Resurfacing with an Aggregate Finish: $3,500-$10,000
Complete Pool Upgrade: $8,000-$22,000+
Although an in-ground concrete pool is durable, over time its inner surface can chip, crack, fade or discolor. Refinishing or resurfacing can extend the life of a structurally sound pool by repairing surface imperfections.
Typical costs:
Re-plastering the interior surface of an average residential in-ground pool (10,000-20,000 gallons or 14'x28' to 16'x32' and 3.5'-5' deep) with standard white plaster or marble-dust plaster (marcite) typically costs $2,500-$5,500, depending on the size, depth and shape of the pool, and local rates. This does not include replacing waterline tiles or the pool deck.
Resurfacing with a pebble or quartz aggregate finish (like PebbleTec or Diamond Brite can cost $3,500-$8,500 for a rough finish or about $5,000-$10,000 for a polished finish, depending on the style and color.
A complete pool upgrade, including refinishing the interior surface, replacing the waterline tile and decking, and fixing any plumbing or electrical problems can cost $8,000-$22,000 or more, depending on size, local rates and what exactly needs to be done.
Typically, after the pool has been drained (usually with a submersible pump) the existing inner pool surface is either acid etched several times or sandblasted/jack-hammered away; the area is treated to prepare it to bond correctly with the new material; and then the new surface material is applied. A time-lapse video[1] by CDC Pools in Arizona illustrates the resurfacing process.
Resurfacing typically takes three days, but a complete pool upgrade takes an average of 11 days, according to Southern Pool Plasterers[2] in Florida.
Although do-it-yourself is resurfacing is possible, it is a labor-intensive and demanding project, and most experts recommend against do-it-yourself pool refinishing.
Additional costs:
Refilling the pool with water and appropriate chemicals typically costs $15-$50.
Discounts:
Painting the pool surface with epoxy paint to restore its appearance can cost $1,200-$2,500 for do-it-yourself materials, or $3,000-$5,500 to have it professionally painted. Epoxy paint typically comes in two parts that must be applied quickly once they are mixed together; requires careful surface preparation (usually power-washing and acid washing, then rinsing thoroughly); and must be applied thickly, generally requiring two coats and possibly a primer first. If correctly applied, epoxy paint typically last about 6 to 10 years, while a plaster or aggregate surface can last 10-20 years or more, depending on pool water quality.
Shopping for pool resurfacing:
Decide on the type of resurfacing material that fits the pool and the budget. A&M Tile & Plastering in Texas describes pool surface pros and cons[3] .
Ask family, friends or the pool service for recommendations for a pool resurfacing company, or search for local members of the National Plasterers Council[4] .
Request and check references; if possible, view previous resurfacing projects by this company; and verify that the company is properly bonded and insured.
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Redesigned pool with a tanning deck and seating area. New coping in smooth coral stone. New Waterline In iridescent blues- Resurfacing in Diamond brite super blue and leak repairs and switched from chlorine to salt water pool. Deck and posts done in beautiful coral stone. Added a waterfall fountain & Tanning deck in the blue tiles also. Added coral stone corners for potted plants. Created a Luxury pool. Worth it.
Shopping experience was like a trip to the circus. Most of the bidders think that they are dealing with uneducated people, and will take advanteage at every turn. Do your homework! We had a resurface and waterline tiles replaced. The bidder we selected took care of the entire curing process (28-days), which included brushing, acid, filter cleaning, and they replaced all the hardware to a gray to match our surface color. lowest bid was $5900 and the highest bid was $16,000. That's a gap of $10k, hence the comment about doing your homework. Make sure they are bonded/licensed, and are authorized applicators for the manufacture's materials.
Price included sandblasting, New coping, New waterline tile, tile step markers, bond kote and Diamond Brite French Grey. Price difference between regular plaster and Diamond Brite French Grey was around $3,500 more but it is supposed to be more durable. Gunite renovations cost more in the North East because we need a thicker layer of concrete due to our winter season, or so that is what I have read
I drain my pool to rebalance new water and left it empty for a couple weeks. Plaster began to crack and pop off. Costly mistake for well performing 15-year-old plaster. Side job cost negotiated from $15,000 including coping repairs.
March 2016 - the input form hasn't been updated on this web site to indicate year 2016. Coping - Leuders Chocolate limestone - selected and purchased by owner, delivered and installed by contractor (1-ton) - included in total cost indicated. Standard water line tile. Sandblast and resurface Sparkle Quartz. Installation of new supply line for pool cleaner. New fittings and deep end steps. Several contractors bid on the job - all quotes within $9.5k to $11.5k. Some contractors offer more insight as to what is needed and offer a complete job, whereas others seem to skimp on small details like new fittings and hardware since the whole thing is apart. We selected the more thorough job with improvements (additional supply line and fitting) that was 5% cheaper than high bidder and seemed to be more knowledgeable and experienced. Quoted directly from plastering company and separate bid from tile/coping contractor. We avoided using a pool maintenance company in a combined bid.
Surface started to chip away on the floor of the pool. Eventually in large pieces. I had a pool cleaning service but perhaps it was due to poor chemical maintenance. I'm looking to repair but I don't know if it needs replastering or resurfacing. I think it needs replastering. :(
Posted by: Margaret Gualtieri in Long Island NY, NY.
Posted: August 26th, 2015 07:08AM
Size of Pool: 18X38
Type of Resurfacing: marble dust
We presently have called 18 businesses that do this work and my husband is a licensed contractor who does concrete/tile work so we ourselves are replacing all the swim line tile, and pool coping as well as some prep work around skimmers/drain etc. ...And your cost estimates are way off ..we have yet to get a price under $8,000 just for the replastering of our excellent condition,solid no cracks gunite pool
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