How to Resurface Swimming Pools

After about 15 to 20 years, most swimming pools will be in need of repairs. This is an ideal time to have your pool area resurfaced as well. When the pool is drained and repairs are done, choose a decorative surface for the interior of the pool and the surrounding deck. There are many different stylish, decorative surfaces you can choose to suit your personal tastes. In the southwest, for example, red and pink rock pools are popular because they blend in with the surrounding environment.

Difficulty: Moderate

Instructions

Things You'll Need:

• Licensed contractor
• Pool patch
• Putty knife
• Grinder

Prepare for Pool Resurfacing

1. Contact a local licensed swimming pool contractor to get an estimate for your pool resurfacing project. In the industry, resurfacing is viewed as strictly a cosmetic procedure. Resurfacing simply means putting a new face on your pool. Before you can resurface your pool, however, repairs may need to be done or else your resurfacing will have to be stripped off and reapplied again.

2. Drain your pool of water. No repairs or resurfacing can begin until the water is drained and all surfaces are totally dry.

3. Locate any cracks in your pool and repair them before you resurface.

Repair Cracks Before Resurfacing

4. Buy a diamond blade grinder at your local home improvement store. Cut about 1 inch over at each end of crack and about half an inch deep.

5. Clear out all the loose particles from around the cut. Make sure it's dry before you proceed.

6. Caulk the crack. Do not fill the crack completely as you will need to plaster the surface and you want a completely flat surface when you're finished.

7. Use pool patch and hydraulic cement mixed with sand and water to create your patch. Follow the directions on the pool patch exactly and mix until it is loose but firm. Something like the texture of oatmeal is ideal.

8. Apply your pool patch with a putty knife. Completely fill in the gap not filled by the caulk so that no air is left inside.

9. Keep the plaster repair area moist until you refill your pool. You do not want to let the patch dry completely.

Tips & Warnings

• While it is possible to resurface swimming pools yourself with just a little help, you should seriously consider hiring a licensed pool contractor to do the work for you. If the work is not done precisely, you'll simply end up wasting time and money.