Cost to Repair a Pool

Pool repair cost breakdown

The average cost range for pool repair is $250 to $1,200, with most homeowners paying around $750. But many variables affect the cost to repair a pool. One way repair costs can be broken is down by pool type (above-ground versus in-ground), pool size and pool material.

While the type of repair you need will largely dictate the overall cost of both materials and labor, these primary factors may give you an idea of where your pool repair will fall on the cost spectrum.

Cost by pool type

The price range for fixing your pool varies by what kind of pool you have. In-ground pools are more expensive to repair, Repairs cost an average of $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.

Cost by size and dimensions

Larger pools typically cost more to repair because they require more materials, time and labor. The total price depends on the type and extent of the damage, but in general, repair costs rise with pool size. Here’s what you can expect to pay for common pool sizes.

Cost by 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.

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Pool repair cost by type of repair

Of course, how much you pay to get your pool fixed is dictated mainly by what needs to be repaired. Minor fixes like patching leaks or replacing a light cost much less than major structural repairs.

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 $165 to $765 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.

Cost of less common pool repairs

Some pool repairs are less frequent but can still be costly. These include tile replacement, pump or plumbing steps, deck repairs and automation system fixes.

Tiles

Replacing or repairing pool tiles is usually needed when tiles crack, pop off or grout erodes. It can cost as little as $10 to $30 per tile, or as much as $500 to $2,000 for larger sections. For example, fixing a small section around the waterline may run a few hundred dollars, while retiling an entire pool border can exceed $2,000.

Steps

Pool steps can deteriorate from wear, cracking or water damage. Repairing or replacing steps typically costs $300 to $1,500, depending on material and size. Concrete or fiberglass steps are generally more expensive to replace than vinyl inserts.

Decking

Pool deck repairs involve fixing cracks, erosion or uneven surfaces around the pool. The cost ranges from $1,000 to $5,000 depending on the area and material. Small patch jobs on concrete are relatively affordable, while replacing large sections of stamped concrete or natural stone decks can be a significant investment.

Automation systems

Pool automation systems control pumps, heaters, lights and cleaning schedules. Repairing or upgrading a system can cost $200 to $2,000, depending on complexity. Simple controller or sensor replacements are inexpensive, but full-system upgrades that integrate multiple devices are at the higher end of the range.

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.

Permits, inspection and regulatory fees

Some pool repairs or major renovations require permits or inspections. Typical costs range from $50 to $500, depending on local regulations and the scope of work. Always check with your city or county to confirm what’s needed and request a detailed estimate from your contractor to include these fees.

Emergency surcharges

Repairs that require immediate attention, such as major leaks or pump failures, often come with emergency service fees of $100 to $500. Scheduling work during normal business hours or in advance can help you avoid these extra charges.

Geographic region

Labor and material costs vary by region, which can significantly affect repair prices. For example:

• Northeast: Higher labor rates and stricter codes can raise costs
• Midwest: Moderate rates with fewer permitting fees
• South: Generally lower labor costs but frequent weather-related damage
• West: Higher material and labor costs in urban area

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.

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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.

DIY vs. professional pool repair

You should easily be able to patch small holes, treat the water and change the filter cartridge without calling in a professional. For bigger projects or ones that require a particular expertise, you should call in a professional. Issues that require plumbing or electrical knowledge can be complex, and experts are better equipped to handle these fixes.

Some pool repairs you can do yourself include:

• 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.

Am I covered for pool repairs?

Whether pool repairs are covered depends on the type of protection you have. Homeowners insurance may pay for damage caused by sudden accidents or natural events, while home warranties typically cover specific systems like pumps or filters if you purchase optional add-ons.

Does homeowners insurance cover pool leaks?

Most homeowners insurance policies will only cover damage to the pool that resulted from a covered peril (e.g., fire, vandalism, hail). If this is the reason for the leak, your provider may pick up the cost. However, policies don’t cover wear and tear or damage from a lack of maintenance.

Talk to your insurer about how the pool is covered. In-ground pools often fall under dwelling coverage, while above-ground pools may fall under personal property or other structure coverage.

Do home warranties cover pool repairs?

Some home warranties will cover pool repairs, but usually only if you purchase add-on coverage. Even if your warranty covers pools, it may not cover all of the parts and accessories. A lot of policies may just cover the heating, pumping and filtration system. The liner, lights and cover are often excluded.

One of our reviewers, Nicholas from Arizona, was happy to see that the pump was covered, and he only had to pay the deductible: “When I had a leak in my pool pump, the repairman was out the next day. He was knowledgeable and repaired it right there. I didn't have to pay for anything extra, just the copay.”

Check your agreement to see exactly what is and isn’t covered.

» LEARN: What does a home warranty cover?

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.

Maintenance tips to prevent costly pool repairs

Keeping your pool clean requires weekly maintenance, which can help prevent damage and extensive repairs down the road. Here are some tips to keep in mind:

• Remove debris with a skimmer from the surface of the pool, ideally every day but at least once a week. Also, empty the skimmer basket to prevent clogs in the filtration system.
• Vacuum the pool once a week to remove dirt from the bottom and brush the sides and steps.
• Make sure the water level is correct to prevent strain on the pump.
• Use a water testing kit to check the pH, chlorine and alkalinity levels.
• Change the filter cartridge as recommended by the manufacturer.

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 a few thousand dollars. 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.