Pool resurfacing process: How does it work?

Pools are a refreshing resting place adding aesthetic and appeal to your backyard. It also increases the value of your property. Unlike yards and gardens, pools are often neglected. No matter what kind of pool you have, at some point they all need to be resurfaced. Pool resurfacing is a must-do pool resurfacing treatment to keep the pool running smoothly that should be done every 8 to 10 years. There are lots of ways to resurface a pool, mainly depending on the type of surface of your pool

If you notice cracks, surface/ rust stains, plaster flaking, discoloration, coarse texture then it might be time for pool resurfacing.

Safety Considerations

Resurfacing a pool is not a DIY work, any small mistake can leave you with a leaking pool, failing to fill in cracks and can cause you to redo the entire job. This job typically requires over 20 hours of work with at least two people to handle all the steps, depending on the size of your pool. You’ll also need to work with chemicals and other materials that might be difficult to get the right amount.

There are three types of in-ground pools:

• Vinyl liners
• Fiberglass pools
• Concrete pools

Vinyl liners
Vinyl liners are essentially a thick bag housed inside a below- ground structure that never needs resurfacing but the liners usually need to be replaced after a period of five to nine years.

Fiberglass pools
Fiberglass pools are finished with a tough, smooth coating known as gelcoat. Although it is supposed to be long lasting, gelcoat does degrade over time from chemical exposure and UV which leads to cracking, discoloration, blistering and chalking.

Concrete pools
In this type of pool, plaster is coated with paint, epoxy or even fiberglass serving as a substrate for tile. Depending on the region, your pool may need this treatment every ten to twenty years as overtime, the coating or surface of the plaster degrades and it must be resurfaced.

How much does it cost to resurface your pool?

How much does it cost to resurface your pool is the question that occurs in your mind as there are tons of applications that you can use to resurface your pool such as plaster, quartz, pool tiles and pebbles. Each application provides distinctive qualities including texture, durability and color. So, it’s important to determine what works best for you.

Average costs to resurface your pool.

Resurfacing is one of the highest pool costs you’ll face and how much it costs depends on the type of pool you have after installation. As the pool resurfacing cost varies, measuring 1,000 sq. ft. is $7,000 depending on where you live. You can expect to pay approximately between $1,500 and $100,000 for a quality resurfacing job.

Each pool type has different time, labor and material costs, so, remember to account for pool type, pool size, pool resurfacing cost and the finish you want.

Concrete Pool Resurfacing

To resurface the interior of a concrete pool, which usually includes replacing the waterline tile at the same time, can cost roughly $10,000-$20,000. However, the type of finish you want for your concrete pool impacts your actual estimated cost.

Even if tile isn’t your overall finish, you need it along the waterline to avoid staining. Your pool tiles option will affect the price as per the width of the line and the size of your pool.

Again, the most common materials for pool tiles:

• Glass
• Ceramic/porcelain
• Stone

Fiberglass

To resurface a fiberglass setup, the approximate cost can be of $7,500 for parts including labor which will vary your cost. With a high-quality fiberglass pool, you won’t have to resurface very often. Fiberglass pools can cost around $6,500 to resurface depending on the location. Its available finishes includes:

• Paint
• Aggregate
• Pebble
• Pool tile

Other aggregate, pebbles, pool tiles and services are more durable and attractive yet can be relatively costly when paint is the most inexpensive in pool resurfacing products.

Vinyl-Lined

The only way a vinyl-lined pool can be resurfaced is by repairing or replacing it. The typical cost to replace a vinyl liner today can be roughly around $2,000-$4,800. At the same time repairing your pool may cost around $100-$500 depending upon the area.

Pool Resurfacing Cost Factors

• Pool Material: The material you choose for resurfacing impacts on your pool resurfacing costs. If you want inexpensive pool resurfacing products, it won’t be as durable but you’ll save on costs. However, if you prefer durable and attractive material it will give your pool a longer lifespan but is going to cost you more.
• In-Ground vs. Above Ground: The type of pool you have will determine your total cost considering an in-ground pool costs more to resurface than an above ground one. In-ground pool can cost approximately $5,000 and an above ground pool can cost an average of $1,700.
• Labor: Labor charges vary depending on your location and the work involved from$45 to $65 an hour. However, labor costs for working of pool resurfacing
  vary from region to region as the labor fees reflect the cost of living in an area.
• Draining: If you need to drain your pool it’ll add roughly $175 to $225 to your total cost depending on its size. If the homeowners have done it themselves then you’ll not need to drain your pool.
• Cleaning: Pool cleaning can cost approximately $250. However, if it’s been filled or empty but not cleaned, it may require a more thorough and costly cleaning.
• Refilling: Refilling your pool after it has been resurfaced can cost around $55 per 5000 gallons, though the water prices can vary.
• Potential Repairs: You’ll have to pay more for this project in additional labor and material fees, if your pro needs to repair your pool before resurfacing it.
• Pool Finish: The finish you want for your pool plays a vital role in your pool resurfacing. If you choose to paint it rather than a tile finish, it’ll cost significantly less overall.

Diy vs. Hiring a pool resurfacing pro

This work could take many months and complications could arise. Repairing a small crack or bubble in your plaster may be workable as a DIY project but we strongly recommend that you hire pool tiles and services to complete this work.