Is your plaster starting to chip or deteriorate? Is your plaster starting to change color or has it become permanently stained? If so, it’s probably time for you to resurface your pool. If you have standard plaster, on average, your pool will need to be resurfaced every 5 to 7 years, depending on the quality of the plaster and how well you maintain your pool, among other factors. Pools finished in aggregates and tile can last twice as long, sometimes several decades if installed properly and well cared for. However, the age of your plaster is not the most important factor in determining if it needs to be replaced. You’ll instead want to physically inspect the plaster for chipping, roughness, and discoloration.
Here at PoolSense, we can help you evaluate whether or not it’s time to resurface your pool. Furthermore, we can help you in understanding all of your plaster options, including quality, color, and durability. We pride ourselves on making the resurfacing process simple. We take the time to understand your unique needs, we prioritize clear communication, and we meet deadlines. We are licensed, insured, bonded — and, most importantly, we stand behind the quality of our work.
There’s nothing more satisfying than the bright colors that exude from a new finish. Whether you are looking for a bright blue or a deep gray, matte or glossy, plaster or tile, the look of fresh finish is sure to make your backyard pop. In fact, resurfacing has been recognized by many as a desirable way to increase the aesthetic appeal (and the value!) of their properties. Afterall, who would want to swim in a pool with faded and stained yellow plaster when your neighbors have a newly-resurfaced, bright and inviting aquatic wonderland.
In case you aren’t familiar with the types of pool finishes available to you, take a look at our guide below.
What’s the importance of my pool finish? Besides the obvious aesthetic of the finish, the pool finish you choose is important to ensure the water in your pool actually stays in your pool. Most pools are constructed with concrete or gunite; however, concrete and gunite are porous materials that will break down with constant exposure to the water, sunlight, chemicals, and natural wear and tear of using the pool. That’s why it’s important to apply a seal (or ‘finish’) to your pool. This finish protects the concrete or gunite shell of your pool from breaking down, and keeps the water from leaking back into the earth.
There are three primary ‘finishes’ that are used today. Each finish comes with it’s own set of pros and cons, as well as it’s own style.
This is the most budget-friendly option. Standard plaster finishes have been around since the 1960s, making them one of the oldest pool finishes. Although it is one of the oldest methods of sealing a pool, standard plaster has withstood the test of time and still one of the most popular finishes still used today.
Generally speaking, standard plaster is made from a mixture of white cement and crushed marble. For many years, standard plaster was only available in white, but recent innovations have allowed for standard plaster to be manufactured in a variety of colors.
Aggregate pool finishes are a step up from standard plaster, providing a more high-end look and more durability when compared to standard plaster. Aggregate pool finishes are made by adding naturally-occurring aggregates (most commonly crystals, pebbles, or stones) to a mixture of cement-based, pigmented plaster.
This finish can come in a textured or smooth finish, depending on your preference. Most commonly, natural pebbles and glass beads are used to create a textured finish, while quartz and marble are typically used in smooth finishes. Textured finishes are generally less slippery than smooth finishes, if that is a concern for your pool (e.g., if you have children, or older swimmers).
The addition of these aggregates to the plaster mix adds an extra layer of durability. From a purely aesthetic standpoint, the aggregates create a look of depth and sparkle, contributing to a more lavish look.
If you’re looking for the best and cost isn’t a concern, tile finishes are the way to go. Unlike standard plaster and aggregate finishes which are poured in and then smoothed over with a trowel, tile finishes require each tile to be set individually by hand. Depending on the chosen tile, the cost of finishing your pool in tile can cost up to $50 per square foot.
Because tiles can be manufactured in virtually any shape or color, tile finishes allow you to completely customize your look. When it comes to durability, tile finishes can last a lifetime if they are well cared for. If your goal is to have the best looking pool on the block, the choice is simple —tile finishes are the option for you.
Within the world of tile finishes, there are several different choices.
Ceramic or porcelain tiles are usually the least expensive option. Although the least expensive tile finish, they still provide for a very high-end look and have a nice, glass-like sheen to them.
A step up from ceramic or porcelain tiles, you have natural stone tiles. Popular choices include travertine, quartzite, sandstone, limestone, and granite. Natural stone is a great option for someone looking for a more organic look (think Bali). Plus, stone tiles are very resistant to saltwater and retain heat better than other materials, which is great for keeping your water warm.
Further up the luxury spectrum, is glass tile. Glass tile offers a level of sparkle and elegance that no other finish can. These glass tiles can be manufactured in virtually any color (even black). Because glass is non-porous, they are resistant to heat, UV rays, and are frost proof. They are also the easiest finish to maintain.
We understand that’s a lot to take into consideration, which is why we make ourselves available to provide a free consultation and quote. Our experienced professionals will be able to help you determine what finish is best for your desired style and budget. If you’re looking to get your pool resurfaced or replastered in San Diego, call us today.
Our team of in-house technicians is licensed, trained, insured, and ready to be of service. We have decades of experience in all types of major and minor repairs for both residential and commercial pools, including pool filters, pool heaters, pool lights, pool automation, pool timers, pool filters, pool pumps, pool plumbing, pool valves, pool skimmers, pool drains, in-floor cleaners, pool vacuums, pool safety devices and more. We work directly with all major manufacturers (Jandy, Hayward, Pentair, Zodiac, and more) to ensure we can offer the best pricing possible.
We believe in transparency and good, old-fashioned communication. From scheduling a service call to a completed repair, you won’t have to wonder what’s going on, how much the repair might cost, or when it will be finished.
As one of the premier pool repair companies in San Diego, we stand behind the quality of our work. If we make a mistake, we will be back to fix it immediately and at no additional cost to you.
