Pool Resurfacing Near Me - How To Find The Right Contractor?

If you’ve decided that your swimming pool is due for resurfacing, the first thing you’ll want to do is find a reputable and reliable pool resurfacing company.

While searching “pool resurfacing near me” is the right place to start - finding a decent contractor doesn’t end with the first website you land on.

In this article, I’ll take you through all of the steps to follow to ensure you get the result you are after - a pool with a brand new surface, installed to the highest quality with minimal hassle and at a good price.

Sound good? Let’s get started!

Why A High Quality Pool Resurfacing Contractor Is Worth It

Like everything in life, there’s high quality options and low quality options. In terms of pool resurfacing, making the effort to find a decent contractor can make a world of difference when it comes to the finished product.

Here are some of the key benefits of choosing a reputable operator over a “fly-by-night” style operator.

Quality Workmanship

A reputable contractor will have the necessary experience and expertise to complete the job to a high standard. They will ensure that the pool surface is properly inspected, prepared, primed, and that the new surface material is applied and cured correctly.

As we’ve discussed before, the pool resurfacing process is a complicated one with lots of steps that are all critical to ensuring a good result at the end of the day.

Material Selection

A reputable contractor can help you select the right materials for your pool resurfacing project. They will take into consideration factors such as the climate in your area, the type of use your pool gets, and your budget, to recommend the best surface material for your needs.

Timelines and Cost Estimates

A reputable contractor will provide you with accurate timelines (ie. how long resurfacing will take) and cost estimates for your project.

They will work efficiently and effectively to complete your pool resurfacing project as quickly as possible. They will ensure that the work is completed on time, with minimal disruption to your daily routine.

Customer Satisfaction

A reputable contractor will prioritise customer satisfaction. They will listen to your needs, address any concerns you may have, and ensure that you are completely satisfied with the finished product.

Researching Potential Resurfacers

Now that we’ve discussed the importance of choosing a quality contractor, let’s take a look at exactly how to go about it.

Use the two methods below to make a list of possible operators before moving on to the next step.

Asking For Recommendations

One of the best ways to find a pool resurfacing contractor is to ask for recommendations from friends, family, or neighbours who have recently had their pool resurfaced.

These people can provide you with firsthand accounts of their experience with the contractor, including the quality of their work, their professionalism, and their communication skills.

They have no incentive one way or the other, so this is one of the best ways to get a real and reliable recommendation.

Searching Online Directories

Another way to research potential contractors is to search for them on online directories or review websites.

These websites can provide you with a list of contractors in your area, along with their contact information and customer reviews. You can use these reviews to get an idea of the quality of their work and their overall reputation.

Search Engines

Finally, look up resurfacing companies directly by searching Google for ‘pool resurfacing + (city)’. For example, pool resurfacing Brisbane for a list of contractors in Brisbane.

Evaluating Potential Options

Now that you’ve made your list, it’s time to evaluate which ones are worth shortlisting and which are worth binning.

Here’s how to do it.

Check Their Credentials & Licences

Before hiring a contractor, it is important to ensure that they are qualified to perform pool resurfacing.

You can do this by visiting the website of your local building authority and verifying the contractor's licence status.

In Queensland, this is QBCC and in Victoria, this is VBA. Contractors in Queensland should display their QBCC licence number if they work in the construction industry here.

Checking For Insurance & Warranties

Ensure that the contractor has proper insurance coverage to protect you and your property in case of any accidents or damages during the project.

Additionally, look for a contractor that offers warranties on their workmanship and the materials they use. This will give you peace of mind and protect your investment.

Pool resurfacing is a complicated process and plenty can go wrong. My mantra here is “hope for the best, plan for the worst”, and adequate insurance is part of planning for the worst.

Getting Quotes

If any of the contractors on your list were not licensed, insured or had insufficient warranties, cull them from your list and continue on with the ones that remain.

Request An Initial Consultation & Estimate

Next, you’ll want to schedule an initial consultation and estimate with each of the contractors on your list. During this meeting, you can discuss your needs, the contractor can assess your pool, and you can ask any questions you may have about the process.

This meeting can also help you gauge the contractor's level of expertise, professionalism, and communication skills.

Asking For References & Examples Of Previous Work

Before hiring a pool resurfacing contractor, ask for references from past clients and examples of previous work.

This will allow you to see the quality of their workmanship and get an idea of the level of customer satisfaction. If possible, try to visit the locations of previous work to see the finished product in person.

Comparing Quotes

By now, you should have a list of quotes from ideally at least 3 different resurfacing companies. Next we need to compare these quotes and decide on which one we wish to proceed with.

Comparing Quotes From Different Contractors

It's important to compare the quotes from different contractors to make sure you're getting a fair price. Make sure the quotes include all the necessary work, such as draining the pool, removing the old surface, applying the new surface, and finishing the pool.

The quotes should also include any necessary repairs or additional work that may be required or have been discussed at the initial meeting.

Considering The Contractor’s Experience And Reputation

When comparing quotes, consider the contractor's experience and reputation. Look for a contractor who has been in business for several years and has experience with pool resurfacing.

Looking at the references they provided to you earlier is a great way to do this.

Evaluating The Company’s Communication And Responsiveness

The contractor's communication and responsiveness can also be an important factor in your decision-making process.

Look for a contractor who is responsive to your questions and concerns and who communicates clearly and professionally.

A contractor who is difficult to communicate with or who is unresponsive before you’ve even signed the contract is unlikely to get any better as the job progresses!

Signing A Contract

We’re getting down to the business end of things now! Time to check over the contract terms and then sign on the dotted line once we are happy with it.

Negotiating Contract Terms & Timelines

Before signing a contract, it is essential to negotiate the terms of the project and agree on a timeline. This includes agreeing on the scope of work, the type of materials to be used, and the payment schedule.

It is also essential to agree on a start and completion date to ensure that the project is completed within the agreed-upon timeframe.

The pool industry is rife with stories of jobs running over time by months and months, leaving people without a functioning pool all summer. Ideally, there should be a penalty clause in the contract for running over time which will deter contractors from dragging their feet.

In any case, in the contract, don’t commit to a final payment (which should be a sizable chunk of the budget for the whole project) until you are happy with the finished job.

Managing The Project

Now that the contract has been signed and the resurfacing has commenced, here’s a few tips to ensure that the job goes smoothly.

Maintaining Communication & Inspecting The Work

It’s easy for communication to drop off once the job has started, but this is actually where it is most crucial.

Ensure that you maintain open communication throughout the project. Inspect their work regularly, ask questions and clarify any concerns you have. Good communication can help prevent misunderstandings and ensure that the project stays on track.

If you notice that they are resurfacing your pool in concrete rather than pebblecrete and wait until they are finished to tell them, things won’t end well!

Approving The Final Work

Once the work is complete, inspect it thoroughly to ensure that it meets your expectations. If you are satisfied with the work, approve it, and make the final payment.

If there are any issues, discuss them with the contractor and agree on how to resolve them before approving the work.

If you have a dispute that can’t be resolved between the two of you, get in touch with your state’s building authority and engage with their dispute resolution team. At this point, you’ll be glad you’re working with a licensed operator!

Summary

As you can see, choosing the right pool resurfacer for your job is almost as big a job as the actual resurfacing itself!

But don’t fret, while it is a little legwork upfront, going with the right company will save you tons of stress down the road and you’ll be glad you made the effort.