The average pool remodel costs $0, but most spend between $0 and $0. A pro can work with your budget to include upgrades that give you the biggest bang for your buck.
A pool remodel costs $0 on average, but you could spend anywhere between $0 and $0 depending on the type and size of the pool, materials, features, and the scope of the project. Most homeowners budget for around $65 per square foot, but small repairs cost less.
A pool remodel may be the difference between a quick summer cool-off and a backyard oasis. Whether you want to modernize your pool or simply restore it, this guide breaks down the costs.
Most people remodel their in-ground pools since the cost of aboveground pools is significantly lower. However, aboveground pool remodeling is still possible.
Pool Type | Average Remodeling Cost |
---|---|
Aboveground pool | $500–$3,000 |
In-ground pool | $6,000–$30,000 |
Pool remodeling is priced by square foot or linear foot. You'll pay about $65 per square foot for a remodel, but small repairs can cost as little as $3 per square foot. If you want to change the shape or size of your pool, you’ll have to replace the entire pool lining and move a substantial amount of dirt. You'll pay $30,000 to reshape a vinyl pool and $60,000 to reshape concrete.
Pool Dimensions (Feet) | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
6x10 | $200–$3,900 |
10x20 | $600–$13,000 |
12x24 | $860–$18,900 |
12x28 | $1,000–$22,000 |
16x32 | $1,500–$33,300 |
20x40 | $2,400–$52,000 |
Whether you want a lap pool or a calming spa, the type of pool conversion affects the excavation, resurfacing, and mechanical installation costs. We break down the differences below.
Type of Conversion | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Saltwater Pool | $500–$2,500 |
Natural Pool | $50,000–$175,000 |
Pond | $40,000–$80,000 |
Shallow to Deep | $10,000–$50,000 |
Deep to Shallow | $4,000–$7,000 |
Saltwater Pool: For around $1,500, you can convert your chlorinated pool to a saltwater pool. Transitioning to a saltwater pool doesn’t require excavation, and costs go as low as $500 for an aboveground pool or as high as $3,200 for an in-ground pool.
Natural Pool: Natural pools have a chemical-free swimming area and a filtration area that works with the natural ecosystem to stay clean. These are larger than traditional pools and require excavation. Homeowners pay anywhere from $50,000–$175,000 to convert a traditional pool to a natural pool.
Pond: A landscaper can help you turn an excavated pool space into a pond for plant and animal life. The conversion requires resurfacing and changes to the filter system and costs $40,000–$80,000.
Shallow to Deep: Adding depth to a pool costs $10,000–$50,000, depending on the size. Your pool contractor will drain your pool, remove the surface, excavate deeper, and resurface the closed area.
Deep to Shallow: While going from a deep pool to a shallow pool costs less than adding depth, it’s still a significant undertaking. You'll pay about $4,000–$7,000 to drain, fill in, and resurface the area.
Pool remodel prices cover everything from the cost of resurfacing to adding a pool deck. When budgeting to upgrade your pool, your pool contractor can divide the renovations into stages.
Pool Remodel | Average Cost |
---|---|
Vinyl Liner Replacement | $2,000 |
Tile Resurfacing | $2,000 |
Ceramic Tile Replacement | $3,000 |
Glass Tile Replacement | $3,500 |
Pool Deck Resurfacing | $3,000 |
Pool Deck Construction | $7,500 |
Concrete Patio Construction | $10,500 |
Pool Skimmer Replacement | $3,000 |
Pool step repair or replacement | $4,500 |
Labor is 45% of your pool remodel cost. Find a contractor with specific experience in the renovations you want done, and they may be able to save you money on materials thanks to their familiarity with the project.
The location of your pool will impact the price. This is not just because of the local cost of labor but also because of the cost of amenities you might need. Pools in colder climates may need additional safeguards against freezing temperatures, which can raise costs. If you’re in a warm climate, you may want to invest in the cost of a pool chiller and forgo add-ons like heating.
City | Average Cost Range |
---|---|
Charleston | $500–$2,930 |
Miami | $3,880–$14,740 |
Houston | $4,750–$11,250 |
Phoenix | $5,750–$13,000 |
Denver | $6,500–$29,000 |
Detroit | $7,000–$16,000 |
Los Angeles | $8,950–$24,700 |
New York | $7,250–$22,250 |
Nashville | $8,450–$17,750 |
San Francisco | $10,100–$53,300 |
Smaller pool renovations cost less than larger remodels because they don’t require as much extra work or materials. Tasks like excavation, pool expansion, and resurfacing will raise your budget. If you go for a smaller-scale remodel, there are still a few potential costs you should consider.
Material costs vary by project but represent 55% of your budget. These include the pool liner, tile, lighting, systems, diving boards, and more. For example, fiberglass liners cost more than vinyl liners.
The cost to paint a pool is between $1,400 and $2,500. This small renovation can completely refresh the look of an aging pool. You’ll need to use epoxy-based paint, which costs more than other types of paint. You’ll need one gallon for every 250 to 300 square feet.
Resurfacing your pool can fix cracks and other signs of wear, extending its lifespan. On average, pool resurfacing costs $6,000 to $15,000. The cost depends on the size of your pool and the materials, but most people spend $1 to $30 per square foot.
Expanding your pool or changing its shape costs anywhere from $20,000 to $100,000. This is an extensive undertaking that will completely change your pool's size and look. It requires both excavation and reconstruction of the pool's structure. If your pool is made from fiberglass, you’ll need to replace the entire shell.
During a pool remodel, you’ll need to drain and refill your pool. This costs about $30 to $100 per 1,000 gallons, depending on the local cost of water.
Most of the time, pool excavation costs $500 to $3,100. You’ll pay $8 to $25 per cubic yard, so the cost depends on how much you need to excavate. Pool shapes like ovals or circles are more difficult to dig out and come with a higher price tag.
Some remodels involve removing a pool entirely. For most homeowners, the cost to remove and fill an in-ground pool is somewhere between $5,000 and $8,000. Removing an aboveground pool is simpler, costing $300 to $800.
The majority of pool remodel costs include a fresh new feature, be it a fountain or a privacy fence. Here are the costs of pool additions that can transform your swimming experience.
Pool Addition | Average Cost |
---|---|
Lighting | $450–$1,700 |
Hot tub | $17,000 |
Heater | $1,800–$4,100 |
Fencing | $9–$125 per foot |
Water features | $450–$5,000 |
Fire bowls | $4,000–$8,000 |
Slides | $1,000–$15,000 |
Diving boards | $500–$1,000 |
Pool Lighting: Pool lights cost $450–$1,700, depending on the type of lighting. Large LEDs average $550, small LEDs cost $200, fiber optics cost $40, and incandescent costs $50 each. Pool lighting work is highly invasive, so have it done with other major pool renovations and hire a pool electrician.
Hot Tub: The cost to add a hot tub to an existing pool is $17,000. Labor is a significant part of this cost since your contractor needs to dig and line a sizable new hole.
Pool Heater: If you live in a cooler climate or want to extend your swimming season, a pool heater can make things comfier. The cost of a pool heater ranges from $1,800–$4,200.
Pool Fencing: The cost to install a pool enclosure or fencing averages $9–$125 per foot. Some states require pool fencing to protect neighbors and wildlife, and some families opt to build a fence for privacy and safety for children or pets. Polycarbonate is the most expensive material and screen fencing is the most affordable.
Water Features: Adding a water feature like a waterfall to your pool costs $450–$1,900, or up to $5,000 for more complex fountains. Add a swim-in grotto (a small cave with a waterfall) for up to $10,000.
Fire Bowls: Fire bowls are the poolside answer to a fire pit. These sturdy stone or concrete bowls will light up your nighttime pool party. Fire bowls cost $4,000–$8,000, not including the gas or propane to operate them.
Pool Slides: For $1,000–$15,000, you can add a pool slide to your design, including small slides or curly slides that twist through a stone waterfall.
Diving Boards: Installing a diving board is straightforward for pools with the proper depth. On average, you'll pay $500–$1,000, but you'll pay more for sleek designs and jumping platforms.
In some cases, restoration is all that's needed to get a pool back in shape. In others, restorations are required before you can tackle the remodel you really want. Costs vary greatly depending on whether it’s a simple patch job or something more extensive.
Pool Repair or Replacement | Average Cost |
---|---|
Vinyl liner | $2,000 |
Re-tiling or resurfacing | $2,000–$100,000, plus labor |
Re-grouting | $3 per square foot |
Coping | $30–$50 per linear foot |
Steps | $65 per linear foot |
Pool deck | $2,250–$12,000 |
Pool skimmer or leaf net | $1,500–$3,000 |
Pool pump or chlorination system | $150–$2,000 |
Replacing Vinyl Pool Liner: Vinyl pool liner replacement costs about $2,500, depending on the size and orientation of your pool, location, time of year, and condition of your liner. You’ll need a licensed pool specialist to do the job.
Re-Tiling or Resurfacing: The cost to replace pool tile is the biggest restoration expense. You can purchase ceramic tile materials for about $3,000 or pay the cost to resurface a pool with ceramic tiles for around $2,000. On the high end, glass tiling costs $100,000 or more. You'll also pay at least $18 per hour for labor.
Re-Grouting: Re-grouting tile can help prevent leaks and restore a pool's appearance for $3 per square foot, and it gets more expensive for larger pools.
Replacing Coping: Pool coping, the protective lip that prevents water from seeping behind your pool walls, costs $30–$50 per linear foot to replace.
Pool Step Replacement: Repairing or replacing wall steps costs $4,500 or more, averaging $65 per linear foot. You can replace your steps with a gently sloping zero-entry pool area for $30,000–$60,000 or save with a basic metal ladder for around $150.
Redoing a Pool Deck: The cost of a pool deck varies by material, with composite wood costing more than other types. If replacing your deck with a stamped concrete patio, you'll pay $6,000–$15,000. Resurfacing a pool deck costs $2,250–$3,750 for a 750-square-foot area. Building a new deck costs $3,000–$12,000, depending on size and decorative features.
Replacing a Pool Skimmer or Leaf Net: Pool skimmers help keep debris off the surface of your pool. In-ground skimmers cost $1,500–$3,000 to replace, while aboveground skimmers cost about $150.
Adding a Pool Pump or Chlorination System: A pool pump averages $600, including installation labor. Costs vary from $150 to $800, and an automatic chlorination system or chemical feeder costs about $2,000.
Pool remodels range from simple and affordable to complex and specialized. Homeowners with tiling experience can replace a few loose tiles to save $30 to $120 per hour on labor. If you have the right DIY skills, check your local building codes and permitting requirements before starting your work.
That said, pool remodeling projects are at a high risk of malfunctioning if not handled by an experienced pro. Working with a licensed pool remodeler in your area ensures you don’t end up with leaks or costly mistakes. Pros can also help you with projects requiring plumbing or electrical work.
If budget is a constraint, consider simpler projects to get the most out of your pool remodel. Restorations like replacing a vinyl liner or retiling average about $3,000 and can go a long way toward making your pool look fresh. Choose ceramic tile over glass to save on materials. With proper experience, you can tackle tasks like regrouting a pool's perimeter as a DIY.
Some projects will save you money over time with reduced energy costs:
Installing a variable-speed pool pump
Switch your lighting to low-energy LEDs
Update old plumbing pipes
Install a pool cover to reduce evaporation
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.
Finishing a pool remodel can take four to eight weeks. Your project may take significantly more or less time to complete depending on the size of your pool and the complexity of the renovations. The availability of materials and your pool remodeler’s schedule will also factor into your timeline.
It may be worth it to remodel your pool if you plan to sell your home soon. Pool remodels can increase a home’s value by up to 8%. Some of the best-value remodels include replacing a wood deck with pavers or darkening an interior pool finish. Luxury additions like smart lighting, fountains, and fire features can make a dated pool feel modern.
If you have a higher budget, changing the shape of your pool by adding an infinity edge or putting in a swim-up bar can also add a ton of curb appeal.
Resurfacing a pool is a cost-effective way to upgrade cosmetic and small structural issues with your pool's exterior. Replastering a pool is a larger project that replaces a deeper layer of the structural base, affecting the stability and appearance of the surface. After replastering a pool, you can add a range of pool finishes to enhance the design.