The national average for pool resurfacing costs around $11,000, with typical prices between $6,000 and $15,000. Prices can swing from $1,000 to $50,000 based on various factors.
Your pool’s type and finish play a major role in determining the final cost. Concrete pools need $6,000 to $15,000 for resurfacing, while fiberglass pools range from $7,000 to $15,000. Vinyl liner replacements offer a more budget-friendly option at $3,000 to $7,500. The finish you choose makes a big difference too – from basic epoxy paint starting at $1,500 to premium ecoFINISH coating that costs between $10,000 and $15,000.
This piece breaks down the actual pool resurfacing costs for 2025. We’ve analyzed key factors like size, material, labor rates, and your location. You should also plan for extra costs that come with the project. For example, draining and refilling your pool adds $40 to $2,000 to the total budget.
Pool Resurfacing Cost Calculator
Dive into your resurfacing project with our handy calculator! Knowing your numbers helps you plan your pool makeover.
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This estimate gives you a good starting point, but for an exact quote, you’ll want to consult with local pool contractors. Prices can vary based on specific conditions, materials availability, and local regulations.
DIY Savings Tips
- Consider doing some of the prep work yourself, like draining and cleaning
- Get multiple quotes from contractors to find the best value
- Schedule your resurfacing during the off-season when rates might be lower
- Skip fancy add-ons and focus on quality basics
- Look into more affordable material options that still offer durability
Average Pool Resurfacing Costs in 2025
“For most homeowners, resurfacing a 1,000-square-foot pool costs between $6,000 and $15,000. The national average is $11,000, with minimum prices starting around $1,500 and luxury resurfacing projects going beyond $30,000.” โ Urban Complex GC, Professional Pool Construction and Renovation Company
Pool resurfacing costs in 2025 show consistent ranges across the country. Your pool’s size, type, and finishing materials determine the final price.
Average Pool Resurfacing Costs in 2025
National average and cost range
Swimming pool resurfacing costs range from $6,000 to $15,000 for most homeowners as of April 2025. A standard 1,000-square-foot pool costs $11,000 on average. Simple resurfacing projects start at $1,000, while premium materials and extensive renovations can reach $50,000.
Here’s what most pool owners should expect to pay:
Cost Type | Price Range |
---|---|
National Average | $11,000 |
Typical Range | $6,000โ$15,000 |
Minimum | $1,500 |
Maximum | $50,000 |
These figures cover only the resurfacing work. You’ll need to factor in extra costs like draining, refilling, or upgrading other pool components.
Cost per square foot breakdown
Pool resurfacing starts at $6.44 to $7.68 per square foot as of April 2025. Your pool’s size and chosen finish affect this rate.
Pool size affects the total cost:
- Small pools (8′ ร 12′): approximately $624
- Medium pools (12′ ร 20′): around $1,560
- Large pools (20′ ร 40′): about $5,200
Different finish types come with varying costs per square foot:
- Paint: $1.00โ$2.00 per square foot ($1,000โ$2,000 total for 1,000 sq ft)
- Plaster/marcite: $6.00โ$8.00 per square foot ($6,000โ$8,000 total)
- Quartz plaster: $7.00โ$10.00 per square foot ($7,000โ$10,000 total)
- Combined finishes: $6.00โ$15.00 per square foot ($6,000โ$15,000 total)
- Pebble: $7.00โ$15.00 per square foot ($7,000โ$15,000 total)
- Tile: $8.00โ$30.00+ per square foot ($8,000โ$30,000+ total)
What affects the price the most?
Your pool resurfacing project’s final cost depends on several factors:
Labor costs make up about 45% of the total expense. Professional companies charge $45 to $65 per hour. High-demand areas or complex projects can see rates up to $110 per hour.
Materials take up 55% of your budget. The prices vary based on quality and durability. Plaster finishes cost about $4 per square foot and last around 10 years. Premium pebble finishes cost about $10 per square foot but last over 20 years.
Different pool types have varying resurfacing costs:
- Concrete/gunite: $6,000โ$15,000
- Fiberglass: $7,000โ$15,000
- Vinyl-lined: $1,400โ$4,800
Your existing surface’s condition determines the labor hours and prep work needed. Pools with cracks, peeling plaster, or stains need extra repairs before resurfacing, which adds to time and cost.
Customization options like tinted plaster, decorative tile inserts, or specialty finishes can increase your investment. These options add unique visual appeal to your pool.
Key Factors That Influence Pool Resurfacing Cost
You need to know what affects pool resurfacing costs to plan your budget well. Four main factors determine the price you’ll pay to restore your pool’s beauty.
Labor rates by region
Labor makes up much of your pool resurfacing budget – about 50-70% of the total project cost. A $10,000 resurfacing job means $5,000 to $7,000 goes to labor costs alone.
Professional contractors charge $45 to $65 per hour for standard pool resurfacing work. Rates can reach $110 per hour in areas with high demand. These prices change based on:
Location Type | Typical Labor Rate Range |
---|---|
Urban Areas | $65-$110 per hour |
Suburban | $50-$75 per hour |
Rural Areas | $45-$65 per hour |
Your location has a huge impact on labor costs. You might pay premium rates in areas where pools are common, both for skilled labor and materials. Urban areas usually cost more than suburban or rural locations.
Pool size and shape
Your pool’s dimensions are one of the biggest factors that determine resurfacing costs. Bigger pools need more materials and take longer to finish, which increases your total cost.
The numbers tell the story clearly. A small 6-by-8-foot pool costs around $313 to resurface. A large 20-by-40-foot pool jumps to $5,200. This big difference comes from extra materials and more work hours.
Your pool’s design complexity is a vital part of pricing. Custom pools with unique shapes cost 20-30% more to resurface than regular rectangular or oval designs of the same size. These features add complexity:
- Curved or kidney-shaped designs
- Integrated spas or hot tubs
- Built-in waterfalls or water features
- Swim-outs and tanning ledges
Small pools with simple designs usually cost less.
Material and finish type
The finish you choose affects both your upfront cost and long-term value. In stark comparison to this, many homeowners think the cheapest option saves money over time.
Budget-friendly options like paint or simple plaster cost less upfront but don’t last as long. Standard plaster finishes cost about $4 per square foot and last around 10 years. Premium pebble finishes cost near $10 per square foot but can last over 20 years.
Each finish type offers different value for money:
- Paint finishes: Lowest upfront cost but need frequent reapplication
- Plaster: Mid-range cost, lasts 7-10 years
- Aggregate and pebble: Higher upfront cost but lasts longer
- Tile: Highest initial cost but extremely durable with little maintenance
Accessibility and location of the pool
Pool accessibility can really affect your resurfacing costs. Hard-to-reach pools often cost more in labor charges.
These factors affect accessibility:
- Distance from street/driveway to pool
- Narrow gates or passages that limit equipment access
- Landscaping obstacles that need special handling
- Elevation changes that require extra equipment
Your location also affects project costs. Labor and material prices vary widely between regions. Urban and coastal areas usually charge more because of higher living costs and more demand for pool services.
Pools in hard-to-reach areas might need special equipment like plaster pumps or extra workers to remove debris, which adds to your costs.
Cost Breakdown by Pool Type
Your pool’s type plays a big role in resurfacing costs. Each pool material needs specific finishes and techniques that affect your final bill by a lot.
Concrete or gunite pools
Resurfacing concrete pools costs $6,000 to $15,000, based on size and finish choice. The original plaster coating on most concrete pools breaks down and flakes over time. This means you’ll need regular updates.
Your choice of finish changes the price drastically:
- Paint: $1.00-$2.00 per square foot (most affordable)
- Plaster: $5.00-$6.00 per square foot (moderate durability)
- Combined finish: $5.00-$7.00 per square foot (lasts longer)
- Pebble: $8,000-$10,000 total (most popular choice)
- Tile: $4.00-$30.00 per square foot (costs most but lasts longest)
Concrete pools need new surfaces every 10-15 years. The waterline tile usually needs replacement at the same time, which brings total costs to $10,000-$20,000.
Fiberglass pools
A fiberglass pool resurfacing project runs $7,000 to $15,000 on average. Well-maintained quality fiberglass pools can last decades before needing new surfaces.
These resurfacing options work best with fiberglass:
- Epoxy paint: $2,500-$3,000 (basic option, lasts ~5 years)
- ecoFINISH coating: $10,000-$13,000 (medium-sized pool)
- Thermoplastic coating: $16,000-$26,000 (full renovation)
The tough gelcoat on fiberglass pools wears down from chemicals and UV light over time. Pool owners now prefer ecoFINISH and other thermoplastic polymer coatings. These materials resist chemicals and let you refill the pool right after application.
Vinyl liner pools
Vinyl pools work differently than concrete or fiberglass ones. They need liner replacement instead of resurfacing. An inground pool liner replacement costs $3,000 to $7,500, depending on size and thickness.
Vinyl liner replacement costs less upfront than other options. Prices range from $1,000 to $3,500 per 1,000 square feet. Most projects cost about $4,500.
Vinyl liners need replacement every 5-9 years with good maintenance. You’ll know it’s time to replace when you see:
- Leaks in the pool
- Dry and brittle liner
- Too many patches
- Holes bigger than six inches
Small fixes cost $100 to $500 just for materials. A full replacement often saves money in the long run.
Cost Comparison by Finish Type
“Over time, even the best-maintained swimming pools begin to show signs of aging. The surface starts to fade, cracks appear, and the once-smooth texture becomes rough and uncomfortable. When that happens, resurfacing your pool is no longer a luxury but a necessary investment.” โ Urban Complex GC, Professional Pool Construction and Renovation Company
Your pool resurfacing choice impacts both immediate costs and long-term maintenance expenses. Different finishes give you unique looks, lasting power, and price points to think over.
Paint (epoxy, rubberized)
Pool paint stands out as your most affordable option at $1.00 to $2.00 per square foot. A standard 1,000-square-foot pool costs around $1,000 to $2,000. This budget-friendly choice means you’ll need to repaint every 2-5 years.
Epoxy paint lasts longer than other paints – up to 7 years with good maintenance. A smaller pool (12ร24) needs about 8 gallons of epoxy paint. Materials alone cost roughly $1,000. Professional application adds $500 to your bill, so you’re looking at $1,500 minimum.
Chlorinated rubber paint handles both fresh and saltwater pools well. Many states don’t allow its use because of VOC rules.
Plaster and quartz
Traditional white plaster (marcite) runs between $6.00 and $8.00 per square foot. You can expect it to last 7-12 years if you take care of it properly.
Quartz plaster looks better and lasts longer, costing $7.00 to $10.00 per square foot[231]. These finishes blend colored quartz aggregate with polymer-modified cement. Your pool surface can last 10-15 years – longer than standard plaster.
Aggregate and pebble
Aggregate finishes cost $6.00 to $15.00 per square foot based on type[231]. They mix materials like quartz, stones, or glass beads into cement-based plaster.
People love pebble finishes for their natural look. They cost $7.00 to $15.00 per square foot[231]. This is a big deal as it means that pebble surfaces last 15-20+ years. The longer lifespan makes up for the higher upfront cost.
Tile and ecoFINISH
Tile gives you the premium option at $8.00 to $30.00+ per square foot. It costs more upfront but lasts beyond 20 years. Porcelain tiles start at $1.60 per square foot. Glass tiles begin around $7.00 and can run up to $50.00 per square foot.
EcoFINISH, a thermoplastic polymer coating, runs $10.00 to $15.00 per square foot. This modern finish works great on fiberglass and concrete pools. Smaller and medium-sized pools typically cost $10,000 to $13,000 to coat. You can fill your pool right after application – no waiting needed.
Additional Costs You Should Plan For
Your pool renovation budget needs to account for more than just resurfacing costs. These extra expenses can substantially affect your total budget, so you should plan ahead to avoid surprises during the project.
Draining and refilling the pool
You’ll need to empty your pool before starting any resurfacing work. Professional pool draining services cost $70 to $150, while refilling adds $60 to $120 for a standard 15,000-30,000 gallon pool. The new water will need $15 to $50 worth of chemicals to achieve proper balance.
Pool experts suggest draining and refilling your pool every 3-5 years, whatever your resurfacing plans. This helps prevent total dissolved solids from building up and making water chemistry harder to maintain.
Repairs before resurfacing
The pool structure needs repairs before new finishes can be applied. Here are common fixes needed:
- Fixing cracks in the pool shell
- Repairing damaged plumbing
- Fixing leaks ($10 to $3,500 based on severity)
- Replacing deteriorated waterline tiles ($20 to $30 per tile)
Add-ons like lighting, decking, and heaters
Resurfacing gives you a perfect chance to upgrade other pool components:
- Lighting: New LED pool lights cost $350 to $600 per fixture, plus electrician fees of $50 to $130 per hour
- Decking: Pool deck renovations cost $2,000 to $15,000+ based on materials and size
- Heaters: Pool heater installation runs $1,600 to $5,200, with monthly operating costs of $100 to $500
Many homeowners combine these upgrades during resurfacing to save time and possibly reduce labor costs.
Ongoing maintenance costs
Your annual pool maintenance budget stays important after resurfacing. Here’s what you typically spend:
Maintenance Item | Average Annual Cost |
---|---|
Regular maintenance | $960 to $1,800 |
Professional cleaning | $80 to $150 monthly |
Equipment repairs | $250 to $1,200 |
Electricity for pumps | Up to $300 |
Of course, maintenance needs vary by pool type. Fiberglass pools cost less to maintain ($300 to $550 yearly) than concrete pools ($450 to $1,200 annually).
These additional costs should factor into your total budget to understand what your pool resurfacing project will really cost in 2025.
Conclusion
Pool resurfacing costs can vary a lot based on several important factors, and it’s a big investment for homeowners. You should expect to pay between $6,000 and $15,000, based on your pool’s type, size, and finish material. Concrete pools need $6,000 to $15,000 to resurface, while fiberglass pools cost between $7,000 to $15,000. Vinyl liner replacements are the most budget-friendly option at $3,000 to $7,500.
Your choice of materials affects both immediate costs and value over time. Premium finishes like pebble and tile cost more upfront but last longer and need less maintenance. Homeowners watching their budget might think over simple plaster or paint options, though these need more frequent touch-ups.
The budget should include extra costs too. Your pool’s draining and refilling can add $40 to $2,000, and older pools often need repairs before new surfaces go on. Many people use this chance to upgrade their pool’s lighting, decking, or heating systems while the water is out.
Your location plays a big role in the final cost. Labor rates differ across regions, and urban and coastal areas usually charge more. The pool’s accessibility affects the price too, especially when equipment is hard to bring in.
It’s smart to get multiple quotes from trusted companies before picking a contractor. Ask detailed questions about materials, warranties, and how long they last to make the right choice. This piece gives you the knowledge to start your pool resurfacing project with confidence and realistic budget expectations for 2025.