Exterior cost · Yard, Patio & Pools
Pool Resurfacing Cost
Quick take: Resurfacing a pool costs $6,000 to $15,000, with a national average of about $11,000, according to HomeGuide. Standard plaster is the cheapest finish at $6,000 to $8,000, quartz runs $7,000 to $10,000 and pebble $7,000 to $15,000. Tile can exceed $30,000. Replacing a vinyl liner costs $3,000 to $7,500, and draining and cleaning adds about $600.
| Pool resurfacing | $6,000–$15,000 |
|---|---|
| Average | $11,000 |
| Sources checked | 1 |
HomeGuide puts pool resurfacing at $6,000 to $15,000, with a national average of $11,000, a minimum of $1,500 and a maximum of $50,000.
Cost by finish
| Finish | Total | Per sq ft |
|---|---|---|
| Plaster / marcite | $6,000 – $8,000 | $6 – $8 |
| Quartz plaster | $7,000 – $10,000 | $7 – $10 |
| Pebble | $7,000 – $15,000 | $7 – $15 |
| Tile | $8,000 – $30,000+ | $8 – $30+ |
Source: HomeGuide. HomeGuide notes a Pebble Tec finish on an 800 to 1,000 sq ft pool can run $8,000 to $20,000.
Fiberglass and vinyl pools
| Job | Cost (HomeGuide) |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass pool resurfacing | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Vinyl resurfacing | $1,400 – $4,800 |
| Vinyl liner replacement | $3,000 – $7,500 |
Other costs
HomeGuide lists draining and cleaning at $600 to $650.
For a new pool, see inground pool cost.
More finishes (HomeGuide, 1,000 sq ft)
| Finish | Per sq ft | Total |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | $1 – $2 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Aggregate | $6 – $15 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| EcoFinish / polymer | $10 – $15 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
Concrete or gunite pools run $6,000 to $15,000 to resurface.
Labor and refilling
Labor runs $45 to $110 per hour. Refilling with a garden hose costs $40 to $400; water delivery $400 to $2,000 (HomeGuide).
Upgrades while the pool is empty (HomeGuide)
| Upgrade | Cost |
|---|---|
| LED pool lighting | $600 – $1,500 |
| Fiber optic lighting | $1,300 – $1,700 |
| Light bulb replacement | $30 – $600 |
| Pool heater | $1,600 – $5,200 |
| Solar pool heating | $2,500 – $6,500 |
| Waterfall | $2,000 – $8,800 |
| New patio | $5 – $35 per sq ft |
Overall range
HomeGuide's resurfacing range runs from $1,500 for small vinyl jobs to $50,000 for large tiled pools, with a national average of $11,000.
When the pool is drained
HomeGuide lists draining and cleaning at $600 to $650 and refilling at $40 to $400 with a garden hose or $400 to $2,000 with water delivery, so a resurfacing job carries about $640 to $2,650 in water-related costs on top of the finish itself. Labor runs $45 to $110 per hour. A new deck around the pool costs $25 to $50 per sq ft, and a patio $5 to $35 per sq ft.
When a pool needs resurfacing
Pool surfaces wear down slowly from water chemistry, sun and use. Common signs that it is time:
- The surface feels rough and snags swimsuits or scrapes feet.
- Stains that do not come out with brushing or chemical treatment.
- Cracks, chips or bare spots where the shell shows through.
- Hollow-sounding areas where the surface has separated from the shell.
- Faded or blotchy color.
Surface options
- Plaster (marcite): the traditional white or tinted finish. It is the lowest-cost choice but has the shortest life.
- Aggregate finishes: plaster mixed with pebbles, quartz or glass beads. They are more durable and hide stains better.
- Full tile: the most durable and most costly option, usually used in small areas or high-end pools.
The resurfacing process
- The pool is drained, which must be done carefully to avoid damage from groundwater pressure.
- The old surface is chipped or prepared so the new layer bonds well.
- Cracks and damaged areas are repaired.
- The new surface is applied.
- The pool is refilled, and the water is balanced closely during the first weeks while the surface cures.
What affects the price
- Pool size and shape.
- Surface material.
- Removal of the old finish and repair work.
- Waterline tile and coping replacement done at the same time.
- Start-up chemicals and brushing.
Questions to ask
- Will you remove the old surface or apply over it?
- What warranty covers the new finish?
- What start-up care is needed, and is it included?
In Texas
Hard water in many parts of Texas can leave scale on pool surfaces and tile. Keeping water chemistry balanced, especially calcium hardness, helps a new surface last longer.
Surface choices compared
Plaster is the traditional and most affordable finish. It is smooth and bright white or tinted, but it is more porous and can stain and etch over time.
Aggregate finishes mix plaster with pebbles, quartz or glass beads. They are more durable and resist stains better than plain plaster. Pebble finishes have a textured feel, while polished aggregates are smoother.
Tile is the most durable and expensive, often used for waterlines or entire luxury pools.
Paint is a low-cost option, but it needs to be redone more often.
Water chemistry and surface life
Poorly balanced water shortens the life of any pool surface. Water that is too acidic can etch plaster, while water that is too high in calcium can leave scale. Testing and balancing the water regularly, and especially carefully after resurfacing, helps the new surface last.
After resurfacing
New plaster and aggregate surfaces need careful startup. The pool is filled without stopping, and the water is brushed and balanced on a schedule set by the contractor for the first weeks. Following those instructions prevents staining and blotchiness.
Signs your pool needs resurfacing
- Rough texture that scratches feet or snags swimsuits.
- Stains that do not come out with brushing or chemical treatment.
- Etching and pitting, small holes and worn areas in the plaster.
- Delamination, where patches of the surface sound hollow or flake off.
- Cracks in the surface, which may let water reach the shell.
- Faded or blotchy color.
Some of these can be addressed with acid washing or spot repairs, but widespread wear usually means it is time to resurface.
Combining projects
Because the pool must be drained for resurfacing, it is a good time to replace waterline tile, update lights, repair coping, fix plumbing leaks or add features like a tanning ledge. Doing these at the same time saves on draining and refilling later. Ask the contractor to price each item separately so you can choose.
How long the pool is out of service
Most resurfacing jobs take from several days to a couple of weeks, including draining, preparation, applying the new surface, refilling and the startup period. Weather can extend this. Plan the work outside your main swimming season if possible.
Ask how long the surface warranty lasts. Get the startup instructions in writing.
Choosing a contractor
Ask how long the company has been resurfacing pools and ask to see finished pools that are a few years old.