Pool Tile Replacement Cost
Waterline tile runs $35–$70 per linear foot installed. For an average 15 × 30 ft pool with a 90-foot perimeter, that is roughly $3,200–$6,400 — considerably less if the pool is already being resurfaced.
Typical national range
$3,200–$6,400
Average 15 × 30 ft pool with a 90-foot perimeter, ceramic through glass tile, installed as a standalone job including draining.
What this project needs measured
Measurements are only requested when they change the price of the work you selected. Everything below is collected inside the estimator — you can enter dimensions you already know or measure as you go.
Required
Pool perimeter (linear feet)
Tile and coping are priced by the linear foot around the pool edge.
Only if it applies
Attached spa
An attached spa is a separate surface and is usually quoted as its own line item.
Only if it applies
Pool interior surface area
Resurfacing and finish work are priced by the square footage of the interior shell.
Cost by perimeter and material
Tile is quoted by the linear foot of pool perimeter. Work out your perimeter as roughly 2 × (length + width) for a rectangular pool.
| Pool size | Perimeter | Ceramic | Porcelain | Glass |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 10 × 20 ft | 60 ft | $2,100–$3,000 | $2,400–$3,500 | $3,000–$4,200 |
| 15 × 30 ft | 90 ft | $3,200–$4,500 | $3,600–$5,200 | $4,500–$6,300 |
| 20 × 40 ft | 120 ft | $4,200–$6,000 | $4,800–$7,000 | $6,000–$8,400 |
| 25 × 45 ft | 140 ft | $4,900–$7,000 | $5,600–$8,100 | $7,000–$9,800 |
Why pool shape matters more than pool size
Because tile is priced by perimeter, two pools with identical surface area can differ substantially in tile cost. A 10 × 40 ft lap pool and a 20 × 20 ft pool both have 400 square feet of floor, but the lap pool has 100 linear feet of perimeter against 80 — 25% more tile.
Freeform pools with curves, and pools with attached spas or raised walls, add perimeter that a rectangular calculation misses. If your pool is not a rectangle, measure the actual edge.
The saving from combining with resurfacing
The single biggest lever on tile cost is timing. A standalone tile job pays for its own drain, refill and crew mobilization; done during a resurfacing, those are already covered.
| Approach | Cost | What you pay for |
|---|---|---|
| Tile as a standalone job | $3,200–$4,500 | Tile, plus its own drain, refill and mobilization |
| Tile added during resurfacing | $2,600–$3,700 | Tile only — the drain and mobilization are already paid |
| Saving | $600–$800 | Roughly 15–20% |
What can add to the quote
- Difficult removal. Tile that takes the substrate with it means the bond beam needs repair before new tile goes on.
- Bond beam repair. Deterioration behind the old tile, only visible once it is off.
- Attached spa. Its own perimeter, at a higher labour rate for the tighter radius.
- Raised walls and spillways. Additional linear feet, often with more complex detailing.
- Step markers and depth tiles. Frequently required by code and easy to overlook in a comparison.
- Premium or imported tile. Material cost above the ranges here, and longer lead times.
How to read a PoolSavr estimate
- Step 1
Instant estimate
Based on your project selections and general pricing assumptions. Useful for deciding whether a project is realistic.
- Step 2
Measured estimate
Uses your pool, spa, or deck dimensions to price the work against the areas actually being resurfaced, tiled, or replaced.
- Step 3
Contractor proposal
Prepared by a licensed professional after inspecting the site. This is the only number that becomes a contract.
PoolSavr is an estimating and matching platform. We do not perform pool work ourselves — licensed local professionals do. Contractors pay PoolSavr for qualified project leads, which is how the estimating tools stay free for homeowners. A PoolSavr estimate is a planning range, never a guaranteed quote — read thefull estimate disclaimer.
Frequently asked questions
- How much does pool tile replacement cost?
- Typically $35–$70 per linear foot installed depending on material. For an average 15 × 30 ft pool with a 90-foot perimeter, roughly $3,200–$6,400 as a standalone job, or about 15–20% less if done during a resurfacing.
- How do I measure my pool perimeter?
- For a rectangular pool it is 2 × (length + width) — so a 15 × 30 ft pool has a 90-foot perimeter. For freeform pools, run a tape or a length of rope around the actual water edge, since curves add distance a rectangular calculation misses.
- Is glass tile worth the extra cost?
- It is the best-looking option and roughly 40% more than ceramic. It is also less forgiving to install, so it is worth the premium only with a contractor who has genuinely done a lot of it. Ask to see recent work.
- Can I just replace the damaged tiles?
- Yes, if the failures are isolated, the surrounding grout is sound, and you can match the original tile. Matching is often the binding constraint — discontinued tile is common on pools more than a decade old.
- Does tile replacement require draining the pool?
- For a full waterline replacement, effectively yes — the water has to sit below the working area. Individual tiles a few inches down can sometimes be re-set after lowering the level.
Ready to see what your project costs?
Start with the work you are considering. You will get a preliminary range before anyone asks for your phone number, and you decide whether to request a contractor review at the end.