How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost?

While nothing beats a cooling dip in the pool on a hot summer day, green or murky water can make the prospect more icky than enticing. If you have an older pool, cracks in the surface make tackling dirt and algae extremely challenging — not to mention the increased risk of leaks and even injuries from rough or jagged pool materials.

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Fortunately, pool resurfacing can restore your backyard oasis to its former glory. 

Pool resurfacing, also known as pool refinishing, involves removing the existing underwater surface of your swimming pool and applying a new one. Over time, UV rays, chemical issues and even ground movement can cause the materials lining your pool to crack and peel, leading to dirt and algae accumulation.

How often you need to resurface your pool depends on several factors, including the pool material and how well you maintain it. Overall, you should expect to resurface your pool every eight to 10 years.

How Much Do Different Pool Resurfacing Options Cost?

There are various ways to resurface a pool, and the correct option depends on your pool type. The most common techniques include the following.

Pool Replastering

According to data from HomeGuide, pool replastering involves sandblasting or etching the existing surface and applying a new layer of plaster. This method is most commonly used for refinishing concrete pools. Replastering a pool with standard plaster typically costs $6 to $8 (CAD 8.21 to CAD 11) per square foot or $6,000 to $8,000 (CAD 8,214 to CAD 10,951) in total.

Quartz plaster is more expensive than standard plaster but offers a longer lifespan and a decorative, speckled finish. Expect to pay between $7 and $10 (CAD 9.58 and CAD 14) per square foot or $7,000 to $10,000 (CAD 9,582 to CAD 13,689) per pool.

Aggregate refinishing is the most expensive type of pool replastering. Aggregate plaster contains inclusions such as beads or rocks for a textured finish. Most homeowners spend $6 to $15 (CAD 8.21 to CAD 21) per square foot or $6,000 to $15,000 (CAD 8,214 to CAD 20,534) per project.

Paint

Resurfacing a pool with epoxy or rubberized latex paint is the cheapest option but isn't as durable as other refinishing methods. Painting a pool is DIY-friendly and costs $1 to $2 (CAD 1.37 to CAD 2.74) per square foot or $1,000 to $2,000 (CAD 1,369 to CAD 2,737) for a whole pool.

Thermoplastic Polymer

Thermoplastic polymer finishes are spray-on coatings designed for resurfacing fiberglass and concrete pools. Refinishing a pool with a thermoplastic polymer product usually costs $10 to $15 (CAD 14 to CAD 21) per square foot or $10,000 to $15,000 (CAD 13,689 to CAD 20,534) per pool.

Pebble

Pebble resurfacing involves coating the inside of a pool with a durable aggregate mixture containing smooth pebbles. Refinishing a concrete or fiberglass pool with pebble aggregate costs $7 to $15 (CAD 9.58 to CAD 21) per square foot or $7,000 to $15,000 (CAD 9,582 to CAD 20,534) for a whole pool. 

Tile

Applying tile to your pool is expensive at $8 to $30 (CAD 10.95 to CAD 41) per square foot and $8,000 to $30,000 (CAD 10,951 to CAD 41,068) per pool, but it provides a durable, easy-to-maintain finish. You could pay more for premium materials such as glass tile.

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What Other Factors Impact the Cost of a Pool Resurface?

The size of your pool significantly impacts the cost of refinishing it — the larger the pool, the more you'll spend. While most pool resurfacing contractors charge $45 to $110 (CAD 62 to CAD 137) per hour, you may pay more or less depending on the cost of labor in your area.

The figures in this article don't include the cost of refilling your pool. Expect to pay $40 to $400 (CAD 55 to CAD 548) to refill your pool with a garden hose or $400 to $2,000 (CAD 548 to CAD 2,738) if you hire a water delivery company.

Most pool resurfacing companies charge $600 to $650 (CAD 821 to CAD 890) for draining and cleaning a pool for refinishing. Meanwhile, pool sandblasting to remove the existing plaster or paint typically costs $1 to $2 (CAD 1.37 to CAD 2.74) per square foot, according to Fixr.

All CAD conversions are based on the exchange rate on the date of publication.