How Much Does It Cost To Resurface A Pool?

Pool resurfacing cost

The average cost to resurface a swimming pool is approximately $6,500, however, this cost can range from as low as $1,000 to as high as $100,000, which includes the cost of labor and materials. Labor charges can vary depending on the size of your pool, the location, the materials, and more. In most cases, your pool resurfacing contractor can complete the job in around five days or less. The material cost for pool resurfacing varies greatly with an average cost of $1,000 on the low end and $60,000 on the high end. This amount depends on your pool size, your personal preference, and current costs based on what the contractor is charging. You can add anything from plaster to glass tiles to your swimming pool depending on your budget and how you want your pool to look.

What damages pool surfaces?

Before you decide if resurfacing your pool is right for you, it's important to understand the cause of the wear and tear. One of the biggest reasons your pool surface may become damaged is improper pool chemistry. If the chemicals in your pool are off-balance, it can start to eat away the surface. Even if you're adding the correct amount of chemicals, organic matter like leaves and twigs can put everything off-balance. Temperature can also play a role in damaging pool surfaces. As outdoor temperatures rise and fall, your pool contracts and expands. Over time, this can wear down material like plaster and tile, causing cracks and other damage. Even too much direct sunlight can damage swimming pools as time goes on. Always cover your pool when not in use to protect it from direct UV rays. One other common reason pool surfaces get damages is that the earth underneath starts to shift. It's natural for the ground under your pool to move, which will certainly cause serious damage if it's left unnoticed.

When & why to resurface pools

The lifespan of your pool's surface depends on what type of material is installed. Plaster should last between five and 15 years. While quartz surfaces may last 10 years or more. A polished pool finish can last as little as five years to as long as 15 years. How long your pool surface lasts will largely depend on how well it's maintained and the quality of the original installation.

There are a few signs that it's probably time to resurface your pool. If you notice peeling, flaking, or cracking, it's likely time to have it fixed or replaced as soon as possible. The surface of your pool can start to feel rough to the touch, which is also an indication that the material is starting to wear down. Discoloration or rust stains and peeling paint or fiberglass fibers are other red flags. Finally, structural cracks are definitely a sign it's time to resurface your pool before the damage gets out of hand and too expensive to repair.

Types of pool surfaces

Swimming pool surfaces are offered in a variety of materials, looks, and price points. Plaster and vinyl are two of the most common materials used in an average-priced pool, while material like custom tile is usually reserved for high-end pools and resorts. Each material requires specific care and maintenance to keep it in excellent condition.

Aggregate

This material is a mixture of plaster and pieces of stone, tile, granite, glass beads, or quartz. The finish holds up well to pool chemicals, and you can choose from a myriad of different colors. Polished aggregate has a smooth, shiny surface, while exposed aggregate like glass bead or pebbles are rougher and designed to add a decorative component to your pool.

Fiberglass

These pools feature a nonporous gel coating that gives the surface a clean and shiny appearance. Fiberglass does a great job at resisting algae buildup, and you can also find it in several colors to suit your preferred design and style.

Plaster

In terms of affordability, plaster tends to be the best option if you're on a budget. Plaster is made from a mixture of water, Portland cement, and silica or sand. This material is often referred to as gunite. It may be affordable, but it's also quite durable and should last the average homeowner around seven years before it needs attention.

Tile

When it comes to a beautiful look, tile is a prime choice for your swimming pool. You'll find pool tile made of everything from ceramic and porcelain to glass and stone. A tiled pool can be completely customized to your preference of color, design, and pattern, but it's also more expensive than many other surface options.

Pool plaster repair

Plaster pools are a low-cost option also known as marcite, which is a mixture of materials used to create a specific surface texture. Pool re-plastering costs between $1,400 and $5,500 to resurface including labor and materials. It's important to make sure that you hire an experienced professional who understands how to work with plaster. If the material is mixed or applied incorrectly, it can make the existing damage worse. Repairing plaster pools can hide imperfections well, but cracks and damage will eventually come back unless the entire pool is resurfaced properly.

Fiberglass pool repair

If you need to repair or resurface a fiberglass pool, the average cost is approximately $6,500 for an average 1,000 square foot pool. If you choose, you can paint your fiberglass pool which should only cost around $1,500. There are several manufacturers that make paint specifically designed for swimming pools, but this option will wear down quickly and you'll need to repaint your pool surface often to keep everything fresh. Aggregate can be applied to repair a fiberglass pool and provides a durable, attractive option with either a smooth or textured surface. Pebble is another textured option that comes in many colors and is much more durable than paint. Finally, tile is the most durable choice and comes in a myriad of options, price points, and designs. This can also be used to repair a fiberglass pool surface.

Gunite pool resurfacing

Gunite, also known as concrete, can cost an average of $6,500 to resurface, which is similar in price to fiberglass. The process of resurfacing may require replacing the entire pool base and surface together depending on what you currently have or how extensive the damage is. Plaster can be applied directly over a gunite (concrete) pool, and it's the most budget-friendly option. Paint is another low-cost way to make your pool look new again, but it only masks the underlying problem and will wear down quickly. Other options include resurfacing a gunite pool with aggregate, pebble, or tile. All three of these methods come in many colors, textures, and styles and can give your gunite pool a brand-new look.

Cost to refinish a vinyl-lined pool

Vinyl swimming pools consist of a single liner made of vinyl that can become ripped and torn due to wear and tear. You can patch or repair a torn vinyl pool for around $100 to $500 for the materials alone. If you want to replace the entire liner, prepare to pay between $1,000 and $2,500 on average, including labor. The cost of your new liner will depend on how thick it is and how durable it is. Patching specific areas or completely replacing the entire vinyl liner are the only two options available if you want to resurface this type of pool.

Maintaining your pool surface

There are a few things you can do to extend the life of your pool, save money, and keep it well-maintained:

• Keep your pool clean and free of debris as much as possible. If you want to hire a professional, plan to pay between $75 and $100 per hour for pool cleaning. Always clean your pool and equipment thoroughly at the beginning and end of the season.
• Check your pool water's pH and chemical levels regularly and apply more chlorine or salt as needed. When your pool chemical and pH levels are in balance, it will extend the life of your pool surface.
• Always cover your pool when it's not in use. This will protect the pool surface from too much exposure to sunlight and will also help to keep debris and algae growth to a minimum.
• Carefully inspect the surface of your pool for any cracks or other signs of damage on a regular basis. The sooner you can make any necessary repairs, the better chance you won't need to pay for a complete resurfacing.
• Don't forget to maintain all pool equipment including pumps and filters. If these items become clogged, it can have a negative effect on your pool surface and water quality.
• If you're installing a pool for the first time, make sure you hire a reputable company that has experience with in-ground and above-ground pool installations. Make sure they warranty or guarantee their work so you can have any future problems corrected quickly.

DIY vs hire a pro

Repairing or resurfacing a pool takes skill and knowledge. If you're not familiar with pool resurfacing, this type of job is always best left to the professionals. However, if you're only planning to paint your pool surface, this is a project you can try to tackle DIY. Just make sure you buy paint that's specifically designed for use in swimming pools so that it adheres and cures correctly. Unless you have experience working with plaster or fiberglass, contact a pool repair company to give you an estimate for these types of projects. If the contractor makes a mistake or you run into problems, most companies offer a limited warranty on labor which is another reason to hire a pro. Always get at least three estimates when hiring a pool repair professional. Ask friends and family members if they have a local company they recommend.