IS THIS THE YEAR TO REPLASTER THE POOL? KNOW THE SIGNS

While commercial pools should be replastered about every 10 years or so, the rules aren’t as clear for residential pools. How do you know when it’s time to replaster your pool? The best answer – when your pool shows visible signs the plaster is deteriorating. The plaster protects both the look and structural soundness of your pool. It is also very important in helping to maintain crystal clear water. Read about the main signs below, and keep your eye out.

Mineral Stains

Over time, minerals in the water – for instance, copper and iron – may stain the plaster and ruin the look of your pool. When this happens, it may be time to replace it. However, if these stains appear only a few years after you’ve replastered last, you might need to locate the source of the stains and deal with them.

Gunite Showing Through

Most pools are constructed of Gunite or Shotcrete, tough concrete-like substances that form the structural support of the basin. The plaster over the top acts as a waterproof layer and provides visual appeal, so when you start to see patches of darker structural materials showing through, it’s time to replaster.

An example of a pool with gunite showing through which can be dangerous.

Uncomfortable Swimming

This might be the first thing you notice about your plaster, actually. If your feet are scratched or roughened when you step out of the pool, if your bathing suit gets snagged or torn on jagged plaster, if it is unpleasant to run your hand along the side of the pool or to climb up the stairs, then your plaster may be wearing thin.

Rough Surfaces

Sometimes you don’t notice any physical effects, but you can start to see the rough surface of the plaster as it wears away. It is especially telling when dirt begins to gather in the cracks or in pitted parts and patchy spots appear. When this happens, take action.

Costs and Alternatives

Replastering your pool usually costs somewhere between $3 and $5 per foot, although depending on the contractor you may be able to find a deal for less … or may be quoted more. An average pool size of 16 x 32 feet, 4 feet deep on the shallow end and 8 on the deep end, would total 1,088 square feet. Assuming an average of $4 per square foot, replastering would run you $4352.

If your main concern is stains, you might want to acid wash the pool instead of replastering. However, acid washing still runs between $2 and $4 per square foot, so if your plaster is old, it may be a better bet to just redo it.

Now that you know what to look for and what your options are, chances are you’ll be able to make the right pool maintenance choice for you, now and in future.

If you decided that this will be the year to replaster the pool and you’re looking for reputable swimming pool plaster companies in Houston, then contact us as we have long relationships with several in the area that we can recommend.

Good luck and happy swimming!