Like most pool owners, you want to do everything you can to ensure your pool stays in good condition. One of the ways to do that is by resurfacing your pool regularly.
Pool resurfacing is a process where the plaster is added over the existing plaster of the pool. If the existing plaster has a lot of delaminated areas, the plaster may need to be removed before applying the new plaster. Once the plaster is removed, there is a preparatory cleaning process, and a bondcoat and hydraulic cement are applied.
The cost of resurfacing a pool depends on its size and the finish you choose. The typical cost ranges from $7,000 to $12,000 for a standard-sized pool.
Read more: How Much Does Resurfacing a Concrete Pool Cost?
So how often should you resurface your pool? The answer varies depending on your water chemistry over the months and years, how often you use the pool and what type of finish you have. Read on to learn more about resurfacing your pool and when it's best.
1. Pool surface
Some types of surfaces include pebbles, plaster, and fiberglass. Pebble is the most durable of the three options, lasting between 15-20 years before needing resurfacing. Plaster usually lasts 8 to 10 years, while fiberglass lasts up to 15 years without resurfacing.
2. Frequency of Use
The amount you use your pool also determines how often it needs to be resurfaced. If you have frequent heavy use, like with large groups of people or for commercial purposes, the surface may need to be redone more frequently than if there was light use. For light use, resurfacing may only need to be done every 10-12 years, while for heavy use, it can be done every seven years or even more often.
3. Age of Pool
Older pools are more prone to need resurfacing since the pool material is more likely to deteriorate with age. If you are still determining the age of your pool, consider having a professional inspect it and determine if it's time for resurfacing. The average lifespan of the pool surface is typically between 10-20 years, depending on the type of pool material. If your pool is over 20 years old, you should strongly consider resurfacing it as soon as possible since the older materials may not be able to hold up against constant wear and tear.
4. Water Chemistry
Water chemistry is the #1 reason the plaster needs to be replaced sooner than usual or last longer than average. Proper water chemistry is a huge factor in the longevity of plaster of all types.
pH is the measure of the acidity of the pool. We won’t go into details about pH in this article, but when pH is low, it becomes acidic and eats away at the cementitious material of the plaster.
Calcium hardness is different than pH but has a similar effect to the plaster. When calcium hardness is low in the water, it looks for areas where calcium is present to replace what is missing. Water likes a certain amount of calcium. When water has low calcium, it will find resources to draw calcium from. When it is high in calcium, it will drop the calcium out of the solution and deposit it on the surface and in the pool's equipment in the form of calcification. When pH and calcium are out of balance, the plaster will etch prematurely, causing a rough surface. After so much time, the surface will be eroded, exposing the concrete surface underneath. Once etching occurs, it is time to replaster the pool.
5. Type of Pool Finish
Some types of pool finishes are more durable than others and will need to be resurfaced less often. Marcite plaster is a standard pool surface but only lasts for short. Quartz-based or pebble will last much longer ad usually comes with a 10-year or 15-year warranty. Quartz-based interiors can last up to ten years with proper maintenance, while pebble interiors can last up to 20 years.
Envirodek Concrete Resurfacing offers the best pool resurfacing in Atlanta. We offer a wide range of services to keep your pool looking its best throughout the year, including resurfacing.
