replacement.
To find a leak in a small pool, place a few drops of food coloring in a random area. If the food coloring flows out, you've found your leak. However, this can be time-consuming and impractical in larger pools. The best option is to hire a pool repair specialist with ultrasonic equipment.
The cost to maintain a pool depends on its size and condition. A one-time pool cleaning session costs around $250, and regular weekly maintenance costs $25 to $40 per week. You can get a discount if you buy services in bulk. Regular pool maintenance helps limit the number of repairs and identify signs of trouble.