Budget Friendly Pool Resurfacing Options - What Are They?

Is your pool in need of resurfacing but suffering sticker shock after seeing just how expensive it can be? While pool resurfacing is an essential part of long term pool maintenance, there’s no denying that it can be very expensive.

In this article, we’re going to take a look at some budget friendly options to help keep the price down, while still ensuring that your pool gets the love and care it deserves!

What Makes Pool Resurfacing So Expensive?

There’s no doubt about it - pool resurfacing is expensive. If you haven’t realised this yet, check out our pool resurfacing cost estimator to get a price for your pool.

To get started, let’s take a look at some of the factors that are baked into the price you see on your quote. Take a read and you might start to get some ideas about how to make it cheaper.

Pool Size

The size of your pool will play a significant role in the cost (and duration) of your resurfacing project. Larger pools will require more materials and labour, and will take longer to resurface.

While you can’t change the size of your pool, if you have a larger pool and are looking for a budget-friendly option, you may want to consider resurfacing only part of the pool, such as the shallow end or steps, rather than the entire surface all at once.

Materials

Different materials will have different costs, and some may be more budget-friendly than others.

For example, painting and vinyl liners are generally less expensive than tile, pebblecrete or other more fancier finishes. Even if you have a concrete pool, it may be possible to resurface it in fibreglass to save money now and on future resurfacing jobs.

It's important to do your research and compare the costs of different materials to find an option that fits your budget. A pool resurfacing professional will be able to help you here.

Labour

Labour costs can vary depending on the contractor you choose and the complexity of the project. Choosing a well regarded contractor can help ensure that the job is done correctly and efficiently, which can help save on labour costs in the long run.

However, it's important to get multiple quotes and compare costs to ensure that you are getting a fair price for the work involved. Overpaying on labour is a surefire way to end up with an expensive job.

Cost Saving Tips & Tricks

Now that we’ve discussed what factors go into making pool resurfacing as expensive as it is, let’s look at some ways to cut down on these costs.

DIY Pool Resurfacing

While DIY resurfacing is a popular cost-saving option for those who are handy, it’s certainly not for new pool owners!

Do not attempt this unless you have significant experience with pool maintenance and construction.

If you decide to go down this road, bear in mind that DIY resurfacing can save you a lot of money on labour, and you can complete the project on your own schedule. It can also be a satisfying and rewarding experience to see the fruits of your labour!

There are several DIY resurfacing options available. Be sure to do your research and find out what’s best for your pool.

Cost

The cost of DIY resurfacing can vary widely depending on the materials used and the size of the pool. Expect to pay considerably less than your resurfacer quoted you, with the main factor influencing the cost being the size of your pool.

Scheduling Resurfacing During Winter

Scheduling your pool resurfacing job for winter (the pool off-season) can save you money and ensure that it’ll be ready to go come swimming season.

What we see every year is that contractors are less busy during the off-peak season, which means that they’ll be more hungry for work - this can result in lower labour costs. Also, scheduling resurfacing during the off-peak season can ensure that your pool won’t be out of action in summer!

April through August is generally a pretty quiet time in the pool industry. Once spring rolls around, however, things pick up, so get in before the rush!

Choose A Reputable And Experienced Contractor

This may sound like a strange bit of advice when we are trying to save money, but hiring an experienced and highly regarded pool resurfacer is critical for saving money.

Hiring an inexperienced or unlicensed contractor might seem like a good way to save a few bucks, but you’ll end up paying for it eventually.

Pool resurfacing is critical for maximising the life of your pool, and hiring an inexperienced operator who will cut corners and do a shoddy job will mean that it won’t be long before your pool needs resurfacing once again.

A reputable and experienced contractor can ensure that the resurfacing is done correctly, and they can also provide advice on the best materials to use and tips for maintaining the finished surface.

There are many contractors available for pool resurfacing, but it's important to choose one that is licensed, insured, and experienced in pool resurfacing. Ask for references and photos from previous jobs.

On average, pool resurfacing by a reputable and experienced contractor can last up to 15-20 years - a big difference compared to a ‘fly-by-night’ type of operator!

Budget Friendly Pool Resurfacing Alternatives

If the cost saving ideas above aren’t enough to get the job within your budget, take a look at some of these alternatives to pool resurfacing.

Painting

Painting is a cost-effective pool resurfacing option. Rather than removing and resurfacing the entire pool, you can paint a fresh layer over the top of the existing surface.

Painting can give your pool a fresh look while protecting it from damage caused by chemicals, UV rays, and weather elements. Painting can also provide a non-slip surface for improved safety, which is great for the elderly and those with mobility issues.

There are different types of pool paints available, including epoxy, rubber, and acrylic. Epoxy is the most durable, while rubber and acrylic are less expensive but have a shorter lifespan.

Cost

The cost of painting a pool is usually much lower than other resurfacing options - expect to pay less than $1,000. It is also more DIY friendly. However, it's important to note that painting is not a long-term solution, as it will eventually peel and fade.

Longevity

In our experience, depending on the type of paint used and the care taken with the pool, expect a pool paint job to last 3-7 years.

Vinyl Liner

Vinyl liner is another affordable alternative to pool resurfacing. Similarly to pool painting, adding a vinyl liner to your pool results in a thin barrier between the water and your existing pool surface.

In the future, rather than resurfacing your pool, you can simply replace the liner.

Vinyl liners are affordable, easy to maintain, and provide a smooth surface. You can choose from a variety of designs, some of which can enhance the colour of the water and the appearance of your pool.

Cost

The cost of a vinyl liner can vary depending on the size of the pool and the type of liner selected. Check out this pool liner cost calculator to estimate the cost for your pool, though a few thousand dollars is a reasonable rule of thumb.

Longevity

The longevity of a vinyl liner will depend on the quality of the liner and the care taken with the pool. On average, vinyl liners can last up to 10 years.

Summary

As you can see, there are quite a few different ways to keep the costs down on your next pool resurfacing job.

By considering these factors, you can make a more informed decision when choosing a cost effective pool resurfacing option that fits your needs and budget.

Finally, it's important to keep in mind that investing in pool maintenance and resurfacing now can help prevent costly repairs and replacements in the future. Don’t put off resurfacing indefinitely, it will come back to bite you one day!