Cost to repair a pool

Pool repair cost by type of pool

The price range for fixing your pool varies by what kind of pool you have. In-ground pools are more expensive to repair, and those with concrete or fiberglass liners are the most costly. Repairs tend to cost $350 to $2,700, depending on the type of repair needed.

With an above-ground pool, the labor is less intensive, and it’s often easier for a contractor to fix most issues. That’s why you might see costs closer to $100 to $700.

There are times, though, when the prices to repair an in-ground pool and an above-ground pool are similar. For example, draining and filling your pool would cost around $175 to $225 for the drain and around $55 per 5,000 gallons to fill.

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Pool repair cost by type of repair

Of course, how much you pay is dictated mainly by what needs to be repaired. We found some common repair costs to give you an idea of what you may pay.

Pool filter replacement

If you need to replace your pool filter system, it may be one of the biggest repair costs you’ll run into. Pool filters can cost between $200 and $1,500, depending on your pool type and size. If you just need a simple filter for your small above-ground pool, you may pay as little as $80.

Pool heater repair

If your pool feels a little cooler than you like, you may need your pool heater repaired. Just for labor, this will cost you around $80 to $120 per hour. You can expect to pay around $163 to $764 with parts included.

The type of heater can play a big part in the repair price. Saltwater heaters are the most expensive, and larger heaters often cost more to repair. An electric heat pump costs $200 to $1,200 for repairs, while solar heaters cost $50 to $400 and natural gas costs $150 to $750.

Pool leak repair

Signs of a leak include dropping water levels, wet spots around the pool and cracked tiles.

Pool leak repair costs change depending on the type of pool and liner. A small hole in an in-ground vinyl liner can cost $20 to $30, while larger holes can cost around $1,700 to $2,500. Fiberglass liner repairs cost $300 to $400, on the other hand. Above-ground leak fixes are between $100 to $700.

Pool light repair

Fixing a pool light usually runs between $65 and $150 for each light. However, if you need to swap out a light altogether, the price rises significantly to around $625 per unit.

Pump motor repair

The cost to fix a pool pump motor ranges from $50 to $300. Parts for the motor can be cheap, usually starting at around $15. A new motor, though, has a price tag between $150 and $800, depending on its size and features. Opting to replace the entire damaged pump will set you back anywhere from $700 to $1,500.

Skimmer repair

Those holes in the side of the pool? That’s the skimmer. Pool skimmers essentially suck in the water and send it to the filter. To get your skimmer repaired will cost you around $50 to $300.

Additional cost factors

While the type of repair you need places one of the largest roles, the overall cost will also be affected by the average labor costs in your area and the material of the pool.

Material

For in-ground pools, the material it’s made of can impact the cost of repairs, and there could be some unique repairs you might have to contend with. Fiberglass pools might get scratches and cracks, which cost about $300 to $400 to fix via a gelcoat application. To fully resurface the pool, you may pay about $6,500. Keep in mind that the size of the pool will factor in.

If you have a vinyl pool, you might need to get the liner straightened ($100 to $250) or a protective shield installed ($530 per 150 feet). Small leaks are cheap to repair and can be done for a few dollars yourself. But for bigger issues, that cost can be up to $2,500.

Lastly, concrete pools are quite durable but can also be expensive to repair. A small crack can cost $75 per linear foot. If you need to resurface the pool, though, it could be anywhere from $10,000 to $20,000 depending on the size of the pool.

Labor costs

The cost of labor will vary depending on the pool technician’s experience and your location. You can expect to pay around $65 to $120 per hour to hire a professional pool technician.

Professionals offer pool leak detection services, which typically cost anywhere from $100 to $500. This early intervention can help prevent leaks from becoming worse and costing more in the future.

Some pool repairs you can do yourself and save on labor:

• Patching small holes: If your above-ground pool has a small hole, you can repair it with a hole-patching kit. These kits can cost as little as $8. You can also purchase kits to fix in-ground vinyl liners.
• Changing the filter: Most pool owners can change the cartridge filter in their filtration system. There are videos online that can teach you how.
• Treating the water: This one can be a little tricky, but kits are available to help you through the process. Testing kits start at $20 for simple testing strips to several hundred dollars for water monitoring systems.

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Signs you need pool repairs

Ignoring these signs can lead to bigger, more expensive problems down the line. So, what should you be looking out for?

• Water level fluctuations: Water will naturally evaporate from your pool, especially during the warmest part of summer or if it’s especially windy. However, you may have a leak if you notice about half an inch or more of water gone. Some signs of this include wet spots in the grass by the pool or cracked tiles.
• Murky or discolored water: Strange water colors can be a sign of poor filtration or chemical imbalances. If adjusting the chemicals doesn't clear things up, your filter might need repair or replacement.
• Strange noises: Hearing odd noises from your pool pump or motor is never a good sign. Grinding or screeching sounds could indicate that the motor is failing.
• Poor water flow: If the water isn't circulating well, it could be a sign of a clogged filter or, worse, a failing pump.
• Cracks and damage: Visible cracks in the pool's surface or around the edge can be a sign of structural issues that need immediate attention.
• Malfunctioning lights or heater: If your pool lights flicker or your heater isn't maintaining temperature, it's time for a repair.

Ways to save on pool repair costs

While pool repairs can get costly, there are ways to bring the costs down. Here are some of the best and most cost-effective ways to save on pool repair costs:

• Stay on top of routine maintenance and upkeep, which can be one of the most effective ways to avoid significant repairs.
• Get several estimates to ensure a pool repair professional is charging a reasonable price.
• Take notice of any potential leaks and figure out the issue as soon as possible.
• Winterize your pool efficiently (if you live in an area affected by winter) to prevent or mitigate any freeze damage.
• Fix any simple issues yourself, if possible.

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Bottom line

Repairing a pool can vary widely in cost, depending on the issue at hand. For minor fixes like patching up a small leak or replacing a light, you might spend as little as $50 to $100. More complex repairs, like fixing the pool pump motor, can range from $50 to $1,500 for labor and materials. If you're dealing with structural issues like cracks, the cost can skyrocket to $1,000 or more. If you have a home warranty plan, it might be worth it to add coverage for the pool so you can save on repair costs.