How liner replacement cost is worked out
range = liner + labour + extras · size check = water-surface sq ft × 5 USD
Angi's 2026 data put a new inground vinyl liner at 1,200-2,100 USD and the crew at 1,000-2,500 USD; above-ground liners run 200-600 USD for overlap, 400-900 for uni-bead and 500-1,000 for beaded, with 250-800 USD of labour. Draining adds 500-700 USD, disposal of the old liner 75-150, a thicker liner 300-500 and a permit, where needed, 150-300. An inground 16x32 with draining and disposal comes to 2,775-5,450 USD. Angi also gives a size rule of 5 USD per sq ft of water surface: 512 sq ft × 5 = 2,560 USD for a 16x32.
| Pool | Water surface (sq ft) | Typical cost |
|---|---|---|
| 12x24 | 288 | 1,440 |
| 14x28 | 392 | 1,960 |
| 16x32 | 512 | 2,560 |
| 18x36 | 648 | 3,240 |
| 20x40 | 800 | 4,000 |
| 18 ft round | 254 | 1,272 |
| 24 ft round | 452 | 2,262 |
| 27 ft round | 573 | 2,863 |
| 30 ft round | 707 | 3,534 |
A second source: HomeGuide's installed prices
| Pool | Above-ground | Inground |
|---|---|---|
| 14x28 | 1,500-2,000 | 2,500-3,000 |
| 16x28 | 2,000-2,100 | 3,000-3,200 |
| 16x33 | 2,600-2,900 | 3,700-4,200 |
| 18x36 | 3,500-4,000 | 5,200-6,000 |
| 20x40 | 5,000-5,200 | 7,500-8,000 |
The two sources differ: HomeGuide's 2023 installed prices sit above Angi's 2026 averages, most for large inground pools. Treat the calculator's range as the planning figure and get two or three local quotes; custom shapes, steps, wall repairs and a collapsed floor cost more. Once the new liner is in, the pool refills from scratch: the pool fill time calculator gives the hours, then bring the water up with the pool chlorine calculator and the pool stabilizer calculator. Concrete pool instead? See the pool resurfacing cost calculator.
Prices: Angi, "How Much Does a Pool Liner Replacement Cost? [2026 Data]" (updated July 9, 2026): national average 2,588 USD, most pay 1,245-3,977 USD; liner, labour, drain, disposal, permit, thickness and the 5 USD per sq ft size table; liner life 10-15 years. HomeGuide, "Pool liner cost" (November 28, 2023): installed prices by size, liner life 5-15 years. Refill water at your own rate. Read October 23, 2026.
Frequently asked questions
How much does a 16x32 inground pool liner cost?
Angi's 2026 size rule gives 2,560 USD for 512 sq ft of water surface. Itemised, the liner is 1,200 to 2,100 USD and the crew 1,000 to 2,500, so with draining and disposal a 16x32 comes to 2,775 to 5,450 USD. HomeGuide's 2023 figure for a 16x33 inground is 3,700 to 4,200 USD installed.
Can I replace my pool liner myself?
Above-ground, often yes: the liner alone is 200 to 1,000 USD by style (Angi) and a few helpers can fit an overlap liner. Inground liners need exact measuring, a vacuum to pull the vinyl tight and cuts at every fitting, so most owners hire a crew; a wrinkle or tear means a new liner.
What is the average lifespan of a pool liner?
Angi puts a good vinyl liner at 10 to 15 years with proper care, dropping to five to nine years with poor water chemistry, strong sun or heavy use; HomeGuide says 5 to 15 years. Fading, wrinkles, brittle vinyl and leaks that keep coming back are the signs it is time.
How much to replace a 20x40 pool liner?
Angi's size table gives 4,000 USD for a 20x40 (800 sq ft of water surface). HomeGuide's 2023 installed price for a 20x40 inground is 7,500 to 8,000 USD, so large inground pools vary most. Steps, custom shapes and wall or floor repairs push a quote up.
Should I repair or replace my pool liner?
Repair a small tear in a young liner: Angi puts repairs at 100 to 500 USD, and a diver can patch it without draining. Replace when the liner is over about 8 to 12 years old, has several tears or has gone brittle and faded.