How Much Do Pool Repairs Cost?

Common Pool Repair Costs

Swimming pools come in two styles: above-ground and in-ground. While the maintenance routine for both is similar, each type typically has its own repair needs. However, there are some repairs that apply to both types.

Draining, Filling, and Treating

Draining your pool to fix leaks and other issues usually costs $175 to $225. Filling it back up runs about $55 per 5,000 gallons. You also likely need to chemically treat your pool after filling it, which costs around $450, on average. 

Pump Motor Repair

Repairing a pool's pump motor typically costs $50 to $300 for labor and materials. Replacement parts for motors generally cost at least $15. However, if you need a new motor, you can expect to pay $150 to $800, depending on the size and features. Replacing the damaged pump outright usually costs $700 to $1,500.

Skimmer Repair

Skimmer repair costs between $50 and $300, or $175 on average. If you simply need to replace the skimmer seal to stop leaks, you can expect to pay $100 to $125.

Heater Repair

Swimming pool heater repairs cost anywhere from $165 to $750, depending on the extent of the repairs. It is well worth attempting repairs before replacing the heater since replacing the heater costs $1,600 to $3,800, or $2,700 on average.

Pool Light Repair and Replacement 

Repairing pool lights typically costs $65 to $150 per light. If you need to replace a light, you can expect to pay an average of $625 per unit.

Cost Factors for Repairing a Pool

Several factors affect the cost to repair a pool, including the pool's size and type, as well as the extent of the damage. 

Size

Many pool repairs are priced per square foot or linear foot, so the larger your pool, the more it will likely cost to repair it. 

Pool and Liner Type

In-ground pools are usually more expensive to repair than above-ground pools. Concrete pools are the most expensive because they're the most time-consuming and labor-intensive to repair. Additionally, fiberglass pool liners typically cost more to repair than vinyl liners. 

Damage Extent 

The extent of your pool's damage is among the biggest factors impacting cost. For instance, you can often patch minor leaks for less than $30, while resurfacing a large in-ground concrete pool can cost as much as $20,000 or more.  

In-Ground Pool Leak Repair Costs

In-ground pool leak repairs typically cost $350 to $1,000 for labor and materials, which doesn't include the price of draining, filling, and treating the water. The total cost depends on the severity of the damage, the leak's location, and the pool material.

Vinyl Repair and Replacement

Vinyl pool liner repairs and replacements cost $2,200, on average. If you hire a professional to repair a small hole in the vinyl, you can expect to pay around $400, while a small DIY patch repair might only cost $20 to $30. However, if you have a large hole that can't be patched, you'll likely need to pay a pro $1,700 to $2,500 to fix it. 

Holes aren't the only issues that cause leaks. The bead holding the vinyl liner can lose its strength, letting the liner slip and causing a leak, which costs $130 to $200 to fix. Sun damage can also degrade the vinyl and lead to leaks, so you might want to use a UV protective shield, which usually costs around $615.

Fiberglass Leak Repairs

Fiberglass pool repairs usually require a gel coat that restores dinged, scratched, and cracked surfaces. Gel coatings usually cost $300 to $400, but you might need to pay an additional $800 to repaint after completing the repairs. You'll also need to cover the cost of draining the water, refilling the pool, and chemically treating it. 

Concrete or Gunite Pool Repair Cost

Repairing small cracks in a gunite or concrete pool usually costs about $75 per linear foot. However, repairing large spiderweb cracks, divots, and bulges usually costs $700 to $1,000 for a 150-square-foot pool. 

Hydrostatic pressure can cause catastrophic failure of the liner, but you can easily prevent it by installing a pressure relief valve, which usually costs around $14.

Leak Detection Cost

Pool leak detection services generally cost $100 to $500. Professionals might include minor patch jobs in the detection price, but you should expect a separate bid for major repairs.

You can help minimize costs and make it easier for a pro to spot the leak by following these steps:

• Clear out all toys and floaties.

• Scoop up any debris in the water.

• Verify the water is clear and safe to swim in.

Above-Ground Pool Leak Repair Costs

Repairing an above-ground pool leak costs around $605, on average, but it can range from $100 to $700 or more. 

Cost to Detect and Fix Leaks

Repairing a minor above-ground pool leak usually costs $100 to $200. If you need to replace the pool liner, you can expect to pay $100 to $700, depending on the pool's size. 

Pool Wall and Frame Repair Costs

Replacement walls for above-ground pools generally cost between $1,300 and $1,700. The walls of the pool attach to a metal framework using a flexible bead. Metal frame parts are $15 to $30 each, while the lock bead usually costs $130 to $200. 

Above-ground pools heavily depend on solid ground for stability. Floods, earthquakes, and even high winds can cause their framework to buckle and collapse. Your insurance might cover this damage, so read your policy carefully. Age can also cause the framework to weaken and collapse.

DIY vs. Pro Pool Repair Services

Although pool crack repair costs more when done by a professional, it's typically a worthwhile expense. Pros have the tools and expertise to efficiently identify the problem and suggest the right fix. They can then repair the issue to make your pool look and feel like new again.

Pool contractors can also help you upgrade the space. You just have to budget for the cost of a swimming pool remodel. 

FAQs

How can I tell where my pool is leaking?

In some cases, a leak's cause is obvious. But more often, you'll need to actively seek out the leak by watching water movements, diving in with goggles to look for abnormalities, or using food dye to follow the flow of water out the leak. It's typically easiest to hire a pool repair expert near you to track down the leak and suggest the right fix.

Are pool leaks expensive to fix?

The cost to repair a pool leak heavily depends on the extent of the damage. For instance, you might only need to pay $15 to $30 to patch a minor leak yourself, while major leaks resulting from large holes or extensive damage can cost $1,000 or much more to fix.