Resurfacing a pool maintains its structural integrity by preventing leaks and addressing cracks that could compromise the pool shell. On average, the cost to resurface a pool with plaster ranges from $6 to $8 per square foot, including the material and labor costs.
It costs between $3,000 and $4,000 to resurface a 500-square-foot pool with plaster. Resurfacing with other materials may drive the price higher.
This pricing guide is based on averages taken from our survey of pool resurfacing costs across the U.S. Your specific costs will depend on the pool type, size, and surface finish.
Cost by Location
The labor and material costs will vary depending on where you live. Generally, labor charges are higher in urban areas than in suburbs or rural areas.
The table below displays the cost per square foot for pool resurfacing cost in various U.S. cities. These costs apply only to resurfacing with plaster. You will find the costs for resurfacing with other materials later in the article.
| Location | Average Cost Per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Northeast U.S. | |
| Pawtucket, RI | $6.30 – $7.50 |
| New York, NY | $8.20 – $9.80 |
| Southeast U.S. | |
| Dothan, AL | $5.40 – $6.40 |
| Atlanta, GA | $5.60 – $6.70 |
| Midwest U.S. | |
| South Bend, IN | $6.0 – $7.20 |
| Chicago, IL | $6.70 – $8.0 |
| Northwest U.S. | |
| Corvallis, OR | $6.10 – $7.30 |
| Seattle, WA | $7.50 – $8.90 |
| Southwest U.S. | |
| Roswell, NM | $5.60 – $6.70 |
| San Diego, CA | $6.80 – $8.10 |
These cost estimates help you understand resurfacing prices in your area, depending on your region and city size.
Cost by Pool Size
The bigger the pool, the more expensive it will be to resurface it. On average, the cost to resurface your pool with plaster costs between $6 and $8 per square foot, including material and labor.
The table below shows the average cost of pool resurfacing for different pool sizes.
| Pool size | Square footage | Average Cost (Including Materials and Labor) |
| 10 x 20 | 200 | $1,200 – $1,600 |
| 12 x 20 | 240 | $1,440 – $1,920 |
| 10 x 30 | 300 | $1,800 – $2,400 |
| 14 x 28 | 392 | $2,352 – $3,136 |
| 15 x 30 | 450 | $2,700 – $3,600 |
| 16 x 32 | 512 | $3,072 – $4,096 |
| 18 x 36 | 648 | $3,888 – $5,184 |
| 20 x 40 | 800 | $4,800 – $6,400 |
Cost by Surface Finish
When resurfacing a pool, there are four main surface finishes to choose from. Each has a different average cost, listed in the table below from the lowest to highest.
| Surface Finish | Average Cost Per Square Foot (Including Labor and Materials) |
| Epoxy Paint | $1 – $2 |
| Tile | $2 – $25 |
| Plaster | $6 – $8 |
| Aggregate | $6 – $11 |
- Epoxy Paint: In general, paint is the most affordable option for pool owners on a tight budget. Despite the wide variety of colors available, paints for pool systems do not last long and require constant repainting. With epoxy paint, you can get the best of both worlds. It is more durable than other pool paints and costs less than tile, plaster, and aggregate.
- Tile: Tile is the most expensive type of pool surface finish. It is highly durable and can last up to 10 years, allowing some pool owners to think twice and pay that extra cost. In terms of shape, size, and color, pool tile is very customizable compared to other finishes.
- Plaster: Pool plaster lasts longer than paint but still requires more maintenance than tile or aggregate finishes. A downside to this type of finish is its vulnerability to stains and algae. Pool plaster needs to be acid washed every 3 to 5 years. Read more about acid washing in our guide: How Much Does Acid Washing a Pool Cost?
- Aggregate: This type of finish will cost you more than plaster and paint, and it can be exposed or polished. Polished aggregate pools are generally more expensive than exposed ones.
Cost by Pool Type
Pool resurfacing costs vary depending on the type of pool you have. Concrete (or gunite) pools are the most common type, especially for in-ground pools.
Vinyl pools are somewhat of an exception when it comes to resurfacing, mainly because they require liner replacement instead. However, resurfacing does apply to fiberglass and concrete pools, each with different resurfacing options and costs.
The table below shows the average cost to resurface different types of pools.
| Material | Average Cost Per Square Foot (Including Materials and Labor) |
| Vinyl Liner | $2.3 – $3.8 |
| Concrete | $6 – $15 |
| Fiberglass | $7 – $15 |
- Vinyl-liner pool: Vinyl pools require liner replacement instead of resurfacing. They act as a waterproof barrier between pool structure and water. The main benefit of this material is it is affordable, requires low maintenance, and can be customized. See our guide for more information: How Much Does Vinyl Pool Liner Replacement Cost?
- Concrete pool: There is one downside to resurfacing this type of pool: If the concrete pool’s pre-installed plaster is damaged, you might need to get it repaired before resurfacing. This extra service will cost you more. Despite that, any one of the surface finishes can be applied to concrete pools, including tile and paint.
- Fiberglass pool: Fortunately for pool owners, fiberglass pools do not require as much care as vinyl pools and may rarely need resurfacing if properly maintained. But if severely damaged, resurfacing will be required with tile, epoxy paint, or other finishing.
Labor Cost
If the pro charges on an hourly basis, the average cost ranges between $45 and $76 per hour. When paying for service by the hour, you’ll need the material cost to estimate the overall resurfacing project cost. If the job requires more than one pro, the cost will increase accordingly.
Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost
A pool resurfacing project is not considered a DIY project. Resurfacing a swimming pool with any type of finish is a detail-oriented task best performed by professionals. However, small tears in the vinyl liner can be repaired as a DIY project. On average, a DIY patch kit costs between $15 and $40.
For an efficient project with no damage to your property, we recommend you hire a local professional to get the resurfacing job done.
Other Factors That Affect Cost
There are a few factors that affect the total price of pool resurfacing. The following sections will take you through some of the most important ones.
Pool Shape
Generally speaking, resurfacing large pools with unique shapes costs more than standard rectangular or oval pools. Small pools with a basic design could bring the cost of resurfacing closer to the low end.
Also, resurfacing an in-ground pool costs more than an above-ground pool as it has more surface area, which includes the steps to enter the pool.
Pool Draining
Before any resurfacing begins, your pool has to be drained. You can do this yourself, but if you prefer a professional to handle it, expect to pay extra. On average, pool draining costs between $175 and $225. There’s a chance that draining the in-ground pool yourself could void its warranty.
FAQ
It is hard to set a precise date for when a pool needs resurfacing. However, there are some clear signs that it’s time to hire a professional pool company to get it done:
● Surface stains appear
● Pool floor/surface feels rough
● Structural cracks
● Discoloration of tiles
● Pool paint is chipping
● Rust stains
Whether it’s resurfacing or any type of pool maintenance, it is best to get the work done in the fall or spring. With the exception of indoor pools, pool owners will rarely go for a swim between October and April, so it’s best to get it done before summer arrives.
Swimming pools constructed of concrete, plaster, and exposed aggregate can withstand pressure washing. As for vinyl and fiberglass pools, pressure washing is not an option. Cleaning these two types of pools can be done using non-abrasive methods.
Keep Your Pool in Shape All Year Long
Resurfacing a pool eliminates rough surfaces and removes algae buildup that creates slippery conditions. Beyond function, resurfacing restores the pool’s appearance by refreshing faded, stained finishes, making maintenance easier and creating a more inviting backyard feature. But as the saying goes, don’t try this at home – at least alone. Trust the pros.
Home Gnome delivers the best home service experience at the click of a button. Book reliable, skilled pool maintenance services and leave the rest to us.
Read More:
- How Much Does Pool Maintenance Cost?
- How Much Does it Cost to Install a Pool Pump?
- How Much Does a Pool Fence Cost?
How Much Does Pool Cleaning Cost?
Main Photo Credit: tim / Adobe Stock Free / License
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