When To Resurface Your Pool - 7 Key Signs To Look Out For

Resurfacing your pool is a bit like servicing your car or going to the dentist. We know it’s going to be expensive, so we put it off for as long as possible.

Unfortunately, things eventually get to the point where you can’t put it off any longer. Perhaps one of your teeth has started hurting, or your car is making a strange noise.

Well, in this article we’re going to take a look at some important signs that your pool might be giving you to indicate that it’s in need of resurfacing.

As a bonus, we’ll take a look at a number of factors that can cause faster deterioration of your pool surface than normal. If your pool is affected by any of these factors, expect it to need resurfacing more often than usual.

Sound good? Let’s get started!

When To Resurface? The Unmissable Signs

If you notice any of the following in your swimming pool, it’s probably time for resurfacing. It may be possible to get away with some minor repairs in some instances, but if you start noticing issues cropping up regularly, get in touch with a pool resurfacing professional.

Visible Cracks

Cracks on the pool surface usually indicate that the pool is in need of resurfacing. These cracks are more common in concrete pools and can occur due to normal wear and tear or due to other factors such as shifting soil or temperature changes.

Not only are these cracks a sign that your pool needs resurfacing, but they are a common cause of pool leaks.

Stains

Stains on the pool surface can be a sign of corrosion, mineral buildup, or algae growth, and may indicate that the pool needs to be resurfaced.

Before committing to a resurface, you may want to use a stain remover to see if you can spot remove small stains.

Rough Texture

If the pool surface feels rough or gritty, it may be a sign that the surface has worn down or become damaged and needs to be resurfaced.

The roughness is usually a precursor to more of the pool surface starting to flake or rub off as a powder.

Fading Colour

Over time, the colour of the pool surface may fade due to exposure to the sun and chemicals. This tends to be most noticeable on fibreglass or pebblecrete pools where a particularly vibrant surface colour was chosen.

While not necessarily a structural issue, if the colour has significantly faded, it may be time to consider resurfacing the pool to restore its appearance.

Peeling Or Flaking Surface

A surface that is peeling or flaking is a sign that the pool is in need of resurfacing. Further peeling and flaking may cause cracking or even a leak.

Peeling may occur due to normal wear and tear, exposure to the elements, or chemical damage.

Water Loss

If you notice that your pool is losing water faster than usual, it may be a sign of a leak. A leak can cause damage to the pool surface and may require resurfacing to repair the damage.

Early leak detection is critical here, and will prevent a minor problem becoming a major issue. Don’t hesitate to get in touch with a leak detection expert.

Poor Water Quality

Poor water quality, including cloudy or murky water, can be a sign of damage to the pool surface. Ingress of soil and organic material through a leak point can alter the water chemistry greatly.

Flaking concrete and other material in the water can also impact the calcium hardness and pH.

If you have tried other methods to improve water quality and the problem persists, it may be time to consider resurfacing.

Factors That Impact The Need For Resurfacing

Now that we’ve covered some of the critical signs that your swimming pool is in need of resurfacing, let’s take a look at some of the factors that can accelerate the ageing and deterioration of your pool surface.

Once you’re aware of these, you may be able to take steps to limit their impact on your pool.

Age

The age of the pool surface is a significant factor in determining the need for resurfacing. Most pool surfaces have a lifespan of about 10-15 years, after which they begin to show signs of wear and tear.

Usage

The frequency of pool use and the number of swimmers also impact the need for resurfacing. If you have a lot of pool parties or plenty of kids swimming in the pool, the surface may wear out faster.

Climate

The climate in which the pool is located can impact the need for resurfacing. Swimming pools in areas with extreme temperatures, high humidity, or heavy rainfall may require resurfacing more frequently than those in milder climates.

Surface Type

Some pool surfaces tend to wear out faster than others. If you use glass beads or pebbles in your surface, they can start to degrade and delaminate well before a regular fibreglass surface in some circumstances.

Chemical Balance

This is a big one. The chemical balance of your pool water can also impact the need for resurfacing. If the pool water is not properly balanced, it can cause damage to the pool surface.

In particular, low calcium hardness can be a real killer for concrete pools. Low hardness will lead to etching and degradation of the surface, as the water attempts to rip calcium out of the concrete in an attempt to balance itself.

Maintenance

Regular pool maintenance can also play a role in the need for resurfacing. Neglecting routine maintenance, such as cleaning and balancing the pool water, can cause damage to the surface.

Leaf and organic stains (typically brown) left on the pool surface for a long time can prematurely age it and leave it vulnerable. Clean these stains up as soon as you notice them, or get a robotic pool cleaner to do it for you.

Repair History

If you have had to spot repair your pool surface multiple times, it may be an indication that it needs to be resurfaced. Repairs can only fix so much, and eventually, the entire surface may need to be replaced.

Summary

There’s quite a few signs that could indicate that your pool is ready to be resurfaced.

Simple discoloration or small stains can probably be fixed with simple repairs, but cracks and leaks are urgent signs that need to be addressed as soon as possible.