Pool Repair Service Overview
If you have a pool at home, it’s no question that professional pool repair and maintenance services are a must. Repairing a swimming pool could be a major project involving more than just replacing a skimmer or a filter. Oftentimes, you will find yourself having no idea what could be wrong with your pool, so going DIY may not be the best approach. In this kind of situation, we highly encourage you to hire a professional service provider to bring your pool back to its top shape.
Hiring a professional company protects one of your most valuable investments –your pool! Keeping the pool equipment working helps maintain the ideal water chemistry and allows you to safely enjoy your pool without any worries.
Professionals take great pride in repairing your pool for you and your family. Their knowledge keeps your pool system running and safe without interruption during the hottest days of summer.
Pool Repair Pricing Guide
Although it may not come often, there will come a time when you will require a pool repair service. The price of these services depends on which type of repair is required and can cost you anywhere from $10 up to $20,000. On average, homeowners pay around $900 for common pool repair services. See our pricing guide below to give you an idea of how much it will cost to fix your pool.
Tip: If you’re looking to buy a home with an already existing pool, it’s a good idea to have it inspected thoroughly before closing a deal so that there won’t be any unexpected costs along the way.
Pool Repair Cost: By Pool Type
One huge factor that affects the amount of a pool repair is the type of pool that needs to be serviced. Typically, repairs for above-ground pools are less expensive than in-ground pool repairs. Other factors that add to the costs are the complexity of the repair, time, and labor.
In-ground Pool
Pool repair contractors usually charge from $350 to $2,700 to fix leaks on this type of pool. Note that the amount only includes labor and materials and excludes the cost to drain, refill and treat the pool water.
Above-ground Pool
As mentioned, compared to in-ground pools, repairs for above-ground pools are less expensive as they are easier and faster to fix. An average amount to repair this type of pool runs anywhere between $300 to $600.
Sealing a small leak can cost you only $20 for a DIY kit; however, if the whole liner needs to be replaced, prepare to spend from $1,200 to $2,500.
Vinyl Pool
Above-ground vinyl pools are the cheapest type of pools to repair. A DIY kit to patch leaks will only cost $100, while a liner replacement to fix significant leaks can cost up to $2,500.
Concrete Pool
Fixing small cracks in concrete pools will only cost around $75. To resurface the interior of a concrete pool, on the other hand, will be around $10,000 up to $20,000, depending on the pool size and the type of finish.
Fiberglass Pool
To repair scratches and cracks on fiberglass pools using a gel coat application, contractors will charge $300 to $400. To have the whole surface repainted after the gel coat application will cost around $800.
Pool Repair Cost: By Type of Repair
Since there are so many factors that affect the overall cost of a pool repair, it’s helpful to have an idea of how much it costs to address common pool repair issues.
- Leak Repair – $10 to $3,500
- Pool Filter Replacement – $1,500 to $2,000
- Pump Motor Repair – $50 to $300
- Skimmer Repair – $50 to $300
- Skimmer Replacement – $1,200 and above
- Pool Leak Detection – $100 to $500
- Pool Pump Replacement – $700 to $1,300
- Drain Repair – $400 to $700
- Pool Light Repair – $65 to $150
- Pool Heater Repair – $160 to $730
Basic Information on Pools and Pool Repair Service
What are the different types of pools?
Above-Ground Pools
If you’re looking for the most affordable option for pools, the least expensive type is the above-ground pool. This type of pool is the easiest and fastest to build since there are commercially available prefabricated kits. While these kits allow amateurs or DIYers to set up their pools, it’s still best to hire professional pool installers to ensure that your pool lasts long and you get your money’s worth.
One of the disadvantages of this type of pool is that since they already come prefabricated, you may find yourself having only limited choices based on the designs offered by manufacturers.
In-Ground Pools
Although they are more expensive to construct than above-ground pools, these are permanent structures that are built to fit the landscaping of a property, so they are designed to accommodate any shape or size of the yard. Plus, they have a longer lifespan compared to above-ground pools.
In-ground pools come in varieties that include: fiberglass, concrete, vinyl-lined, and gunite pools.
Fiberglass Pools
Fiberglass pools are often manufactured to the homeowner’s specifications and are delivered in one piece. These are great options for areas that are prone to earthquakes as they are more flexible compared to concrete pools.
Concrete Pools
Although they cost more to construct, concrete swimming pools are one of the popular choices for homeowners. One of the reasons is that there is no limit when it comes to customizations. Also, they have a long lifespan, so you can enjoy your pool for up to over 20 years with proper pool maintenance.
The downside of concrete pools is that they require more maintenance and they also take more time to install.
Vinyl Lined Pools
When it comes to in-ground pools, vinyl pools are the most economic option and are relatively low-maintenance compared to the others. Installation is also faster, which could be completed in just a week or two.
One thing to remember, if you’re opting for this type of pool, is that vinyl liners should be replaced within 6 to 10 years. They can also fade over time, especially when they are exposed to direct sunlight and the chemicals in the pool water are higher than normal.
Gunite Pools
Gunite pools are also a popular choice of in-ground pools as they offer great flexibility and aesthetics. This type of pool is a combination of water, sand, and cement which is applied using a high-pressure hose. When dried, the gunite turns into a solid structure that is known to have a stable structural strength.
What are the most common pool issues that call for repairs?
Here is a list of pool problems that professional pool repairs services often deal with and the symptoms to look out for so you have an idea of what kind of issue you are dealing with.
- Clogged Pump Impeller
- Pump is making a loud and low grinding noise
- Filter pressure reading is half than usual
- Water in pump is swirling or slowly moving
- Pump basket does not fill up with water
- Water flow is lower than normal
- Filter Replacement
- Pool water appears cloudy/dirty
- Reading on the pressure gauge is higher than normal (increased PSI)
- Excessive backwashing
- Leaking Skimmer
- Water levels keep on dropping despite topping it off
- Pool water level stays below the skimmer
- Leaking Filter
- Sounds of dripping water coming from the filter
- Water build-up in the area where the filter is located
- Water dripping down from the filter (if it is above ground)
- Lining Problems
- Visible cracking and tearing on the liner
- Water level drops more than an inch within a week
- Liner is already fading and/or staining
- Liner appears wrinkling, stretching, or slipping
- Pool Heater Issues
- Rust or corrosion on the pool heater
- Damaged or frayed wires on heater
- Water leaking out from the pool heater
- Pool water is not heating
- Leaking Pool Pump
- Pump is having a hard time moving water
- Pool water appears cloudy
- Floating skimmer baskets
- Lower filter tank pressure
- Water drips at the pipe connecting to the pump
- Water buildup under the pump
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What are the services offered by pool repair companies?
- Pump repair and replacement
- Motor repair and replacements
- Plumbing and valve repair and replacement
- Leak detection
- Clogged line repair
- Filter repair and replacements
- Feeder repair
- Automation repair
- Heater repair and replacement
- Chlorinator repair and replacement
- Salt chlorine generator repairs
- Light repairs
- Equipment upgrades
- Collector tanks and refills
Things to Know Before Hiring A Pool Repair Company
Do they have a license to do business?
Ask to see all business licenses of the pool repair company as required by state and local law.
Who will be performing the pool repair?
Remember, some companies sub-contract their work. Regardless of who you decide to hire, make sure you know who is coming out to perform the repair.
Do they have proper insurance?
If the company cannot show general liability Insurance. KEEP LOOKING! Pool repair service may not seem risky, but it can be! You’ll never know when an accident may happen. There is a chance that a company that doesn’t have or cannot show proper insurance will not come back to pay for any damage.
How is their customer service?
Did the contractor you talked with respond to your inquiries professionally? Did you get the answers you were looking for? Did the pool technician show up as scheduled?
Do they look professional?
First impressions speak for themselves. Do their business forms have the company name and contact information? Is the technician looking and acting like a pro? If any of these things are in question, consider looking for another contractor.
Beware of the shoddy pool repair companies. If a contractor offers a quotation that sounds too good to be true, it probably is! Professional pool repair companies have a standard market value for their services. Companies that are a lot cheaper are probably cutting corners.
Hiring a Pool Repair Company: Tips and Advice
- Ask For The License – Ask for all local and state business licenses.
- Proof Of Insurance– For your protection, check both the proof of workman’s compensation and liability insurance.
- Business Stability– Find out how long the company has been in business.
- Check Online Reviews – See what other people are saying about the pool service company, and check out online listings and the reviews about the business.
- References – Reliable pool repair contractor should be able to provide you with references when asked. If you want to make sure, you can get in touch with these contacts and ask them about their experience with the company.
- Emergency Service – Make sure your local pool repair company offers emergency services. If something goes wrong, it’s good to know that you will not have to wait days for them to come out and fix it.
- Pricing – Reputable contractors would make it a point to visit your property to inspect what needs to be fixed with your pool before they give you a price to complete the job. You can also refer to our pool repair pricing guide to give you an idea of how much a job costs.
- Free Estimates – Most pool repair companies offer free estimates. Getting a quotation beforehand is vital so you will have an idea of the upfront costs and you won’t be surprised with the total bill after the company completes the work.
- Safety Record – Safety is a huge factor, so ask the company about their safety records to ensure that any service professional you hire has a good standing record.
- Satisfaction Guarantee – A company that offers a satisfaction guarantee helps ensure that they will get the job done the first time. This is a great deal as it will save you money and from the frustration in the long run.
- Cleanup – The mess left behind after a pool repair can be major. Be sure to ask if site cleanup is included in their services/quotation.
