How Long Does Pool Resurfacing Last? Lifespan By Surface Type

If you’re considering resurfacing your pool, you’ve probably realised just how expensive it can be. If you’re going to spend that much money on your pool, you want to know that it’ll last for many years to come.

Similarly, if you plan on selling your house in the near future, you’ll want to be sure that even if you resurface now, your pool will still look great when it’s time for the house to be sold.

But exactly how long does pool resurfacing last? How long will it be before your pool needs to be resurfaced again? Let’s find out!

Typical Lifespan Of Various Pool Surfaces

When it comes to pool resurfacing, how long your new surface will last depends predominantly on the type of material used. Here are some common pool surface materials and their expected lifespans:

Concrete

Plaster is a popular pool surface material due to its affordability and smooth finish. However, plaster tends to deteriorate over time and may require resurfacing every 7-10 years.

Pebblecrete

Pebblecrete is a durable and long-lasting pool surface material that is made up of a cement mixture combined with small pebbles. It is a more expensive option than concrete, but can last up to 15-20 years with proper maintenance.

Fibreglass

Fibreglass is a popular option for pool resurfacing as it is low-maintenance and has a smooth finish. Fibreglass pools can last up to 25 years or more, but it is important to note that the gel coat can fade long before this and may require resurfacing to restore its appearance.

With fibreglass pools, it is possible to simply replace the gel coat and paint a fresh top coat to save money.

Tile

Tile is a versatile and long-lasting pool surface material that can last 20 years or more. However, tile is typically quite expensive and requires regular cleaning and maintenance to prevent grout deterioration and discoloration.

Quartzon & Beadcrete

Aggregate finishes, such as quartzon or glass bead finishes, are popular for their aesthetic appeal, though they are more expensive to resurface.

What’s more, both quartzon and beadcrete suffer from problems such as delamination and dropping off of beads and discoloration.

While they theoretically can last for a long time, in our experience, you’ll see issues much earlier than the expected lifetime claimed by the manufacturers of these surface materials.

Factors Affecting Pool Surface Lifetime

There are quite a few different factors that can affect how long your new surface will last. Let’s take a look at a couple of the most important.

Material Quality

The quality of the resurfacing material used can play a significant role in the lifespan. For example, the use of high quality epoxy resins and curing materials can make a fresh fibreglass surface last much longer than it would have otherwise.

Installation Quality

Proper installation of the resurfacing material can impact how long it lasts. If the installation is not done correctly, it can lead to issues such as cracks or other damage that can shorten the lifespan of the resurfacing.

Proper preparation of the pool surface and application of the new coating are essential to ensure a long-lasting finish. If the workmanship is subpar, the resurfacing may fail prematurely, resulting in the need for costly repairs or a complete redo of the resurfacing job.

Always hire a reputable pool resurfacer to avoid having to get the job done twice! Learn how to hire a pool resurfacer.

Maintenance

Proper maintenance of the pool, including regular cleaning, balancing the water chemistry, , addressing any repairs promptly and avoiding harsh chemicals or abrasive tools can help extend the lifespan of the resurfacing.

Climate and Weather

The climate and weather in your area can impact the lifespan of the resurfacing job. Extreme temperatures, frequent rainfall, and harsh sunlight can cause the surface to degrade faster.

Pool Age & History

The age of the pool can also impact the lifespan of the resurfacing. If the pool is older and has had multiple resurfacing jobs done in the past, it may be more prone to damage and require more frequent resurfacing.

Eventually, you will need to replace the entire pool as it will no longer be worth resurfacing it.

Summary

When it comes to answering the question: “how long does pool resurfacing last”, the answer really depends on the surface type.

Concrete pools tend to need resurfacing first, whereas pebblecrete and fibreglass pools tend to last longer.

In saying that, the surface type alone cannot predict the surface lifespan. The quality of the installation and the pool’s environment also play a big role.

If you’ve had your surface for a while and are wondering when to resurface your pool, check out our guide on the topic.