As is with anything else, swimming pool interiors wear out over time. The up side is there are many more options for resurfacing now than ever before. With a brand new finish, you can dramatically enhance your pool’s appearance for the better.
The downside is all those options can make it hard to decide which route to take. Not to mention the fact that it’s quite difficult to get exact quotes on pricing for your project. The precise cost to resurface your pool depends on many different variables, including things like geography and the current condition of your pool. Of course the biggest factor is going to be which material you decide to use.
Your Pool Resurfacing Options
Plaster is still known the most widely used finish for residential concrete (gunite) pools. However, there are other options, like exposed aggregate, that are becoming more and more popular. Let’s go over some of the best pool resurfacing options available to you, from cheapest to most expensive.
Painting – Painting your pool with high-quality epoxy paint is going to be the most affordable choice. Although, it’s by no means a long-term solution. Most pool professionals will advise that painting a rundown pool surface isn’t a viable solution, which may run true long term; however it can buy you time while you save for a more expensive renovation project down the line.
Whitecoat or Marcite (plaster) – plaster is commonly used for backyard swimming pools, largely because it’s cheap and relatively durable. While not known for its looks, white plaster makes an attractive backdrop for pool water, producing the classic “clean” appearance. Plaster also comes in different colors, though you should be careful about picking an offbeat color unless you know what the final effect will be.
Fiberglass – The reality is that the vast majority of fiberglass pools do not need repairs, at least within the first twenty to forty years. However, sometimes issues that merit repair work do arise, from something as small as a rock flying up and hitting the pool during shipping to a massive structural crack. Granted these instances are very, very rare, but they do happen. If a need arises to do a repair to the pool, it can be difficult to match some colored finishes with the factory finish.
Fiberglass pools are going to need repairs for one reason or another, but to lower the risk of having a terrible looking repair you should look opt for a solid surface finish by resurfacing experts.
Aggregate -The trendy choice for pool resurfacing is aggregate, which is plaster mixed with quartz or pebbles. Aggregate finish creates an attractive, sometimes colorful, surface that’s also very long-lasting. On the downside, it tends to be pricey (no surprise). Also, the surface of some aggregate finishes can be rough to the touch, which is a real deal-breaker for some people. Popular brands of aggregate include Pebble Tec and Wet Edge.
Tiles – If luxury is what you’re after, covering the pool interior with tiling might be something to consider. As you might expect, this is the most expensive option due to the materials and labor involved. If you have to ask how much it costs, you probably can’t afford it.
