Easy Pool Resurfacing Process: How it Works

Having an inground pool in your yard is a great way to relax in those warm months, while also adding some value to your property. If upkeep is neglected, though, the surface of the pool will start to show signs of environmental wear and tear. While still functional, pool surfaces that are discolored, faded, chipped, or cracked are certainly less attractive to swim in. The same goes for the pool deck surface.

If you want to bring new life to your pool or pool deck for next summer, pool resurfacing is a great way to do so without spending a fortune. Whether only certain parts need it, or a whole makeover is required, the pool resurfacing process may be easier than you think (there’s even DIY pool resurfacing). You don’t even have to resurface it with the same material you used previously. Resurfacing a pool with new material is also the perfect way to breathe new life into your yard.

Brief overview of the resurfacing process

Unless you have experience, it’s probably best to hire a pool company to do the work for you. For a company to resurface a pool, the process usually takes 5-7 days. First, they will drain the pool. Then, they will ‘prep’ for the new surface by removing all traces of the old one–this can involve sanding and stripping, and is probably the loudest/dirtiest part of the process. The pool shell is washed and resealed to prepare for the new surface coat. Depending on the material that is replacing it, this can take a couple of days to install. After the new surface is installed, it is cleaned and ready to be filled again.

How often do pools need to be resurfaced? When should you resurface your swimming pool?

Many inground pools are constructed with concrete and then given a coated surface on top to make it look nicer. Plaster, aggregate, and tile are popular finishes for pool surfaces. The other two common types that pools are constructed with are fiberglass or vinyl liners. The frequency of resurfacing your pool depends on how well you’re taking care of the pool area. It also depends on the material of the coat. For example, concrete pools will generally need resurfacing every 3-7 years. Fiberglass, on the other hand, can last 15-30 years. 

If you want to update the pool area but not the pool itself, you can always just resurface a pool deck. The pool itself will also likely need more frequent resurfacing than the pool deck because of the constant exposure to water and pool chemicals. Pool deck resurfacing is also easier because you don’t necessarily have to drain the pool to do it (though you probably shouldn’t swim in the pool while this work is being done). 

How much does pool resurfacing cost?

The cost of resurfacing a pool will also depend greatly on the material/finish you’re using, and how big the area is. The cost to resurface a pool deck is obviously going to be less than doing the entire pool. Concrete pool resurfacing cost is going to be more than replacing vinyl liners, etc. The cheapest way to resurface pool areas is to choose cheap materials to resurface it with, like white plaster finish, which costs about $3000.

There is a significant disparity between the lower end of cost and higher end of cost because of the variety in possible materials. For fancy and large resurfacing work, it can cost up to $35,000. Don’t let that number scare you, though.The average cost to resurface a pool is around $6500. 

‘Replastering’ and ‘resurfacing’ often get used interchangeably. There is not much of a difference between pool resurfacing vs replastering. Both refer to replacing all or parts of the surface, just with different types of material/slightly different methods. 

While making surface changes, some people begin to wonder about making structural changes. For example, can you reduce the depth of a swimming pool? Yes, though it will take longer and cost more, it is possible for depth to be reduced. To do this, more concrete would need to be added to the bottom, and then it would need to be relined and refinished. Making the pool more shallow is definitely easier than making it bigger.

Conclusion

The best time to resurface your pool is going to be in the fall, so that workers can be more comfortable and given ample time to complete the work. While it is possible to do it yourself, experts recommend utilizing a professional company to do resurfacing work to ensure the most successful outcome. Don’t wait any longer, enhance your pool’s appearance for this upcoming summer by giving it a new look now!