How much does pool resurfacing cost?
How much does pool resurfacing cost?
$6,000 – $15,000 average cost (1,000 square feet)
Pool resurfacing cost
Pool resurfacing costs $6,000 to $15,000 on average, depending on the pool size, type, and finishing material. The cost to replaster a pool is $6,000 to $8,000, while resurfacing with a pebble, aggregate, or polymer finish costs up to $15,000. Refilling the pool with water afterward costs $40 to $2,000.
| National Average Cost | $11,000 |
| Minimum Cost | $1,500 |
| Maximum Cost | $50,000 |
| Average Range | $6,000 to $15,000* |
*Resurfacing only; does not include the cost to refill the pool water afterward
Pool resurfacing cost by material
The cost to resurface a pool depends on the pool type and the original surface material, as some resurfacing finishes are only suited for fiberglass or concrete pools. The table below shows the average cost to resurface a pool by material.
| Pool material | Average cost* |
|---|---|
| Fiberglass | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Concrete / gunite | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Vinyl | $1,400 – $4,800 |
*Resurfacing only; does not include the cost to refill the pool water afterward
Fiberglass pool
Resurfacing a fiberglass pool costs $7,000 to $15,000, depending on the pool size and finish. EcoFinish and other thermoplastic polymer coatings are the most popular resurfacing materials for fiberglass pools. PebbleTec and other pebble finishes are also common.
Fiberglass pools feature a tough gelcoat that eventually degrades due to chemical and UV exposure. Because the gelcoat can only be applied in a factory, other finishes must be used for resurfacing. The original gelcoat is sanded and prepped before the new finish is applied.
Concrete / gunite pool
Resurfacing a concrete pool costs $6,000 to $15,000 on average, depending on the pool size and the finish you choose. Plaster, aggregate, and pebble finishes are popular options for concrete pools.
Most concrete pools were originally finished with a plaster coating, which degrades and flakes over time. Before resurfacing, the shell must be sandblasted or chemically etched to prepare it for the new finish.
Vinyl pool
Vinyl pool liner replacement costs $3,000 to $7,500 for an inground pool, depending on the pool size and liner thickness. Because they feature a liner instead of a solid surface, vinyl pools can't be resurfaced like fiberglass and concrete pools.
Pool resurfacing cost by finish
Epoxy or latex paint resurfacing costs the least but has the shortest lifespan. Plaster, quartz, aggregate, pebble, and polymers fall in the middle of the price range and last longer. Tile is the most expensive but also the most durable and longest-lasting option.
| Finish type | Average cost per square foot* | Average total cost (1,000 SF)* |
|---|---|---|
| Paint | $1 – $2 | $1,000 – $2,000 |
| Plaster / marcite | $6 – $8 | $6,000 – $8,000 |
| Quartz plaster | $7 – $10 | $7,000 – $10,000 |
| Aggregate | $6 – $15 | $6,000 – $15,000 |
| Pebble | $7 – $15 | $7,000 – $15,000 |
| Tile | $8 – $30+ | $8,000 – $30,000+ |
| EcoFinish / thermoplastic polymer | $10 – $15 | $10,000 – $15,000 |
*Resurfacing only; does not include the cost to refill the pool water afterward
Paint
Painting a pool costs $1 to $2 per square foot. Epoxy paint is the most common choice, though some homeowners opt for rubberized latex paint instead. Pool paint lasts only 5 to 7 years before the pool needs resurfacing again.
The new pool paint must be compatible with the old paint, as epoxy and rubberized latex paints won't adhere to each other.
Plaster / marcite
Replastering a pool costs $6,000 to $8,000 on average with standard plaster, depending on the pool size. Quartz plastering costs $7,000 to $10,000 and features colored quartz fragments mixed in to give the pool's surface a speckled appearance.
Standard plaster lasts 7 to 12 years.
Quartz plaster lasts 10 to 15 years.
Aggregate
Resurfacing a pool with aggregate costs $6,000 to $15,000, depending on the pool size and the aggregate blend you select. Aggregate is a cement-based plaster with items like quartz, stones, or glass beads mixed in, resulting in a rougher texture than standard plaster or a pebble finish.
Pebble
Pool resurfacing with pebble costs $7,000 to $15,000 on average. Pebble is a type of aggregate finish that features smooth, rounded pebbles that are less uncomfortable to walk on than other aggregates. A pebble pool finish lasts 15 to 20+ years.
PebbleTec is the most popular brand of pebble pool finish.
Pool tile
Resurfacing a pool with tile costs $8,000 to $30,000+ and is the costliest and most labor-intensive option. However, tile provides a high-end look, and a tiled pool finish is easy to repair since individual tiles can be replaced. Porcelain and ceramic tiles are the cheapest, while glass tiles cost the most.
To get the look of a tiled pool without the high cost, consider adding a tile border above the waterline and plastering below.
EcoFinish coating / thermoplastic polymer
EcoFinish coating costs $10,000 to $15,000 for a medium-sized pool. EcoFinish is a thermoplastic, sprayed polymer coating suitable for both fiberglass and concrete pools. This thermo-polymer coating is durable, long-lasting, and resists chipping, peeling, and cracking.
Pool resurfacing cost factors
The following factors impact the cost to resurface a pool:
Pool size – Larger pools have more surface area to cover, increasing material and labor costs.
Pool material – Resurfacing a vinyl pool by replacing the liner costs the least. Resurfacing fiberglass and concrete pools costs more, depending on the finish you select.
Finish type – Paint is the cheapest pool finish type. Plaster and aggregate are good midrange choices, while tile is the most expensive.
Custom finish – Decorative tile inserts, pigmented plaster, and other custom elements increase the cost.
Repairs – Fixing cracks or leaks is crucial before resurfacing the pool. If left untreated, the cracks may spread and damage the resurfaced finish.
Labor
Pool resurfacing pros charge $45 to $110 per hour for labor. Labor costs vary depending on your location, the pool size and type, and the new finishing material.
Draining and cleaning the pool
Before the pool can be resurfaced, it must be drained and cleaned to prep the surface for the new finish. The average cost to drain and clean a pool is $600 to $650.
Refilling the pool
After the pool is resurfaced, filling the pool with water costs $40 to $400 on average when using a garden hose. Pool water delivery costs $400 to $2,000. Filling the pool with a garden hose takes 12 to 36 hours, while a water delivery truck fills the pool in less than an hour.
Ask your pool contractor how long the pool must remain dry after resurfacing. Some finishes require 7 to 10 days to dry or cure.
Additional pool features and costs
These upgrades add to your total cost but can enhance the look of your newly resurfaced pool and make it even more welcoming:
A pool heater costs $1,600 to $5,200 with installation, depending on the size and fuel source. A solar pool heating system costs $2,500 to $6,500 installed.
Pool lighting costs $600 to $1,500 for LED lights or $1,300 to $1,700 for fiber optic lights. Bulb replacement costs $30 to $600, depending on the type and size.
A pool waterfall costs $2,000 to $8,800 with installation.
A patio costs $5 to $35 per square foot installed, depending on the material.
The average cost to build a deck is $25 to $50 per square foot, including labor and materials.
Pool resurfacing FAQs
What is pool resurfacing?
Pool resurfacing involves removing the existing finish by chipping, sandblasting, hydro-blasting, or chemically stripping it. After the old surface is removed, it is replaced with a new surface in your choice of plaster, aggregate, tile, paint, or polymer.
Resurfacing gives your pool a new look and extends its lifespan by preventing new cracks and leaks from forming.
How do you know when your pool needs resurfacing?
Look for these signs indicating your pool needs to be resurfaced:
Flaking or peeling plaster
Chips or cracks in the surface
Stains or discoloration that can't be cleaned off
Rough texture on the floor or walls
Loss of pebbles or other aggregate from the surface
Corroded tile grout
Chalky residue near the pool's edges
How often should you resurface a pool?
Resurface a pool every 7 to 15 years, depending on the finish. Plaster lasts 7 to 12 years on average, while aggregate and pebble finishes last 15 years or more. Maintaining the proper water pH balance and keeping the pool clean will increase the lifespan of the pool's surface.
How long does it take to resurface a pool?
Resurfacing a pool takes 5 to 7 days on average, depending on the pool size, material, and finish.
Getting estimates from pool resurfacing companies
For the best results, hire a professional with experience working with your pool type. Follow these helpful tips when searching for a pool replastering company or pool resurfacing contractor near you:
Compare at least 3 estimates for resurfacing with the same finishing materials.
Choose a company that specializes in pool resurfacing, not just cleaning.
Look for professionals who are members of the Association of Pool and Spa Professionals (APSP).
Browse pool company reviews on HomeGuide and Google.
Select only licensed, bonded, and insured pool companies.
Get a written estimate and contract that breaks down all labor and material costs.
Never pay in full before the work begins.
Questions to ask pool resurfacing contractors
Ask pool resurfacing pros these important questions to ensure the job goes smoothly:
How long have you been in business?
Are you licensed and insured?
Are you a member of the APSP?
Can you provide references for recent resurfacing projects?
What resurfacing material do you recommend for my pool, and why?
How long will resurfacing take?
How soon can I fill the pool with water afterward?
Do you guarantee your work?
Using our proprietary cost database, in-depth research, and collaboration with industry experts, we deliver accurate, up-to-date pricing and insights you can trust, every time.