Pool resurfacing or replastering should be done every 10 years. This is based on the surface lifespans of cement and pool plaster material. But constant use, chemical exposure, and climate changes can damage the pool plaster. That said, you should consider resurfacing your pool every 3 to 7 years.
If you don't resurface the pool, which is necessary because it is always exposed to weather, cracks and an unevenness in the pool surface will occur and this could lead to algae stains, water leaking and injuries from the uneven surface.
How often is it necessary to resurface a pool? It varies depending on the type of pool, with plaster or cement pools needing to be resurfaced every 3-7 years while fiberglass pools can sometimes go as long as 15-30 years.
The reality is, most plaster pool surfaces are designed to last about 10 years. After that, the surface can show common signs of aging that are aesthetically unappealing, uncomfortable for swimmers, and degrading to the value of your pool and overall property.
Swimming pool resurfacing costs vary between $1,000 and $30,000. DIYing your swimming pool repainting project can cost as little as $1,500. Expect to pay about $6,500 per 1,000 square feet for high-end options.
In a nutshell, replastering a pool means putting a new layer of plaster on the walls and bottom. What does plaster do? First, it serves to make your pool waterproof. Kind of important, right? When you had your pool installed, the people who did it likely used either concrete or gunite to form the “shell” of the pool.
Marcite / traditional pool plaster
Marcite is a mixture composed primarily of white Portland cement, marble dust, and fortifying additives to boost strength and water resistance. Mixed with water, it forms a smooth material that specialty crews use to coat the inside of a pool.
On average, gunite swimming pools last 7 to 10 years before they need to be resurfaced. When that time comes, it's important to know what options are available so that you can pick the best choice for your backyard space.
To check, look inside the skimmer and see where the water has stopped. More than likely the water level stopped just below the skimmer extension ring. Filling the pool any higher will just cause the water to drain back to that point. There is a gasket leaking by the equipment pad.
One popular option is to resurface the pool. Resurfacing can repair problems like cracks and wearing, while also enhancing and updating your pool's appearance. While not needed as often as other services, resurfacing should still be on your list of pool maintenance tasks.
Cracks In the Pool's Surface
At the end of the day, the most important reason to resurface your pool is to protect your pool from structural damage. Large cracks or spider web cracks occur due to the natural process of the cement hydrating.
Amp Up Your Pool's Cleanliness
If your pool has even just one leak, it can make it much harder to keep it clean and to maintain the proper balance of chemicals. By having the pool's surface redone, any of the leaks in the surface will be detected and repaired in the process.
On Average, Replastering is Every 10 Years
So how often do you need to replaster a pool? The short answer is about every 10 years. However, it's important to consider the factors mentioned above, as they are typical signs that your pool needs to be replastered.
An in ground concrete refers to the way the pool was built. Concrete pools are formed with shotcrete also referred to as gunite. After the shotcrete cures and hardens, a cementitious coating is coated over the pool shell.
The most durable out of the three, fiberglass pools can last over 30 years. Unlike the above two pool types, they do not require resurfacing of the interior or replacing the lining.
A poorly built Gunite pool certainly has the potential to crack. But a properly built Gunite pool can and should last for 100 years or more, with no risk of cracking whatsoever.
While Marcite plaster is the least expensive of the gunite pool surfaces, it does have its disadvantages. The surface can start to show visible chipping or etching after 5 to 7 years. They will also start to stain, and inhibit algae due to its porous surface and is the least durable in the plaster pool family.
Concrete (gunite & shotcrete) is a very strong material but not flexible. Just as soil movement causes a house foundation to crack, it can cause a pool to crack or shift.
Advantages: Tile is the longest-lasting interior finish for a concrete pool. Tile is easier to clean than exposed aggregate.
Proper maintenance can lengthen life
Once again, quartz can last longer than the average if water chemistry is properly maintained. Pebble finishes, combined with modified cement, last 15+ years. This is the most durable cement based pool finish.
Tile Finishes
Though tile is the most expensive pool finish and takes longer to install than plaster and aggregate, it's the longest lasting pool surface. With proper application and minimal maintenance, tiles should never need to be replaced. Tile pool finishes come in ceramic, porcelain, glass and stone.
Diamond Brite is an exposed aggregate pool finish made from a blend of natural quartz aggregate, cement modified with polymers and fade-resistant color-quartz, which is available in a large number of stunning varieties.
The plaster material cures under water in about 7-10 days. But this doesn't mean you have to wait that long. Once the pool is filled and clean, you can go in for a swim.
So, when a client requests a new pool surface, the pool remodeling industry refers to that as pool resurfacing or replastering. Since the project focuses on the interior surface — the walls and floor of the pool — price can vary.