Swimming pools provide years of enjoyment, but over time the pool surface can show signs of aging and damage. Resurfacing a pool involves replacing the plaster or tile surfaces with a fresh new finish. This extensive process comes at a significant cost, so it’s important to understand the various factors that influence the price of pool resurfacing.
This guide examines these key considerations, providing a detailed breakdown of what goes into determining the cost of resurfacing a pool.
Resurfacing a pool becomes necessary when the existing plaster or tile finish starts to deteriorate. Cracks, stains, rough textures, and discoloration are all signs that it’s time to consider resurfacing. Beyond just improving aesthetics, resurfacing helps protect the underlying pool structure from water damage. The costs involved depend on the type, size, and features of your pool. On average, homeowners pay $7,000 to $10,000 to resurface a concrete pool.
Factors Influencing Cost of Resurfacing a Pool
Several key factors contribute to the overall cost of resurfacing a pool, including:
Type of Pool
The pool foundation material greatly impacts resurfacing costs:
- Concrete pools: The most common type, concrete pools require full-surface parging before applying new finishes. Resurfacing costs $6 to $8 per square foot.
- Fiberglass pools: Gelcoat resurfacing averages $4 to $6 per square foot for fiberglass pools. This specialized process is cheaper than concrete pool resurfacing.
- Vinyl liner pools: Vinyl pool resurfacing averages $2 to $3 per square foot. This is the most affordable option but offers fewer finish choices.
Finish Material
Various plaster and tile options are available to resurface the pool, ranging widely in price:
- Basic plaster: The most economical option at $2 to $5 per square foot installed. Ideal for simple designs.
- Quartz plaster: Enhanced plaster with quartz for added durability and a sparkly finish ($5 to $10 per square foot).
- Pebble finish: Small pebbles exposed in the plaster create a unique, decorative look ($10 to $15 per square foot).
- Tile: High-end tile resurfacing can cost $15 to $30 per square foot but provides an incredible array of design options. Mosaic tiles push costs even higher.
Pool Size
Not surprisingly, the size of your pool significantly impacts the cost of resurfacing. Approximately 75% of pools range from 500 to 1,000 square feet. Here are estimates based solely on size:
- Up to 400 sq ft: $3,000 to $5,000
- 500 sq ft: $5,000 to $7,000
- 800 sq ft: $7,000 to $10,000
- 1,000 sq ft: $8,000 to $12,000
- 1,500+ sq ft: $15,000+
In general, resurfacing costs increase by around $100 for every additional 100 square feet of pool surface area.
Detailed Breakdown of Resurfacing Costs
Now let’s examine the detailed costs that factor into pool resurfacing:
Labor
Labor represents 50% to 70% of the total project price. This includes an experienced pool plastering crew along with the following charges:
- Draining and surface prep: $800 to $1,500
- Mixing fresh plaster: $900 to $1,800
- Plaster application by certified technicians: $80 to $150 per hour
- Clean-up and refilling pool: $700 to $1,200
These labor expenses can add up quickly for large or complex pools. Many pros quote prices by the day rather than by square footage.
Materials
The plaster materials also represent a significant portion of the cost:
- White Portland cement: $8 per bag
- Colored plaster: $12 to $20 per bag
- Pebble or quartz plaster: $15 to $25 per bag
- Additional additives (per bag): $30 to $50
A typical 800 sq ft pool uses 30 to 40 bags to apply a new 2 to 3 cm thick plaster layer. More bags are needed to incorporate quartz or pebbles into the plaster.
Tile and coping replacements further increase material costs. Pavers range from $15 to $30 per square foot while ceramic tiles average $5 to $10 per piece.
Additional Resurfacing Considerations
Other factors that increase the cost of resurfacing a pool include:
Custom Designs
Complex tile patterns, plaster inlays, waterfall features, curved lines, and imitation rock textures all require extensive custom work, equating to higher project costs. Each facet of customization adds more time and material expenses.
Pool Location
Does the pool have easy access? Are there landscaping elements or structures obstructing the work area? Difficult access equates to more labor time and equipment needs. Pools surrounded by fences, trees, gardens or other buildings cost 10% to 30% more to resurface.
Timing & Seasonality
Pool plastering relies heavily on favorable weather and drying conditions. Some pros add premiums for jobs scheduled in cold winter months or rainy seasons. Peak summer demand also allows contractors to charge higher rates.
Pool Resurfacing Process
Now that we’ve explored the costs involved, let’s examine the actual resurfacing process:
Signs It’s Time for Resurfacing
What indicates that your pool needs resurfacing? Here are key signs to watch for:
- Visible cracks wider than 2 mm
- Rough plaster texture
- Widespread staining that can’t be removed through acid washing
- Patches of missing plaster
- Chalky whitish plaster discoloration
- Leaks originating from within the pool structure
Frequency of Resurfacing
How often does a pool need resurfacing? It depends on the original plaster used:
- Basic plaster lasts 4 to 6 years before needing replacement
- Quartz plaster finish lasts 6 to 8 years
- Pebble finishes hold up 5 to 10 years
Harsher water chemistry accelerates deterioration of any pool surface.
Project Duration
A complete pool resurfacing job takes 10 to 14 days on average:
- Surface prep and drainage: 3 to 5 days
- Plaster mixing and application: 2 to 3 days
- Curing and refilling: 5 to 7 days
The pool remains empty and unusable throughout this process. Scheduling when the downtime has minimal impact can minimize seasonal inconveniences.
Enhancements and Upgrades
Beyond a simple plaster resurfacing, many homeowners opt to upgrade additional pool features during renovations:
Heaters
- Gas heaters: $2,500 to $5,500 installed
- Electric heat pumps: $3,500 to $7,000
- Solar panels: $5,000 to $8,000
Lighting
- LED rope lights: $25 per foot
- Underwater lights: $800 to $2,500
- Custom lighting designs: $3,000+
Water Features
- Small waterfalls: $1,500 to $4,000
- Grotto kits: $2,500 to $6,000
- Rock water slides: $3,000 to $8,000+
Decking & Patios
- Concrete pavers: $15 to $30 per square foot
- Travertine tile: $20 to $50 per square foot
- Redwood decking: $30+ per square foot
Labor is included to install these enhancements while the pool is under renovation.
Conclusion
The costs involved in resurfacing a swimming pool are substantial. Homeowners pay an average of $7,000 to $10,000 for this extensive process. However, resurfacing restores the visual appeal of the pool while preventing structural water damage and leaks from occurring. By following this comprehensive guide examining the influences on pricing and costs, pool owners can budget effectively and make informed decisions regarding this major investment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does it cost less to resurface a smaller pool?
Yes, in general the cost of resurfacing a pool is directly correlated to the total surface area. Smaller pools require fewer materials and less labor time, resulting in lower overall project costs. Pools under 500 square feet can often be resurfaced for less than $5,000.
What is the cheapest option to resurface a pool?
The most affordable choice is a basic plaster resurfacing using white Portland cement, without any added tile, stonework, or pattern designs. However, this leaves little room for customization. Vinyl liner replacements are another economic option for certain pool types.
Can I save money by doing it myself?
Attempting a DIY pool resurfacing is extremely difficult and rarely successful for amateurs. The process requires specialized tools, materials, and techniques. Mistakes made during critical steps like pressure washing and plaster applications will result in cracks, leaks, and rapid deterioration of the new surface.
Does it cost extra if I change the shape of my pool?
Yes, customizing or altering the physical dimensions of your pool during the resurfacing process does entail extra costs in materials and labor. The project complexity goes up exponentially if you add or change steps, curves, or other structural elements.
How much does the color choice affect the price?
Opting for colored plaster instead of plain white cement adds $2 to $5 per bag in material expenses. More specialized aggregate mixes with quartz, pebbles, or glass beads cost $10 to $15 more per bag. So for a typical 800 square foot pool, that can mean $500 to $1,000 in upgrades.
What factors cause costs to be higher?
The main variables that increase resurfacing costs are extensive tilework, full coping replacements, difficult site access, cold weather conditions, premium finishes (like pebble plaster), and major structural changes. Integrating water features also boosts pricing.
Let me know if you need any other sections added to this comprehensive cost guide on pool resurfacing! Please provide feedback on the full article.
