Sometimes it’s time for a switcheroo. I’ll reorganize my nonfiction bookcase, or my mom will plant new flowers around her house, or my cat will suddenly start sleeping on a new corner of the sofa for no reason. You might have reasons behind it, or you might just feel like a change.
Maybe for you—whether for money, maintenance, or just a plain ol’ change of pace—your vinyl liner pool is the subject of that change.
At River Pools, we specialize in fiberglass pools, and several times a year we replace vinyl liner pools with fiberglass units. Our clients are thrilled with the results, and with fiberglass pools gaining market share every year, we expect to take on more and more of these replacement projects.
One of the first questions we hear for any pool project is, of course, “How much will it cost?”
If you want a refresher, our cost and pricing guide for inground swimming pools compares the upfront and long-term costs for buying concrete, vinyl liner, and fiberglass pools.
However, replacing an existing pool has slightly different methods and therefore slightly different expenses.
Today we’re going to provide an overall picture of replacing your vinyl liner pool with fiberglass:
- How much the pool project costs
- How long the project takes
- Whether you can replace the pool yourself
- How this replacement can benefit you
The cost of replacing a vinyl liner pool with a fiberglass pool
On average, it costs $50,000–$65,000 to replace a vinyl liner pool with a fiberglass unit.
For reference: that’s $3,000–$7,000 more than installing a fiberglass pool normally.
“Why so much?” you ask, weeping. “I should be saving money. I’ve already got a hole in the ground.”
Consider these three aspects:
- Extra space in the ground to fill with stone
- Limited access
- Removing the vinyl liner pool (and sometimes the patio)
The thing is, vinyl liner pools are usually bigger than fiberglass pools. Therefore, the hole from the vinyl liner pool is usually bigger than the fiberglass pool shell. We have to bring in additional stone backfill to fill in that extra space.
Also, it’s more difficult to get to a preexisting pool site. We almost always have to work around a patio, fence, and landscaping.
Also-also, we have to remove much of the vinyl liner pool from that hole, which is quite a process:
- Pull off the liner
- Remove the wall panels
- Take out patio and concrete (sometimes)
How long does it take to replace a vinyl liner pool with a fiberglass pool?
Replacing a vinyl liner pool usually takes about the same time as a regular fiberglass pool project: 3–6 weeks, not including the time to get a permit.
- Excavate
- Set, plumb, water fill, and backfill the pool
- Electrical hookup
- Form the concrete
- Pour the concrete
- Remove concrete forms/patching/etc.
- Clean the pool
- Grade the yard
- Final cleaning of pool
- Install the cover if necessary
It takes 2–3 days to excavate, dig, set, backfill, and form.
The concrete pour and form removal will take another 2–3 days. It can be longer for stamped concrete, which is colored and sealed.
Cleaning, grading, and covering will take 2–4 days.
Installing a new patio and fancy features fills in the rest of the time, as usual.
Can I replace the vinyl liner pool with a fiberglass pool myself?
While this project could potentially be a DIY for someone with a lot of experience, it’s generally best to have a professional do it for you. This decreases the likelihood of error.
By hiring a professional, you also avoid big stressors such as coping disasters, misleading prices, and responsibility as general contractor for permits and all sub-contractors.
Whether you go with a professional pool installer or a DIY project, do all your research and cover all your bases before making that big final decision.
Benefits of replacing a vinyl liner pool with a fiberglass pool
Should you replace your liner pool with fiberglass? It comes down to whether a vinyl liner pool or a fiberglass pool is a better fit for your family and your needs.
If you already have a vinyl liner pool, you know they are less expensive upfront, and they are available in customized shapes, unlike fiberglass pools, which are manufactured on preexisting molds.
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However, with a fiberglass pool, you no longer have to replace a liner every 5–9 years.
Because there’s no liner (and the accompanying seams), the pool has less chance of leaks.
You no longer have to worry about liner punctures from tree branches or dog claws.
You have the option of integrated steps, ledges, and benches.
You can add other neat features, such as waterline tile, that a liner wouldn’t allow.
A fiberglass pool requires less maintenance and is easier to maintain. Bonus: this extrapolates to lower lifetime costs.
At River Pools, we manufacture world-class fiberglass swimming pools for installation across North America and have a wide variety of models to choose from
If would like to talk to us about replacing your vinyl liner pool, we’d love to hear from you. We’re excited to help you on your pool journey!
Do you have any other questions about the process of buying the perfect fiberglass pool? Dive into our ebook—it includes all the details you’ll need to make the best decision for you and your family!
Fiberglass Swimming Pools 101: Manufacturing, Cost, and More
What Can You Expect From a Fiberglass Pool Kit?
What’s the Best Small Fiberglass Pool for Your Needs? Costs, Sizes, Features
Editor's Note: This article was originally written by Holly Jender on April 16, 2018. Any opinions expressed are those of the author. Any prices referenced were based on information that was readily available at the time.
River Pools is a brand of inground fiberglass pools produced in a manufacturing facility in Fortville, IN. While our expertise is in manufacturing fiberglass pools, we have access to a network of installers with expertise relating to project design, installation, and pool service. We often tap into this knowledge base and share information freely with homeowners, just like you, considering installing a swimming pool in your backyard.
