With a gunite swimming pool in your backyard, there are many necessary costs that you will have to incur. To enjoy your swimming pool for many years, you must repair and maintain it. Eventually, you will need to resurface your pool. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process and associated costs.
What is Pool Resurfacing?
Pool resurfacing is the process of repairing and or replacing your gunite pool protective layer between your gunite pool shell and your pool water. Your pool surface may be made up of a plaster material, pool tiles, aggregate material, or sometimes even just pool paint.
When you have worn, broken, or very old pool surfaces, you likely will run into problems if these issues aren’t addressed quickly. If you choose to resurface your pool, a team of experts will arrive, clean / take out the old surface, and then resurface your pool. Common resurfacing options include pool plastering, pool retiling, or even pebble aggregate surfacing.
Pool resurfacing is an excellent choice for those who want to revitalize their pools before the summer arrives or even after the busiest seasons are over. Before we get into the pool resurfacing costs, let’s talk about the process and what it entails.
The Pool Resurfacing Process
There are specific steps to follow to ensure that your new gunite swimming pool surface will last as long as possible. Here are the steps you need to follow to make sure your new finish is done properly.
Inspection
The first thing you need to do is make sure that someone comes out to assess your property personally. Your swimming pool may not appear to need work, but several factors play a role in deciding whether your inground pool needs refinishing.
Written Proposal
Once it’s been determined that you need to resurface your pool, a written proposal will typically be created by your pool resurfacing company. This will provide the details of what needs to be done along with the expected cost to complete these steps.
In addition, you’ll find information about the material, the labor, features, and equipment that’s needed. Once you have reviewed and approved the proposal, you’re ready to decide on which type of pool surface you’d like to go with.
Material Selection
Next it’s time to choose the type of pool finish you want to go with. No matter what kind of pool finish you had previously, resurfacing gives you a chance to change it up and try something different if you’d like. Perhaps you had a plaster finish before and now you’d like to go with a nice mosaic tile surface. You have several options available to you, each with their own pros and cons. We’ll dive into each option shortly.
Preparation
Once you have decided on your pool surface material, the pool renovation company you hired will come out to first prepare the surface. This involves several steps such as removing the cover, draining your pool, and shutting off any filtering pumps or electrical features.
Demolition / Cleaning
When the preparation is done, demolition may be needed. This may involve removing your old pool tile / pool surface. This could take a few hours or a few days depending on the scope of the work. Your pool walls will of course need to be cleaned. This may include an acid wash. It’s very important that your old pool surface is 100% properly prepped and cleaned to ensure your new pool surface has the most longevity possible.
Installation
Next, it’s time to install the new pool surface. This may consist of applying new plaster, applying new paint, applying new tiles, or applying an aggregate finish such as pebbles. What will be applied will all depend on the type of finish you decided to go with. It’s very important you hire a pool restoration company that is experienced in this process. Your pool surface is what protects your gunite pool walls from the elements and your pool water. It has to be installed by a team of professionals
Remediation
Remediation is the next step to make sure that there has been no debris or possible disturbances to your property, because of the work that has been completed. It involves removing any residue or dirt and ensuring that the pool deck is thoroughly power washed to guarantee that your pool is ready to be used once again.
Start-up
Finally, the pool water will be delivered once the pool has been adequately inspected and you are happy with the results.
Pros and Cons of Each Pool Surface Option
Choosing the right pool surface to use can be difficult to do. But don’t worry, we’re here to help make it easier! There are four main pool surface options: plaster, paint, tile, and aggregate. Below are some of the pros and cons of each of these pool surface options.
Pool Plaster
Pool Plaster is the most versatile swimming pool resurfacing option available. Here are some of the pros and cons of resurfacing your pool with pool plaster.
Pros
- Durable – A properly plastered pool can last 10+ years.
- Clean and Bright – Plaster provides a beautiful looking surface that’s clean and bright.
- Affordable – Plaster is less expensive than some other options such as tiling and special aggregate finishes.
Cons
- Can stain over time – Pool plaster requires some extra maintenance / cleaning to prevent staining.
- Can crack over time – Due to plaster being a softer / more porous material, it can be susceptible to cracks and bumps.
Paint
Paint can be an excellent option for those who want unique pool resurfacing colors in their collection. However, there are some considerations to make in terms of the pros and cons. Here are some of the most important concerns to make for your pool.
Pros
- Many Color Options – You can choose basically any color you’d like.
- Affordable – Out of all available options, paint is typically the most affordable option.
- Easy to Apply – It’s the simplest pool resurfacing process to complete
Cons
- Durability Concerns – Paint is more susceptible to damage such as abrasions and chips / cracks.
- Longevity – You will more than likely need to resurface your pool with paint more frequently compared with other pool resurfacing options.
Tile
Pool tiling is very good choice for your pool surface. Here are some of the pros and cons of using tile for your pool resurfacing this year.
Pros
- Many Options – From ceramic to glass, there are many different options and colors to choose from
- Aesthetically beautiful – Pool tile gives your pool a little extra beauty and class.
- Durable – Pool tiles can last upwards of 10-20 years and hold up extremely well to the elements.
Cons
- Expensive – This high end, beautiful, and durable option does come at a price. Pool Tiles are are usually on the expensive side compared to some of your other options such as pool plaster and paint.
Aggregate
Aggregate pool resurfacing is a beautiful decorative surface treatment that can be incredibly stylish. These have been around for over a hundred years, and have become more prevalent in recent years. Here are some of the pros and cons of using aggregate over other materials for your pool resurfacing.
Pros
- Natural Beauty– Pool Pebble surfaces for example will give your pool a more natural, elegant look.
- Less Maintenance – Less cleaning and chemicals are needed for pebble pool surfaces.
- Longevity – Longer lifespan compared to pool plaster.
- Slip-Resistant – comfortable to walk on and slip-resistant
Cons
- Expensive – This option may cost more initially, but it will save you money over time – so keep that in mine
- Repairs – They are a more difficult pool surface to repair
- Maintenance – They are harder to clean than most other surfaces.
How to Know when it’s time to Resurface
Even though you have had your pool for quite a long time with no issues, there are signs that you might need to resurface. Here are some of the most common indicators show it is time to redo your pool. If you have any of these signs, contact us today, and we will help you get your pool started on resurfacing.
Erosion marks
If you see any erosion marks on the side of your pool, it is a sign that you need to get your pool resurfaced. It can be caused by chemical imbalances and other weather patterns that might offset the stability of the environment in your pool. If you see this, it’s time to resurface your pool.
Stains
Seeing stains in your pool is a concern. When they don’t come out no matter how much you clean, this is a sign that you might need to resurface. If your stains will not come out for any reason, it’s a sign that this is more significant damage on the surface itself.
Rough Areas
Do you ever feel any rough spots on the bottom of your pool or even feel that you’re scuffing your feet? If you think any of this, it’s likely because of any chemical imbalances or unexpected damage that happens when you have a pool installed. Rough areas are another concern for swimmers and can result in injury.
Tile Grout
There is nothing worse than seeing tile grout that has lasted years. It shows the age of your pool. Pool tile can come loose and pop off the pool floor, which is natural. However, if this happens, you might have an older pool or even experienced poor pool installation. If this happens, make sure you get it fixed before it hurts a swimmer when the tiles break off and becomes sharp to touch.
Unexplained Water Level Drops
Did you go down to your pool and notice that the water-level continually keeps shifting or even lowering without anything happening? It is usually a sign that there’s a leak in the pool, resulting in significant challenges. Whether it’s happened over time or when we installed it, you need to make sure that you get a pool professional out there as soon as possible to check out the damage.
How much does Pool Resurfacing Cost?
Now, you likely already have decided on a service that you want to install for your pool. Let’s get into the pool resurfacing cost for the entire process. First, we should note that the average price of finishing a pool of about 1,000 square feet is about $6,500. It depends on the size of your pool, but here is the pool resurfacing average cost for what it might be to refinish your pool with a particular material.
Draining, Cleaning, and Filling
After you have decided on resurfacing, the process of draining, cleaning, and refilling your pool can cost anywhere between $175 to $225. It could be another $250 for just cleaning itself. When you fill, it’s usually about $55 per 5,000 gallons of water.
Labor
Unless you want to do this yourself, it can be very costly to hire labor. However, you should hire a professional. Labor can cost anywhere from $45 to $65 per hour. It is entirely dependent upon the company, which will have to be a consideration when you choose who will be repairing your pool.
Materials
Now, the materials are one of the most important parts because you want to make sure that you stay within your budget. It’s going to last a long time. Pool paint can cost only a dollar per square foot, but as mentioned, there are significant drawbacks compared to the other materials.
On the other hand, plaster can last many years and is $4 per square foot. Pebbles as an aggregate option are generally $10 per square foot. At the top of the line, tiles can cost as much as $25 per square foot if you choose glass.
Choosing to repaint the pool can cost anywhere from $1,500 for 1,000 square feet or even more. Replastering a pool can cost $5,500 per 1,000 square feet at the low end. An excellent finish can cost about $6,500 plus labor. On the other hand, tile can be one of the most expensive, costing nearly $30,000 for 1,000 square feet.
When it comes to choosing a suitable surface, it’s not just about what you feel would be the best for your pool but also about your budget. Your swimming pool resurfacing cost should fit what you can afford, as well as what you need.
How Long Do These Materials Last?
Luckily, it is a benefit to paying more upfront to have a longer lifespan for your pool. If you decide to go with paint, it will last you about two to five years on average. Epoxy pool paint can last you up to seven years.
If you choose to reply to your pool, it can last up to ten years, if your water quality remains at a healthy level. Resurfacing with aggregate or pebble finishes can cost you a little more but has a lifespan of about twelve years for courts and twenty years for glass beads.
Finally, finishing your pool with tiles can last one the most extended life spans, with over twenty years for the ceramics and longer for the glass tiles. In some cases, people have said that they last the length of time they own the property.
Conclusion
With all this information, you can make an educated decision for yourself and what you want for your pool. However, feel free to reach out to the professionals on our team to make sure that you make the right decision for your pool.
We are more than happy to come out to your property, see what we can do, and give you some ideas of what we feel will be the best options for your pool resurfacing. We use top-of-the-line pool resurfacing products, methods and ensure you get precisely what you pay for.
With a gunite swimming pool in your backyard, there are many necessary costs that you will have to incur. To enjoy your swimming pool for many years, you must repair and maintain it. Eventually, you will need to resurface your pool. But don’t worry, this guide will walk you through everything you need to know about the process and associated costs.
What is Pool Resurfacing?
Pool resurfacing is the process of repairing and or replacing your gunite pool protective layer between your gunite pool shell and your pool water. Your pool surface may be made up of a plaster material, pool tiles, aggregate material, or sometimes even just pool paint.
When you have worn, broken, or very old pool surfaces, you likely will run into problems if these issues aren’t addressed quickly. If you choose to resurface your pool, a team of experts will arrive, clean / take out the old surface, and then resurface your pool. Common resurfacing options include pool plastering, pool retiling, or even pebble aggregate surfacing.
Pool resurfacing is an excellent choice for those who want to revitalize their pools before the summer arrives or even after the busiest seasons are over. Before we get into the pool resurfacing costs, let’s talk about the process and what it entails.
The Pool Resurfacing Process
There are specific steps to follow to ensure that your new gunite swimming pool surface will last as long as possible. Here are the steps you need to follow to make sure your new finish is done properly.
Inspection
The first thing you need to do is make sure that someone comes out to assess your property personally. Your swimming pool may not appear to need work, but several factors play a role in deciding whether your inground pool needs refinishing.
Written Proposal
Once it’s been determined that you need to resurface your pool, a written proposal will typically be created by your pool resurfacing company. This will provide the details of what needs to be done along with the expected cost to complete these steps.
In addition, you’ll find information about the material, the labor, features, and equipment that’s needed. Once you have reviewed and approved the proposal, you’re ready to decide on which type of pool surface you’d like to go with.
Material Selection
Next it’s time to choose the type of pool finish you want to go with. No matter what kind of pool finish you had previously, resurfacing gives you a chance to change it up and try something different if you’d like. Perhaps you had a plaster finish before and now you’d like to go with a nice mosaic tile surface. You have several options available to you, each with their own pros and cons. We’ll dive into each option shortly.
Preparation
Once you have decided on your pool surface material, the pool renovation company you hired will come out to first prepare the surface. This involves several steps such as removing the cover, draining your pool, and shutting off any filtering pumps or electrical features.
Demolition / Cleaning
When the preparation is done, demolition may be needed. This may involve removing your old pool tile / pool surface. This could take a few hours or a few days depending on the scope of the work. Your pool walls will of course need to be cleaned. This may include an acid wash. It’s very important that your old pool surface is 100% properly prepped and cleaned to ensure your new pool surface has the most longevity possible.
Installation
Next, it’s time to install the new pool surface. This may consist of applying new plaster, applying new paint, applying new tiles, or applying an aggregate finish such as pebbles. What will be applied will all depend on the type of finish you decided to go with. It’s very important you hire a pool restoration company that is experienced in this process. Your pool surface is what protects your gunite pool walls from the elements and your pool water. It has to be installed by a team of professionals
Remediation
Remediation is the next step to make sure that there has been no debris or possible disturbances to your property, because of the work that has been completed. It involves removing any residue or dirt and ensuring that the pool deck is thoroughly power washed to guarantee that your pool is ready to be used once again.
Start-up
Finally, the pool water will be delivered once the pool has been adequately inspected and you are happy with the results.
Pros and Cons of Each Pool Surface Option
Choosing the right pool surface to use can be difficult to do. But don’t worry, we’re here to help make it easier! There are four main pool surface options: plaster, paint, tile, and aggregate. Below are some of the pros and cons of each of these pool surface options.
Pool Plaster
Pool Plaster is the most versatile swimming pool resurfacing option available. Here are some of the pros and cons of resurfacing your pool with pool plaster.
Pros
- Durable – A properly plastered pool can last 10+ years.
- Clean and Bright – Plaster provides a beautiful looking surface that’s clean and bright.
- Affordable – Plaster is less expensive than some other options such as tiling and special aggregate finishes.
Cons
- Can stain over time – Pool plaster requires some extra maintenance / cleaning to prevent staining.
- Can crack over time – Due to plaster being a softer / more porous material, it can be susceptible to cracks and bumps.
Paint
Paint can be an excellent option for those who want unique pool resurfacing colors in their collection. However, there are some considerations to make in terms of the pros and cons. Here are some of the most important concerns to make for your pool.
Pros
- Many Color Options – You can choose basically any color you’d like.
- Affordable – Out of all available options, paint is typically the most affordable option.
- Easy to Apply – It’s the simplest pool resurfacing process to complete
Cons
- Durability Concerns – Paint is more susceptible to damage such as abrasions and chips / cracks.
- Longevity – You will more than likely need to resurface your pool with paint more frequently compared with other pool resurfacing options.
Tile
Pool tiling is very good choice for your pool surface. Here are some of the pros and cons of using tile for your pool resurfacing this year.
Pros
- Many Options – From ceramic to glass, there are many different options and colors to choose from
- Aesthetically beautiful – Pool tile gives your pool a little extra beauty and class.
- Durable – Pool tiles can last upwards of 10-20 years and hold up extremely well to the elements.
Cons
- Expensive – This high end, beautiful, and durable option does come at a price. Pool Tiles are are usually on the expensive side compared to some of your other options such as pool plaster and paint.
Aggregate
Aggregate pool resurfacing is a beautiful decorative surface treatment that can be incredibly stylish. These have been around for over a hundred years, and have become more prevalent in recent years. Here are some of the pros and cons of using aggregate over other materials for your pool resurfacing.
Pros
- Natural Beauty– Pool Pebble surfaces for example will give your pool a more natural, elegant look.
- Less Maintenance – Less cleaning and chemicals are needed for pebble pool surfaces.
- Longevity – Longer lifespan compared to pool plaster.
- Slip-Resistant – comfortable to walk on and slip-resistant
Cons
- Expensive – This option may cost more initially, but it will save you money over time – so keep that in mine
- Repairs – They are a more difficult pool surface to repair
- Maintenance – They are harder to clean than most other surfaces.
How to Know when it’s time to Resurface
Even though you have had your pool for quite a long time with no issues, there are signs that you might need to resurface. Here are some of the most common indicators show it is time to redo your pool. If you have any of these signs, contact us today, and we will help you get your pool started on resurfacing.
Erosion marks
If you see any erosion marks on the side of your pool, it is a sign that you need to get your pool resurfaced. It can be caused by chemical imbalances and other weather patterns that might offset the stability of the environment in your pool. If you see this, it’s time to resurface your pool.
Stains
Seeing stains in your pool is a concern. When they don’t come out no matter how much you clean, this is a sign that you might need to resurface. If your stains will not come out for any reason, it’s a sign that this is more significant damage on the surface itself.
Rough Areas
Do you ever feel any rough spots on the bottom of your pool or even feel that you’re scuffing your feet? If you think any of this, it’s likely because of any chemical imbalances or unexpected damage that happens when you have a pool installed. Rough areas are another concern for swimmers and can result in injury.
Tile Grout
There is nothing worse than seeing tile grout that has lasted years. It shows the age of your pool. Pool tile can come loose and pop off the pool floor, which is natural. However, if this happens, you might have an older pool or even experienced poor pool installation. If this happens, make sure you get it fixed before it hurts a swimmer when the tiles break off and becomes sharp to touch.
Unexplained Water Level Drops
Did you go down to your pool and notice that the water-level continually keeps shifting or even lowering without anything happening? It is usually a sign that there’s a leak in the pool, resulting in significant challenges. Whether it’s happened over time or when we installed it, you need to make sure that you get a pool professional out there as soon as possible to check out the damage.
How much does Pool Resurfacing Cost?
Now, you likely already have decided on a service that you want to install for your pool. Let’s get into the pool resurfacing cost for the entire process. First, we should note that the average price of finishing a pool of about 1,000 square feet is about $6,500. It depends on the size of your pool, but here is the pool resurfacing average cost for what it might be to refinish your pool with a particular material.
Draining, Cleaning, and Filling
After you have decided on resurfacing, the process of draining, cleaning, and refilling your pool can cost anywhere between $175 to $225. It could be another $250 for just cleaning itself. When you fill, it’s usually about $55 per 5,000 gallons of water.
Labor
Unless you want to do this yourself, it can be very costly to hire labor. However, you should hire a professional. Labor can cost anywhere from $45 to $65 per hour. It is entirely dependent upon the company, which will have to be a consideration when you choose who will be repairing your pool.
Materials
Now, the materials are one of the most important parts because you want to make sure that you stay within your budget. It’s going to last a long time. Pool paint can cost only a dollar per square foot, but as mentioned, there are significant drawbacks compared to the other materials.
On the other hand, plaster can last many years and is $4 per square foot. Pebbles as an aggregate option are generally $10 per square foot. At the top of the line, tiles can cost as much as $25 per square foot if you choose glass.
Choosing to repaint the pool can cost anywhere from $1,500 for 1,000 square feet or even more. Replastering a pool can cost $5,500 per 1,000 square feet at the low end. An excellent finish can cost about $6,500 plus labor. On the other hand, tile can be one of the most expensive, costing nearly $30,000 for 1,000 square feet.
When it comes to choosing a suitable surface, it’s not just about what you feel would be the best for your pool but also about your budget. Your swimming pool resurfacing cost should fit what you can afford, as well as what you need.
How Long Do These Materials Last?
Luckily, it is a benefit to paying more upfront to have a longer lifespan for your pool. If you decide to go with paint, it will last you about two to five years on average. Epoxy pool paint can last you up to seven years.
If you choose to reply to your pool, it can last up to ten years, if your water quality remains at a healthy level. Resurfacing with aggregate or pebble finishes can cost you a little more but has a lifespan of about twelve years for courts and twenty years for glass beads.
Finally, finishing your pool with tiles can last one the most extended life spans, with over twenty years for the ceramics and longer for the glass tiles. In some cases, people have said that they last the length of time they own the property.
Conclusion
With all this information, you can make an educated decision for yourself and what you want for your pool. However, feel free to reach out to the professionals on our team to make sure that you make the right decision for your pool.
We are more than happy to come out to your property, see what we can do, and give you some ideas of what we feel will be the best options for your pool resurfacing. We use top-of-the-line pool resurfacing products, methods and ensure you get precisely what you pay for.