Swimming pools made from fiberglass, cement and gunite require refinishing every 10 to 15 years. Over time, chemicals and sunlight break down the plaster coating. Homeowners may notice that the finish has started peeling, cracking or blistering. The surface may also feel uncomfortably rough, and the pool may begin leaking.
Standard Services | Quantity | Low | High | ||
---|---|---|---|---|---|
What you can expect | |||||
Range per square foot: | $4.62 | $5.48 | |||
Range for this type of project: | $1,385 | $1,643 | |||
Estimate: $1,514 | |||||
Swimming Pool Labor, Basic | 14 hours | $899 | $1,090 | ||
Labor cost, under typical conditions, for complete refinishing. Pool will be drained, surface sandblasted, and minor cracks patched. Standard white plaster or marble-duct plaster with simple texture will be used to coat surface. Blemishes will be repaired, and any remaining roughness smoothed. Pool will be cleaned and filled. Deck and waterline tile replacement will incur separate costs. Rate is inclusive of all aspects of the project, such as thorough planning, acquisition of equipment and material, preparation and protection of project site, and meticulous cleanup will be provided. | |||||
Swimming Pool Job Supplies | 320 square feet | $486 | $553 | ||
Requisite supplies for the job, including surfacing materials, connection fittings, and minor components. |
cost to refinish a swimming pool | |
National Avg. Materials Cost per square foot | $1.60 |
National Avg. Cost (labor and materials) for 300 square foot | $1,489.49 |
National Cost Range (labor and materials) for 300 square foot | $1,362.77 - $1,616.20 |
Before refinishing the pool, professionals drain the water and remove the existing topcoat using a combination of tools and chemical solvents, including chisels, jackhammers and muriatic acid. They will also mask off the coping and score the area below the waterline tiles. Once the surface is properly prepared, the new finish is applied manually or sprayed on using a hydroblaster. Available finishes depend on the composition of the pool. Several types of plaster are compatible with cement and gunite. However, fiberglass pools require specially formulated polymer gels.
Cost estimates are based on the pool's surface area, the condition of the existing finish and the composition of the new topcoat. Epoxy paint is the most affordable option, but it's the least durable. Marble- and limestone-fortified plaster costs more, but it lasts longer. Quartz and pebble finishes also offer enhanced durability. If the pool is leaking, there are major cracks or the finish has separated from the underlying structure, labor costs may increase substantially.
Due to the high-performance tools and caustic chemicals that are required, this is not a project that homeowners should undertake on their own. Even pool companies specialize in applying certain types of finishes. Additionally, most contractors guarantee the quality of their work, which provides added value and peace of mind.