How Much Does It Cost to Fix a Pool Leak?

In this guide

Cost to Fix Pool Leak by Type of Pool

Whether you have an above or an in-ground model impacts the price of repair, which ranges from $100 to $5,000. In-ground ones typically cost more to repair than above-ground models, but the exact problem or repair is going to be a factor in the price, as well. In the table and subsections below, you will see the most common types, their average repair costs, and other factors that you need to consider.

Above-Ground Pool Leak Repair

Most above-ground diagnostic fees are around $100 to $180. Patches can be purchased for leaking liners for about $20. If you need to replace the entire liner, this typically costs approximately $300. But keep in mind that gaskets and pumps may also be the problem. Above-ground models are usually easier to diagnose and repair than in-ground models. This is because the issue is often easier to see and reach.

In-Ground Pool Leak Repair Cost

The price of in-ground repairs is $100 to $5,000, depending on the issue at hand and how difficult or complex it is to fix. In some cases, small seals, gaskets, or beading that needs to be replaced can be done quickly and without spending a lot of money. However, on the other hand, if the surface needs re-plastering or the vinyl liner needs replacing, you could hit the high end of the price range when it comes to repair costs.

Swimming Pool Leak Repair Cost by Location

The average price of leak repair is $100 to $7,000 depending on the location. There are a wide variety of parts were the leak ca be located. Finding and fixing each of these issues has a separate price. It will be important to determine the exact issue and its location to determine how much you will spend. For example, repairs that are easier to get to will typically be cheaper than hard-to-reach areas. In the same vein, simple repairs will be cheaper than those that are more complex. In the table and subsections below, you will get a glimpse of the different leak locations, their repair price and information about each one.

Pool Skimmer Leak Repair Cost

If the skimmer is leaking, you can expect to spend $100 to $125. This depends on the severity of the issue, its location, and the necessary repair or replacement. In some instances, repairs will be possible and less costly. However, there may be other situations where the entire skimmer may need to be replaced to resolve the problem for good.

Pool Light Leak

Light repair costs are around $125 to $175 per light. Lights can cause leaks if the gasket fits poorly or if it fails. If the fixture is completely corroded, it will need to be replaced completely, costing much more than a simple repair. If your model has more than one light, the repair tech may also inspect the rest of the lights while repairing the one in question to ensure no other issues exist.

Pool Pump Leaking

If your pump is leaking, you will likely need to replace it at the price of $200 to $650. Equipment failure is the most common cause of leaks. The pump itself has several moving parts and is subject to constant pressure and motion throughout the day, cycling water. If you have an issue in the pump, it could get expensive or even result in a full pump replacement, so you need to talk to a specialist.

Pool Crack Repair Cost

It costs around $65 a linear foot to fix cracks. Most people spend between $300 and $5,000 in total. If the crack is major, such as down to the beam, this is a serious problem that can be difficult and expensive to fix. Other cracks include spider cracks in fiberglass and cracks in plaster liners in models made of plaster. The material and the severity of the crack affect how much you pay for this repair.

Hole in Pool Liner

If there is just a small tear or hole in your vinyl liner, you’ll spend $350 to $550 to patch the liner. Liner patches can be done by professionals and may not require the water to be drained to be completed. Other holes may require more attention. If you have more than one tear that needs to be addressed, you may be able to get a lower rate on the entire job rather than paying for individual repairs.

Pool Main Drain Repair Costs

If you need to repair the main drain, it will likely be priced between $400 and $700 unless the entire drain needs to be replaced. In this case, the costs will be closer to $4,000 to $7,000. Sometimes, the leak is not in the liner but is part of the plumbing. The main drain can crack and require repairing, which can cause serious leaks. The leak is often above the frost line, so the warmer your climate, the deeper the crack could be.

Pool Pipe Leak Repair Cost

Pipe repair runs from $500 to $900. Pipes can cause leaks, especially if they are older and have been through a few seasons. The seams could become weak or loosened. Pipes could develop fractures or may break entirely at the connection. In any case, leaking pipes need to be repaired or replaced immediately to prevent further issues.

Ripped Pool Liner

Repairing or replacing a ripped liner costs around $1,700 to $2,500 when there is a major tear or hole in a vinyl liner that needs to be replaced. Vinyl can become torn from various incidents or items because it is prone to tears and cuts when it comes into contact with sharp objects. If the entire liner needs replaced, you will also have to pay to refill the drained water, adding significant costs to the project.

Cost to Fix a Pool Leak by Solution

There are several ways to fix leaks. You’ll spend between $100 and $5,000 to do so based on the solution required. For example, the price of replacing a gasket will be nominal compared to the price of replacing the liner. It can help you plan for your own repair by knowing what to expect based on the chosen fix for the leakage that you are experiencing. In the table and subsections below, we’ll look at the most common leakage solutions, their costs, and what each entails.

Pool Gasket Replacement

If you have gaskets that are causing an issue, you can expect to spend about $100 to $175 per gasket, depending on its location. Skimmer gaskets are the cheapest, along with pipe gaskets used for connections. You will spend the most on light gaskets, but it’s still essential to ensure that they are functional. Whenever you replace a gasket, you should have the others inspected to ensure no future problems are looming.

Fiberglass Pool Gelcoat Repair

It costs about $300 to $500 to have a new gelcoat applied to the cracked areas of your structure after the fiberglass has been cleaned and sanded. This can be a good solution when the fiberglass is so damaged by spider cracks that minor repairs cannot be made. In some cases, gelcoat repair may be the only option that people have. It will be important to discuss the problem with your repair professional to determine the best course of action.

Pool Waterline Tile Replacement Cost

Waterline tile costs about $300 to $1,500 or $20 per linear foot to replace when the damage is causing the leak. The total project cost depends on how many linear feet of tile you are replacing and includes labor and materials to give you a total estimate. Over time, the constant exposure to being in and out of the water weakens these tiles and causes them to come loose. Then, they need to be replaced. When the tiles come loose, they can cause cracks or even damage a vinyl liner, leading to all kinds of potential leaks.

Pool Replastering Cost

It will cost between $500 and $5,500 to replaster the entire structure after being drained, sanded, and prepared. The process involves applying a new layer of plaster across the entire structure to cover any cracks and potential leaking points. This is one of the most expensive repair options available, but it’s one that many people need when there are severe cracks or when things have been let go for too long. If you only repair damaged areas, plaster repair costs between $500 and $1,500, depending on how much damage needs to be fixed.

Pool Liner Replacement Costs

The price to replace the liner is around $1,700 to $2,500 on average. If you have significant tearing in a vinyl liner, it probably needs replacing to stop the leaks. Vinyl liners only last around seven years, which is a common problem for vinyl models. In some cases, you may be able to repair the liner instead of replacing it. However, if there are large tears or a significant number of them, replacement might be the best choice.

Cost to Replace Pool Tile

The average price to replace tile is $2,000 to $5,000, depending on how much tile needs to be replaced and the style of tile that is chosen. If you have a larger model, you will spend more on this project than on smaller models. You may also elect to install a premium tile that could incur a premium price. If you are just replacing a few damaged or cracked tiles that are causing leaks, you could spend a lot less on this, too. If you have leakage caused by missing or damaged tiles, this could be an effective solution.

Pool Leak Detection Cost

Whether you hire the same company to make the repair or not, this can cost from $100 to $500, depending on the type and location of the suspected issue. For example, above-ground leakage detection is usually less expensive than for an in-ground model. Cracks hidden behind tiles or pipes buried beneath the ground may have higher detection costs. To determine which part is leaking, you may need to have a leak detection test done. Some DIY instructions suggest you can use food coloring to detect leaks, but it’s usually best to use ultrasonic equipment to locate the leak.

Leaks are a sign of a problem, and many of these problems can become worse over time. For example, if the leakage is caused by a failing seal around lights or equipment, this could eventually damage that equipment. In addition, leaks can damage your landscaping, with soil erosion and muddy lawns being very common with ongoing leaks. Keeping your pool full with a major leak can quickly raise your water bills as you attempt to keep it usable. By finding and fixing the leak early, you prevent more expensive problems from adding up in the future.

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How to Find a Leak in a Pool

If you do not want to hire a professional to locate the leakage, you can do the job yourself if you are willing to get wet. First, examine the entire surface and any likely areas. In a vinyl liner, this may look like a dark place that will not get cleaned with the vacuum. In a concrete or fiberglass model, this can look like a crack. If you do not see any visible areas, focus on any penetrations, such as filters, pumps, and skimmers. Anything that penetrates the side of the structure could cause leakage. This could include lights, filters, pumps, waterfalls, diving boards, and more. When checking for leaks, investigate all of these features.

Once you identify the most likely places where the leak could be, get into the water with a pair of goggles and a small bottle of food coloring. Squirt the food coloring next to the area where you suspect the issue to be. If this is the area, the food coloring should be sucked into the leak. If you are unable to find the cause but are sure there is a leaking, call in a professional because the issue may be in the plumbing or equipment.

Enhancement and Improvement Costs

Pool Light Replacement Cost

The average price of light replacement ranges from $300 to $450 per light, depending on the style that is installed. Lights can become damaged or corroded over time or be damaged by impact. If one of them is leaking, there is a possibility that others may be affected too. After inspection, the repairman may suggest replacing more lights, not just the one that is leaking.