Summer’s almost here, and you’re pulling the cover off your fiberglass pool. But what’s this? You notice cracks and faded colors, and the surface is rougher than usual. It may be time for fiberglass pool resurfacing.
Does this situation sound familiar? If so, we’ve been there before, and we can help you out.
Backyard pools need regular maintenance, and if you notice your fiberglass pool looking a little rough around the edges, it might be time for fiberglass pool resurfacing.
Wondering what’s involved with it and how it can benefit you? Then, you’ll want to keep reading.
In this article, we’ll discuss the basics behind fiberglass pool resurfacing, including:
- What fiberglass pool resurfacing is
- Why fiberglass pools need resurfacing
- When to get a fiberglass pool resurfaced
- Factors that affect the need for fiberglass pool resurfacing
- Two classic options for pool resurfacing
- How often to conduct resurfacing
- Where to find reliable and comprehensive pool resurfacing in Middle Tennessee
What does it mean to resurface a fiberglass pool?
“What exactly is fiberglass pool resurfacing?” you might be wondering. Consider a resurface job like a makeover for your pool. Fiberglass pool resurfacing includes three important processes:
- Restoring the gel coat on the pool to improve its appearance and sturdiness
- Fixing minor cracks, blisters, and rough spots before they necessitate major repairs.
- Taking steps to help extend the longevity of your pool, sometimes by up to 30 years.
Fiberglass pool resurfacing involves giving your pool a brand-new skin. Over time, the gel coat wears down due to UV exposure, water chemicals, and day-to-day use, so pools must undergo resurfacing.
Why do fiberglass pools need resurfacing?
Fiberglass pools need maintenance for the following reasons:
- Chemicals, sun, and general use eventually take a toll on the pool. Resurfacing helps restore the durability and original luster of the pool.
- Cracks, chips, and bubbles can appear on the surface of the pool. If left untreated, these small abrasions can affect the quality of the pool over time.
- If not addressed, damage can become so severe that installing a new pool might be more cost-effective than resurfacing a pool.
In other words, allowing a pool to go unchecked for resurfacing may lead to larger cracks and damage to the structure and foundation of the pool. Forgoing repairs and resurfacing means you may shell out more money to fix the structures and equipment of your pool.
That’s why understanding the key indicators of when your pool needs resurfacing is key to ensuring a more functional, long-lasting pool.
When does a fiberglass inground pool need to be resurfaced?
As a general rule of thumb, fiberglass pools need to be resurfaced and maintained often. If you notice any of the following signs and situations, your pool will need to be resurfaced:
- Leaks, cracks, or blisters around your pool
- Chalking or discoloration around the pool
- Waterline stains that won’t scrub off
- Rough or peeling gel coat
If the pool hasn’t been cleaned or the water chemistry hasn’t been balanced, both can also cause the above-mentioned signs and situations.
Factors that affect fiberglass pool resurfacing (and its costs)
If you do decide to resurface your pool, when resurfacing your pool, the following factors can affect the scale and cost of the resurfacing job:
- The pool size and depth: In general, smaller residential pools tend to cost less than larger pools.
- Condition of the existing surface: Notice minor wear and fading? You can likely get away with doing a simple gel coat refresh. Nevertheless, if you notice cracks, water leaks, or blisters, you’ll need to repair the foundation of the pool before resurfacing it.
- Resurfacing materials: Depending on the type of materials selected, you’ll pay more for your resurface job. In general, two types of resurfacing materials are used: gel coat and full fiberglass layer replacements. Gel coat tends to be more affordable than fiberglass layer replacements, but layer replacements last longer.
- Contracting out a pool specialist versus doing the job yourself: If you decide to do pool maintenance and resurfacing yourself, you can probably complete the job at a lower rate. But, the likelihood of making a mistake increases when you opt to do it yourself. Mistakes can lead to expensive repairs later down the road. Opting for a professional ensures a flawless finish the first time around and a decreased risk for breakdowns.
In other words, you’ll have options for how you refinish your pool. Let’s take a look at a couple of the most common options for resurfacing inground pools, so you can get back in the water pronto.
Options for pool resurfacing
When the time comes to resurface a fiberglass pool, you’ll generally have two different options:
- Do-it-yourself fiberglass pool resurfacing
- Professional fiberglass pool resurfacing
Do-it-yourself fiberglass pool resurfacing
Do-it-yourself fiberglass pool resurfacing tends to cost between $1,500 and $4,000. With that being said, do-it-yourself resurfaces can be somewhat risky for the following reasons:
- Incorrect gel coat applications can lead to bubbles, peeling on the surface, and even premature wear and tear, which can result in a failed resurface.
- Improper resurfacing can also cause fractures, leaks, and major structural issues in the pool.
- Do-it-yourself projects take longer and require that you buy tools that can set you back, money-wise.
Professional fiberglass pool resurfacing
On the contrary, professional resurfacing jobs can guarantee consistent, long-lasting results. Most professional resurfaces cost anywhere from $5,000 to $15,000.
Professional fiberglass pool resurfacing jobs tend to be less risky because they provide the following:
- Guaranteed results from professionals with years of experience under their belts
- Top-quality materials that stand the test of time and Mother Nature
- A complete repair job that won’t result in premature wear and tear
In other words, hiring a team that specializes in the construction and maintenance of fiberglass pools is a sure-fire way to ensure a quality pool resurface job.
How often should fiberglass pool resurfacing be done?
The great news is that you won’t need to do a fiberglass pool resurface often. After you’ve determined whether you want to go the DIY or professional-hire route, a fiberglass pool surface usually needs resurfacing every 15-30 years.
In other words, you’ll likely only need to resurface your pool once or twice in your lifetime. With that being said, choosing the right option for your needs is crucial for maintaining a long-lasting, dependable fiberglass pool.
Did you know?
Did you know that the material used to resurface fiberglass pools is called gelcoat? Gelcoat is witnessing an explosion of growth, according to a Spherical Insights 2025 report.
As a result, you couldn’t have picked a better time to resurface your fiberglass pool, as you’ll have plenty of pool maintenance providers to choose from for your next pool maintenance and resurfacing job.
Even though pool season is winding down, now is the perfect time to dive into a pool project.💧 Resurface your pool this fall, and you’ll be splashing by the first warm days of spring.
Ready to get started on a new resurface job? Contact us today!
Get complete fiberglass pool resurfacing in Middle Tennessee
If you live in Middle Tennessee, and you notice that your fiberglass pool is looking a little shabby, you might want to invest in pool resurfacing. A pool resurfacing job can save you thousands of dollars that would have otherwise been spent on buying a new pool.
Plus, your resurface job can last anywhere from 15-30 years, saving you money in the long run and affording you endless opportunities for water fun.
To inquire about pool resurfacing on your backyard fiberglass pool with Middle Tennessee’s most capable pool construction team, don’t hesitate to reach out to us. We’re happy to help!
