Owning a swimming pool in South Florida is a dream come true. More than a powerful asset regarding property value, paired with the year-round warm weather, it allows for endless entertainment with your loved ones. Maintaining it in optimal conditions is part of enjoying the fun. However, sometimes your investment might need a little extra attention that regular pool maintenance can’t provide.
If your pool is calling for resurfacing, it’s important to weigh down all the options to make an informed decision on what would fit your situation best, especially when it comes to budgeting. DIYing it is tempting, and hiring a professional is safe, but in terms of costs–which is better? We’ll discuss it all in this blog post, basing it on the average cost to resurface a pool, so you can pick the one that benefits your wallet best.
Let’s dive in.
First Things First: What Is Pool Resurfacing?
We all wish for things to stay perfect forever. But time, weather, and usage are elements we simply can’t prevent from slowly damaging our belongings. And especially when it comes to outdoor recreation areas, despite the careful, constant maintenance we provide, over the years, they will need a little push to become striking again.
That’s what pool resurfacing is. It’s basically removing the old, worn-down surface material and applying a new one, restoring the pool’s structural integrity and aesthetic appeal. I can also be part of a pool remodeling project. The most common products for these projects are plaster, fiberglass, and pebbles. Of course, your choice of material will greatly influence the pool resurfacing cost and the durability of your investment. Below, we explain every factor to take into account for your resurfacing project.
DIY Pool Resurfacing: What To Expect
DIY renovations have taken the world by storm in the past years, mostly for the cost-effectiveness and the personal involvement you can have on the project to guarantee everything’s left the way you want it. But when it comes to pool resurfacing, is it true that you can save money by doing it all yourself? Here’s what you can expect about the costs, the pros, and cons:
Cost Breakdown
- Materials: As mentioned above, there are various pool resurfacing materials from which you can choose. However, each one of them has a specific cost. For example, basic plaster ranges from $1,000-$1,500 for an average-sized pool. While pebble and quartz begin from $3,000 to more. So, different materials mean different costs.
- Tools and Equipment: Renting or purchasing necessary tools like sandblasters, mixers, and trowels adds another $500-$1,000 to your total cost.
- Additional Supplies: Never forget about safety gear, cleaning supplies, and chemicals. These usually cost around $200-$300.
- Time Investment: Time is money. And it’s one of the pool resurfacing cost factors most don’t take into account. Remember that a DIY project takes several weeks to complete, depending on your skill level, availability, and weather conditions.
Pros And Cons
Pros
Affordability: Labor is the most significant factor in professional resurfacing. By doing it yourself, you save on labor fees and additional expenses that you simply don’t need to be satisfied with the end product.
Personal Satisfaction: Completing your pool resurfacing project yourself is not only rewarding, it guarantees you’ll be happy with the results.
Cons
Skill and Experience: Pool resurfacing is a complex task requiring specific skills. Mistakes can lead to additional costs or a shorter lifespan for the resurfaced pool.
Time-Consuming: The process is labor-intensive and can take a lot of time, especially for novices.
Quality Concerns: The quality of a DIY job might not match that of a professional finish, leading to more frequent repairs.
Professional Pool Resurfacing: What To Expect
It’s common to think hiring pool resurfacing companies is way too costly and offers little payoff. Which is why we understand lots of homeowners are hesitant to consider requesting the help of experts, but in most cases, this is a myth. It all depends on certain cost factors explained below, that actually offer more benefits than expected.
Cost Breakdown
- Labor: Professional labor is the most influential component in pool resurfacing cost, since it varies from $4,000 to $8,000, depending on the company, the pool’s size, and the materials.
- Materials: Companies often get products at a lower cost, due to bulk purchasing or previous deals with the manufacturers. You can expect to pay anything similar to the DIY costs or lower than that.
- Additional Services: Many professionals offer warranties and additional services like acid washing, crack repairs, and tile replacement, which can add to the overall cost but ensure a complete renovation.
Pros And Cons
Pros
Expertise: The reward of labor and material costs depends highly on expertise. Years of experience are an unmatched element that guarantees first-class finishes, boosting the lifespan of your investment.
Time: The DIY approach can be a great bonding experience with your family or friends, but while the help is welcome, it doesn’t necessarily mean it will prompt faster results. A crew of professionals completes the job in around a week or two.
Warranty and Support: Usually, the cost of pool resurfacing in Florida comes with comprehensive warranties. So you’re not only paying for a luxurious end-product but also the peace of mind of knowing there’s a team in your corner, ready to support you if issues arise in the future.
Cons
High Initial Cost: The upfront pool resurfacing prices can be significantly higher than the DIY approach.
Less Personal Involvement: If you enjoy hands-on projects, expert assistance might be less satisfying and rewarding, especially if the company doesn’t meet your expectations.
What To Consider: South Florida’s Unique Weather Conditions
Getting rained on for an important event is a nightmare. In your daily life, it ruins your plans. When it comes to renovation projects, it can not only affect the results, but your wallet as well. South Florida’s unique environment can present challenges during the pool resurfacing process, especially in terms of timing and materials.
Humidity and Temperature: High humidity levels slow down the curing process for resurfacing materials. Professionals have both the knowledge and tools to manage these conditions effectively.
Rain and Storms: “If you don’t like South Florida’s weather, wait five minutes” can be extremely true during outdoor remodeling projects. One second, it’s all sunshine and rainbows; the next, it’s pouring. During a DIY project, storms can pose the risk of water damage. An expert company can handle these weather-related challenges to minimize the consequences.
Making An Informed Decision: DIY Or Professional?
The choice between DIY and professional pool resurfacing boils down to the following:
Your budget: If your primary concern is budget, the professional pool resurfacing cost might influence you to pick the DIY route. Take into consideration the potential for mistakes and the amount of time you’re willing to invest.
Skill Level: Assess your handyman skills realistically. Pool resurfacing is not a typical DIY project and requires a high level of precision.
Time: Determine whether you can afford to spend several weekends on this project or if a quicker, professionally done job is more practical.
Quality: Consider the long-term benefits of a professionally resurfaced pool, including longevity and the potential for fewer pool repairs.
Bottom Line
The average cost to resurface a pool depends on various factors, including materials, labor, equipment, and additional expenses. While DIYing the project can save money upfront, the professional route provides other benefits, such as expertise, speed, and top-notch finishes. In the long run, these can prove to be more cost-effective than facing this challenge alone.
Superb Pools is the trustworthy partner you need to make your resurfacing project an affordable, outstanding experience.
We offer a wide range of options that accommodate to your budget, while guaranteeing grade-A results. Get in contact with one of our representatives to receive a free estimate of the final cost of your pool resurfacing today!