How often should a pool be resurfaced? Do you feel your pool a bit rundown and dreary looking? Over time even the best kept pools will need repairs.
Your pool should have a smooth, spotless surface which means you should make sure to resurface your pool when necessary.
Resurfacing your pool will depend on when it was installed and the type of pool you have.
Call Sun Valley Pool Service today to discuss all the types of pool repair services we offer.
What does it mean to resurface a pool?
In-ground pools are made of concrete and have a plaster, tile, fiberglass, or pebble surface coating.
Resurfacing involves hydro blasting and sandblasting followed by bond coating, or chipping away the old surface to prepare for a new surface coat.
Resurfacing will increase the likelihood that the pool will last for many years.
Sticking to a year-round schedule of pool maintenance will ensure that you are aware quickly of any resurfacing needs.
Fiberglass
Fiberglass is a common material for resurfacing because of its flexibility and resistance to ground movements. Fiberglass is more durable than plaster or concrete.
Fiberglass is waterproof, resistant to algae stains, absorbs fewer chemicals and less organic matter. When done correctly, you are left with a beautiful pool that should last for a very long time.
Cement/plaster
Plaster is the most practical option for resurfacing a concrete pool. The majority of in-ground pools have concrete shells that have been coated with plaster.
Unlike fiberglass, the plaster will react with pool water over time, requiring additional chemicals to keep the waters’ chemistry balanced. A “filler” will be required in the plaster mixture to address this issue. The plaster can also act as the base for a tile installation.
Signs you need to resurface a pool
- Peeling or flaking plaster- also known as “spalling” in the pool industry. This occurs because of aggressive pool water with sustained low PH or low calcium levels.
- Stained surfaces- also known as “topical stains” and occur as a result of copper, calcium, and salt.
- Rough texture- due to rough calcium deposits as chemicals that have eaten away at the pool surface.
- Loss of pebbles- as a result of regular acid washing.
- “Spider Web” Cracks- that occur as the cement in the plaster expands and contracts with the temperature changes.
- Structural Cracks- that might result in a pool leak.
Once you have the resurfacing complete, you might enjoy reading this article titled, “Pool Upgrade Ideas.”
What happens if you don’t resurface your pool?
The pool is always exposed to the elements and needs to be resurfaced regularly. Failure to resurface the pool could lead to all kinds of aesthetic and even health-related problems. These include:
Health hazards. Bacteria, fungi, and dirt create a fertile environment for all kinds of waterborne diseases. You definitely don’t want your family and friends exposed to bacteria or fungi.
Water leaks: Cracked damaged pool surfaces will cause water to leak into the surrounding area.
Compromised safety: A person’s feet could get hurt if the pool floor has a crack or a rough area.
Conclusion
For cement or plaster pools, resurfacing is occasionally required every 3–7 years and every 15–30 years for fiberglass pools.
The easiest approach to determine whether to resurface a pool is to be proactive and keep an eye on it all the time so you can spot warning signs.
If you are having trouble deciding if it is time to resurface your pool, contact Sun Valley Pool Service to inspect your pool’s surface structure. The longer you wait to resurface your pool after warning signals appear, the more likely it is that its structure could develop cracks and leaks, causing costly and permanent damage.
Thanks for the tip about how I should also consider the flexibility of a material when planning to get some pool resurfacing done. I’m interested in looking for a good pool contractor soon because I want to be able to start using my pool once again. I’ve been lagging a lot on its maintenance so it definitely needs a lot of work before I could fill it up with water again.