Swimming pool resurfacing, also referred to as re-plastering, is a normal part of a commercial pool’s lifecycle. For commercial pools of all kinds, including apartment communities and hotels, resurfacing should be part of your pools’ long-term maintenance plan. 

Typically, resurfacing will need to be done every 10-20 years, depending on the type of surface, level of use, wear and tear, exposure to weather and other elements, and staining the pool has. Re-plastering can take, on average, 1-2 weeks to complete and isn’t cheap–so it helps to plan ahead and to preventatively care for your pools’ surfaces so you don’t have to re-plaster too often. 

Ahead, we’ll cover what costs you can expect, the signs a pool needs resurfacing, and practical steps to maximize the lifespan of pool plasters. 

The Average Swimming Pool Resurfacing Cost (re-plastering)

The cost of swimming pool resurfacing, including re-plastering, can vary based on factors like pool size, location, and the type of plaster used. Larger pools, of course, will cost more and costs in larger municipalities and cities, as well as coastal areas, are often higher. If you also need to make additional, structural repairs, such as fixing cracks, this will increase your costs too.

But, on average, the cost to resurface a pool with typical pool plaster is $5,000 per 1,000 square feet. This cost includes labor and materials. As you get into different plaster materials, including more high-end materials, of course you can expect higher costs.

Let’s take a look at the different materials options and how they impact your costs:

• Plaster: Typical pool plaster is made up of a blend of concrete, sand, and water, with some upscale plaster finishes including marble aggregate in this mix. The vast majority of concrete pools in the US are finished with this type of plaster when they are built. Plaster gives that classic pool look, protects the concrete, and is highly durable, lasting 10-15 years with good care and maintenance. It’s also the most affordable re-plastering option.
  
  
• Aggregate: Aggregate, or exposed aggregate pool plaster, is another type of pool plaster that adds a more upscale, aesthetic touch by introducing quartz, pebbles, or glass beads to the plaster surface. Aggregates are also available in a variety of different colors, and are typically even more durable than regular plaster–which can extend their lifespan between resurfacings up to 15-20 years, especially as their manufacturers often offer extended warranties. However, the price per resurfacing will be more expensive. For example, Diamond Brite, a quartz aggregate, will cost closer to $6-$7 per square foot. Pebble aggregate surfaces, however, such as Pebble Tec and PebbleSheen, can cost closer to $10 per square foot.
  
  
• Tile: While less common in commercial pools, tile is another luxury option that can deliver an upscale experience for your guests or residents. It can also be less expensive to maintain over time, as you can replace or repair single tiles or small areas of tile without having to re-tile the entire pool. You can expect to pay $1-$5 per square foot for porcelain tile and $3-$10 for ceramic tile, with glass tile being the most expensive, taking you up to $25 per square foot. Another option is to simply add tile accents, such as borders, to raise the aesthetic look of the pool while keeping costs more reasonable. 

What type of plaster you ultimately decide to go with depends on your budget, the aesthetic and experience you want to provide your target guests or residents, and the durability you require. 

What Are the Signs a Pool Needs Re-Plastering?

While it’s typical for small repairs and discolorations to occur over plasters’ lifespan, there are larger signs that you’re due for an entire re-plastering.

Those include:

• Persistent surface stains
• Peeling or flaking plaster
• Moderate to severe discoloration
• Surface roughness
• Surface cracks or chips in plaster
• Structural cracks (also called crazing)

These signs are also often interconnected, and linked to either regular cleaning and maintenance or water chemical balance. 

For example, for outdoor pools especially, exposure to elements and natural debris adds to wear and tear on pool surfaces. Debris including leaves, dirt, sticks, flowers, and tree nuts can all cause plaster staining, especially if they are not removed quickly. All types of different elements will also impact a pool’s delicate water chemical balance, and can lead to staining as well as other types of damage that will cause the need to re-plaster. 

A water pH that is too low for sustained periods, or too low calcium levels for extended periods, will cause plaster flaking or peeling that can’t be repaired without re-plastering. A water pH that is too high (above 7.6) for extended periods of time will impact chlorine’s ability to sanitize, and allow bacteria and algae to build-up–which also leads to staining. 

Some surface staining can be removed with a variety of methods, and pool owners will commonly rely on acid washing. However, acid washing is highly aggressive and does more than simply remove stains: the acid “removes” and etches the surface, which, when done too often, will accelerate surface roughness and cause the need to re-plaster early. 

As we mentioned, you want your pools to be used and enjoyed by residents and guests–and that use, along with weather and time, is going to naturally lead to the need to re-plaster. Depending on the material, you can expect to do this every 10-20 years. However, lack of proper cleaning and maintenance, as well as improperly balanced water chemistry, will accelerate plaster deterioration, and cause you to have to re-plaster earlier–increasing your pools’ long term maintenance costs. 

Which is why preventative care and consistent water balancing is the key to extending the lifespan of your pools’ surfaces. 

Preventative Care and Proper Water Balance is the Key to Extending Plaster Lifespans

Preventative care and cleaning for commercial pools is always going to be less expensive than costly repairs, remediations, or early re-plastering. It’s also critical for maintaining safety and the overall condition of the pool, as well as a safe and enjoyable pool experience for guests. 

Here are some essential preventative steps to take to ensure your pools stay in tip top shape for as long as possible:

Regular Inspections:

• Daily: Check pool water levels, inspect for visible damage, and ensure that the pool's systems (pumps, heaters, and filtration) are functioning properly.
  
  
• Weekly: Inspect pool surfaces, tiles, and the pool deck for cracks, wear, or other issues that could cause problems.
  
  
• Monthly/Quarterly: Inspect equipment such as pumps, heaters, and chlorinators, and check for signs of rust, leaks, or damage.

Surface Cleaning:

• Skim Debris Daily: Use a skimmer net to remove leaves, insects, and debris from the water's surface.
  
  
• Brush Pool Walls and Floor: Scrub the pool walls, steps, and floor with a pool brush to remove dirt, algae, and buildup. This should be done weekly or more often if needed. Regular brushing can also prevent algae buildup and staining, and prevent the need for aggressive stain removals like acid washing.
  
  
• Tile and Grout Cleaning: Clean pool tiles around the waterline to remove calcium buildup, soap scum, and other grime. This is typically done monthly or as needed.

Vacuuming the Pool:

• Manual or Automatic Vacuuming: Vacuum the pool's floor and walls regularly to remove dirt and debris that settles at the bottom. A robotic or automatic pool vacuum can help, but manual cleaning may still be necessary for thorough maintenance.
  
  
• Weekly or After High Usage: Vacuuming should be done weekly or after events like holidays or busy pool days.

Maintain Pool Drains:

• Clean Drains Regularly: Ensure that drains are free from debris and clear for proper water flow. Blocked drains can result in poor water circulation, as well as potential safety hazards.
  
  
• Check Drain Covers: Ensure that drain covers are securely in place and compliant with safety standards.

Water Chemistry Maintenance:

Properly balanced water chemistry keeps guests and residents safe, prevents disease spread and skin, eye, or lung irritation, and it also prevents major structural and surface issues that can cause early re-plastering.

While the regulations you must be compliant with will vary based on your location and pool size and type, some good general maintenance steps to follow include: 

• Test Water Regularly (at least twice a day): Ensure that the pool’s pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity, calcium hardness, and cyanuric acid are within optimal ranges.
  • pH: 7.4–7.6
  • Chlorine: 1–3 ppm (parts per million)
  • Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
  • Calcium Hardness: 200–400 ppm
    
    
• Adjust Chemical Levels: Add chemicals as necessary to keep the water balanced. Improper chemical balance can lead to algae growth, cloudy water, and damage to pool surfaces or equipment.
  
  
• Shock Treatment: Periodically “shock” the pool to remove bacteria, algae, and contaminants that may have built up, especially after heavy pool usage or extreme weather.

It’s a good idea to have at least one person on staff who is trained as a certified pool operator and understands the ins and outs of pool water chemistry, pool operational maintenance, and compliance. 

Pool Shark H2o, our simple-to-use and mobile app also makes testing pool water and calculating chemical adjustments easy by doing the complex math equations for you, ensuring you or your staff use the exact, correct amount of chemicals you need. 

Water chemical testing records are locked automatically and saved digitally, so you can view them remotely, always go back to reference, and are always Health Department compliant. When paired with digital LaMotte WaterLink SpinTouch, pool water tests can be performed by staff in 60 seconds and are certified to NSF Level 1 accuracy–saving you time, money, and even pool chemicals.