We are having our 18' x 36' liner replaced in the upcoming weeks. I have estimates that range from $3200 - $3500.
Narrowed it down to a very highly recommend smaller local pool co. who has done many liners in our area for about 25 years . Have seen many install photos from them and offered referrals if we wanted (we already had some from friends) . Was able to see their own actual real pictures of many liner installs , and many in our desired liner choices, so we know they do a LOT of liners . They all look great, and the company is known for being perfectionists ! They happen to be the higher $3500. estimate .
The pool Comp is supposed to be here today to drain pool down to get accurate custom measurements tomorrow (they are perfectionists , and will not just guess on those measurements). All of their liner jobs fit perfect, so I feel very confident with their process .
Their $3500. estimate / price including everything except about 2 truckloads of water (the rest I can fill with our hose well water ) .
That includes all labor for removal of old liner and disposal , preparing/patching smoothing out the old surface / bottom of pool , fixing any irregularities in the side walls (luckily we have fiberglass sides, so there wont be any rust issues) , deleting the old underwater pool light niche area , and full install of a new 28mil liner (they use McEwen industries liners) , including return faceplates and such . Only other cost will be approx 2 truckloads of water so they have enough to fit the pool liner into place properly while using the vacuum/blower technique as well .
Also, we pay the water truck co. of our own choosing , the pool co. does not make extra $$$ on the water fill .
We should be roughly $4000 - $4200 by the time its installed including a bulk of the water . This will be with a 28 mil liner, but also including whatever it takes to delete and cover up the old underwater pool light niche area (we dont need or want that anymore) .
I think your first estimate is not out of the ballpark , maybe a tad high with only a 20mil liner installed, and not a lot of extra work required (like our light niche delete).
Do you trust this company, and do they do GOOD work ?
If so, a few hundred bucks is well worth it over a cheaper estimate from a company that might do less than a perfect job .
Thats why we are going with a slightly higher priced Pool co .
Something to think about ............
EDIT : Our choice of Pool Co. , after a more thorough quote and inspection of our pool, LOWERED their estimate of $3,500 to $3,300 !!! WooHoo !!!
