Pool resurfacing materials and options

Resurfacing a pool offers several materials and options, but here are the main ones:

1. Plaster: Traditional white plaster is an affordable and long-term choice, composed of cement, water and marble dust mixed together for smoothness and ease of maintenance. With an average lifespan between seven to 10 years.

2. Aggregate: Aggregate finishes use small stones, pebbles or quartz to add texture and visual interest to the plaster mixture, creating a visually striking surface. Aggregate finishes tend to outlive traditional plaster by between 10-20 years and come in various colors and sizes for customization purposes.

3. Tiling: Tiling is an increasingly popular choice for pool surfaces, offering durability, design options and straightforward maintenance. Porcelain, ceramic and glass tiles are popularly used; while initially more costly upfront, they will last decades with proper care.

4. Fiberglass Resurfacing: Fiberglass resurfacing involves layering on layers of fiberglass material over existing pool surfaces for an attractive non-porous finish that resists staining and algae growth. Fiberglass resurfacing typically lasts 15-30 years with minimal maintenance needs.

5. Pool Paint: Pool paint can be an affordable and straightforward option for resurfacing pools, involving applying specially formulated pool paint directly onto its surface. Although paint provides an effective finish, more frequent touchups or repainting may be required over time.

6. Vinyl Liner: Resurfacing options for above-ground and some inground pools include vinyl liners as a possible resurfacing method. Custom-fitted to your pool’s shape and existing surface, this option creates a watertight finish while being environmentally-friendly. However, depending on usage and maintenance considerations it should be replaced every 5-10 years for optimal performance.

Consider factors like durability, maintenance requirements, cost, aesthetics and lifespan when selecting a resurfacing material for your pool resurfacing project. A professional pool contractor can help assess your individual needs and help make an informed choice regarding which material would be most suited for resurfacing it.