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.
10 Quick and Inexpensive Home Makeover Projects To Do While At Home You may not be able to host the large family gathering for the holidays, but there are still many ways to pick up items curbside to spruce up your indoor space for your everyday enjoyment and to bring a more festive spirit. || Posted December 30 2020
10 Key Ways to Prepare for Extreme Snow Forecasters are predicting a true nor'easter will hit the eastern and central states with rain, thunderstorms, ice, snow and high winds over the Thanksgiving weekend. It's crucial to plan ahead, before bad weather hits. || Posted November 26 2013
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
CostHelper is based in Silicon Valley and provides consumers with unbiased price information about thousands of goods and services. Our writers are experienced journalists who adhere to our strict editorial ethics policy.
CostHelper Community
shoulder mri Paid: 8000.00 Seriously, 8K for an MRI before all the secret insurance kicks in. I was stuck with a 1200 bill and my insurance is pretty good. This is insane for a 20 minute procedure with no nurse assistance... [more]
what should have cost under 100 Paid: 399.67 had my back wheel stuck on someone's driveway and I was pulled out as easily as a tractor could have done... [more]
Why is dental insurance stuck in the 80's? Paid: 55000.00 In 1986, I started my first full time Big Girl job, which came with options for medical insurance that ranged from "Volkswagon to Cadillac, and everything in between" which was up to me to choose based on my needs, what I could af... [more]