How Much Does It Cost To Replaster A Pool?

 Pool Resurfacing Costs by Type

When considering pool resurfacing costs, it’s important to know what type of surface your pool has, as each type comes with its distinct options.

Fiberglass

The average cost to resurface a 1,000-square-foot pool with a fiberglass finish is $6,500. Fiberglass pools have a gel coating, which breaks down over time. This gel breakdown results in cracks, discoloration, and blisters. Whether or not you need to repair the entire gel coat or some minor damages in the fiberglass will greatly dictate what costs to expect. To cover minor scratches or dings, you may install a new gel coat with a painted topcoat, which costs between $1,000 - $1,200. This option is similar to repainting with pool paint, which costs roughly $1 per square foot (or $1,500, including labor). 

Concrete (Gunite)

The average cost to resurface a concrete pool is $6,500 per 1,000 square feet. This cost varies by the type of finish you choose. Painting is the cheapest option, roughly $1 per square foot, but this tends to last between two to five years. An epoxy pool paint may last as long as seven years before it needs refreshing. Plaster costs between $3 to $5 per square foot, depending on the customization you choose, and lasts about ten years. Aggregates, such as pebble, crushed stone, or quartz, may last between ten and twenty years. These finishes typically cost $6,500 per 1000 square feet. Tile is the most expensive finish, which can go anywhere between $4 to $25 per square foot, with an additional $45 to $65 per hour in labor charges.

Vinyl

Vinyl pools, whether they’re above or below ground, are popular budget-friendly choices for homeowners. You’re not resurfacing these pools; you’re buying an entirely new liner for them. A new vinyl liner may cost between $1,000 and $3,500 per 1,000 square feet.

Pool Resurfacing Cost Factors

There are many factors that can alter the pool resurfacing cost. Pools have a wide range of diversity in their building styles, making it difficult to estimate a price. Some factors that may adjust your estimates are:

Pool Size and Type

The larger your pool is, the more expensive your replaster pool cost will typically be. You’re paying for the material you need, plus hourly labor to complete the job. If the pool has an odd shape that requires more time to complete, your cost will reflect that. The type of pool, whether it’s concrete or fiberglass, as well as the finish, which could be paint, plaster, aggregate, or tile, also makes a difference in the cost. Vinyl is technically not resurfaced, as the entire liner gets replaced.

Draining and Refilling

You need to drain your pool before it gets resurfaced. This process can cost between $175 to $225. Refilling a pool may cost roughly $55 for 5,000 gallons of water. These numbers may increase with the size of the pool.

Cleaning

Once you drain the water, the pool needs cleaning. A professional may charge up to $250 to clean a pool, but if the pool is concrete, you’ll need it acid-washed. Acid washing a pool may cost between $250 to $500. Acid washing involves some hazardous chemicals, so we recommend hiring a pool specialist for this work.

Repairs

You cannot resurface a pool if repairs are needed first. Any cracks or leaks may lead to further damage if they’re not properly taken care of. Any plaster that requires patching or if tiles need to be replaced all add to the cost of resurfacing a pool.

Why Resurface the Pool?

These are the most common signs your pool needs resurfacing:

Cracks and Chips

If the pool is chipped or cracked, it will need resurfacing immediately. If the pool leaks, the source of the leak will require repair before all else.

Discoloration and Staining

Surface stains are expected in pools. Salt, calcium, and copper cause those blue-gray stains on the walls. Rebar or tie wires within the pool shell may cause rust stains that grow over time. The only way to remove these stains and attain a consistent look for your pool is to resurface it.

Peeling or Flaking

When the plaster in concrete pools peels or flakes, this is known as spalling. This effect tends to occur on the edges of the floors or the pool's steps. Spalling usually occurs if there is low calcium or pH levels in the water, and that’s when you have to resurface the pool.

Rough Textures

If your pool has a rough texture, it could indicate several issues. The plaster could be wearing thin, or it could be breaking down from chemical imbalances in the water. If there are calcium deposits in the application, that problem would also make it rough to the touch. If it’s uncomfortable to walk or sit in the pool, it’s time to resurface it.

Saving costs

Pool resurfacing costs are not cheap. Aside from the cost of building the pool, the resurfacing renovation is the next highest cost of pool ownership. The type of pool, finish, and all the extras that may be required quickly add up. However, there are some ways to save money while looking at pool resurfacing:

• Do some of the work – You can take care of draining the pool, cleaning it, refilling it, and handling the pool’s chemicals to help save money. Ensure your contractor only needs to arrive for the resurfacing work, and they’ll only charge you what they need to.
• Get multiple estimates – With all contracting work, getting at least three estimates from reputable professionals is essential. This step will give you a good idea of the cost and who you might want to choose as your contractor.
• Try Vinyl – Vinyl pools are more economical when resurfacing since the liner gets replaced. If you can, go for a vinyl finish to save in the long run.
• Accent Tiling – If you want that beautiful tiled look, but the resurfacing cost is out of your price range, opt for accent tiling instead. It looks great above the waterline, and you can use a budget-friendly resurface material below the water.

DIY or Hire a Pro

If you need to replace a tile, or replaster a small area of the pool, you can DIY that task with relative ease. There are kits you can purchase to help you. If the entire pool needs resurfacing, calling a professional is recommended. It’s very easy to make mistakes while doing this work, which are costly to fix. A trained professional will guarantee the job is done correctly.