Your pool is more than just a place to swim; it’s an investment in your home and lifestyle. Over time, however, your pool’s surface can begin to wear, crack, and degrade due to exposure to the elements, chemicals, and regular use. The key to maintaining the pool’s beauty and functionality is knowing when it’s time to refinish your pool. But how often should you refinish your pool, and what factors influence the lifespan of pool surfaces?
In this article, we’ll dive into how often pools typically need to be refinished, the different factors that affect the pool’s surface lifespan, and tips for extending the life of your pool finish.
1. What Does Refinishing Your Pool Entail?
Refinishing your pool involves updating or replacing the surface layer of your pool. Depending on the material used, the process may include resurfacing (e.g., plaster, pebble, or aggregate finishes), repairing cracks, and applying a new layer of finish to restore the pool’s visual appeal and functionality. Refinishing is different from regular pool maintenance, such as cleaning and balancing chemicals, as it addresses deeper surface issues like wear and tear or damage.
- Benefit: Pool refinishing restores the pool’s aesthetic, prevents further damage, and ensures smooth, clean surfaces for swimmers.
- Pool Lifespan: How Long Do Pool Surfaces Last?
The lifespan of your pool’s surface depends largely on the material used, environmental factors, and the level of care the pool receives. Here’s a general timeline of when to expect refinishing based on pool materials:
- Plaster Pools:
- Lifespan: 5 to 10 years
- When to Refinish: Plaster surfaces begin to crack, discolor, and stain after several years of use. Regular maintenance can extend the lifespan, but refinishing should be done once the surface shows significant wear.
- Pebble Pools:
- Lifespan: 10 to 15 years
- When to Refinish: Pebble finishes are highly durable and can last longer than plaster. However, over time, they may begin to dull, and some pebbles might loosen. Refinishing will help keep the surface smooth and clean.
- Tile Pools:
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- When to Refinish: Tile finishes are long-lasting and generally require less frequent refinishing. However, the grout and tiles can deteriorate with age, and grout lines may need repair or replacement.
- Fiberglass Pools:
- Lifespan: 20 to 30 years
- When to Refinish: Fiberglass pools have a long lifespan, but the gel coat that covers the surface can wear over time. The gel coat can be refinished, typically every 10-15 years, to restore its shine and prevent staining.
- Vinyl Pools:
- Lifespan: 15 to 20 years
- When to Refinish: Vinyl liners may need to be replaced after 10-15 years due to fading, punctures, or tears. While not a traditional resurfacing, replacing the liner is a form of refinishing for vinyl pools.
- Benefit: Knowing your pool’s surface material can help you schedule refinishing at the right time, preventing major issues and ensuring a long-lasting pool.
3. Factors That Influence Pool Surface Lifespan
While the material is a primary factor, several other elements can impact how long your pool surface lasts before needing refinishing:
- Climate and Exposure to Sunlight: Pools in areas with intense sunlight or extreme weather conditions, like heat or freezing temperatures, tend to wear down faster. UV rays can cause fading and deterioration of pool finishes, while temperature fluctuations can lead to cracking.
- Chemical Balance: Maintaining proper pool water chemistry (pH, chlorine levels, alkalinity) is crucial for extending the lifespan of your pool’s surface. Unbalanced water can cause damage like staining, scaling, and surface deterioration.
- Pool Usage: The more often your pool is used, the faster it will experience wear. High traffic, especially from kids and pets, can lead to faster surface degradation. Pools used for regular parties or events may also show wear sooner than those used more occasionally.
- Maintenance and Care: Proper care is essential to extending the lifespan of your pool’s finish. Regular cleaning, brushing, and removing debris from the surface can prevent staining and surface erosion. Avoid using harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning methods that could damage the surface.
- Pool Type and Surface Quality: The quality of the original finish and its application will also affect how long it lasts. Higher-quality materials, like premium pebble finishes, tend to last longer than lower-quality plaster or vinyl.
4. Signs It’s Time to Refinish Your Pool
Knowing when to refinish your pool is essential for keeping it in good condition. Here are a few signs that your pool might be ready for refinishing:
- Cracks and Chips: Small cracks or chips in the surface may not only look unsightly but can lead to bigger problems down the line, such as water leakage or algae buildup.
- Fading or Discoloration: If your pool’s surface is starting to fade or discolor despite regular cleaning, it could be a sign that the finish is wearing out.
- Staining: Persistent stains from algae or chemicals that won’t come off during regular cleaning may indicate that the pool’s surface is deteriorating.
- Rough or Pitted Surfaces: If your pool feels rough when you swim or the finish is pitted, it’s a sign that the surface has worn down and needs to be resurfaced to prevent injury or further damage.
- Leaks: If you notice your pool losing water more quickly than usual, it could be due to cracks in the surface or problems with the finish.
- Benefit: Identifying these signs early allows you to take action before the damage becomes more severe and expensive to repair.
5. How to Extend the Lifespan of Your Pool Finish
While refinishing is inevitable after a certain point, proper maintenance can significantly extend the life of your pool’s surface. Here are some tips to help maximize your pool’s lifespan:
- Regular Cleaning: Brush the pool walls regularly to remove debris and prevent algae buildup. Use a pool vacuum to keep the bottom clean.
- Chemical Balance: Ensure your pool water remains balanced by regularly testing and adjusting pH, chlorine, and alkalinity levels.
- Cover Your Pool: Use a pool cover to protect the surface during the off-season or when the pool is not in use.
- Use Pool-Friendly Products: Avoid harsh chemicals or abrasive cleaning products that can damage the surface.
- Benefit: By following these tips, you can delay the need for refinishing and keep your pool looking beautiful for years to come.
Keep Your Pool Beautiful and Long-Lasting with Regular Refinishing
Refinishing your pool at the right time is essential for maintaining its appearance, safety, and longevity. By understanding the typical lifespan of different pool surfaces, identifying when your pool needs refinishing, and following proper maintenance practices, you can ensure that your pool remains a beautiful and functional feature in your backyard for years to come.
If it’s time to refinish your pool or if you’re unsure about the condition of your pool surface, contact Better Pools & Spas today. Our expert team can help assess your pool and provide top-quality resurfacing services that will restore your pool to its best condition.
