How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost in 2025?

Most homeowners in the U.S. typically pay $6,500 per 1,000 square feet (or $6.50 per square foot) to resurface a pool.

Most homeowners in the U.S. typically pay $6,500 per 1,000 square feet (or $6.50 per square foot) to resurface a pool. Depending on your pool’s size, type, and surface finish, typical resurfacing costs can range between $1.50 and $63 per square foot. A small-scale project on an above-ground pool could cost as little as $1.30 per square foot. A high-end resurfacing project on a large concrete in-ground pool could cost up to $100 per square foot

Pool resurfacing is an essential task that will maintain your pool’s usability, cleanliness, and visual aesthetic. Several factors can affect how much you spend on getting your pool resurfaced, with the size and surface finish among them.

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Average Costs of Pool Resurfacing

National Average$6,500
Typical Range$1,500 – $63,000
Extreme Low-End$1,300
Extreme High-End$100,000

The typical price range for pool resurfacing is approximately $1,500 to $63,000 per 1,000 square feet, with an average cost of $6,500. Resurfacing above-ground pools generally costs less than resurfacing in-ground swimming pools, letting you spend closer to the low-end amount of $1,300. A large concrete/gunite pool with a unique design and shape could cost up to $100,000 to resurface 1,000 square feet, with other factors possibly contributing to this vast increase in price. 

Just like any other type of service, the pool size is an essential factor that determines the total cost of resurfacing. In addition to size, this pricing guide will take a closer look at the important factors and costs associated with getting your swimming pool resurfaced. 

Cost Estimator by Size

With the average cost of $6.50 per square foot, large pools will have a higher resurfacing cost than smaller ones. As mentioned above, a medium-sized in-ground pool could have a higher resurfacing cost than a large above-ground pool, also depending on the surface material and shape. 

Generally speaking, resurfacing large pools with unique shapes may cost higher than the national average. Small pools with a basic design could bring the cost of resurfacing closer to the low-end. But what other factors can play a role in raising or lowering the price of pool resurfacing? The following sections will take you through some of the most important ones. 

Other Factors That Affect Cost

A rectangle pool with an attached hot tub in the corner.
Photo Credit: stevecoleimages / Canva Pro / License

Pool owners can choose between several types of surface finishes, including epoxy paint and plaster. Total cost of resurfacing will also vary depending on the type of pool.  

Overall, besides the pool size, several factors can affect the cost of pool resurfacing:

Surface Finish

When resurfacing a pool, there are four main surface finishes to choose from. Each has a different average cost, listed in the table below from the lowest to highest. 

Surface FinishAverage Cost Per Square Foot
Epoxy Paint$1.50 
Plaster$4.00 
Aggregate$4.95 
Tile$2.00 – $25.00 

Epoxy Paint

In general, paint is the most affordable option for pool owners on a tight budget. Despite the wide variety of colors available, paints for pool systems do not last long and require constant repainting. 

With epoxy paint, you can get the best of both worlds. It is more durable than other pool paints and costs less than tile, plaster, and aggregate. Epoxy pool finish will cost you approximately $1.50 per square foot, and can be applied to both fiberglass and concrete pools. 

Plaster

Pool plaster may last longer than paint, but will still require more maintenance than tile or aggregate finishes. With an average cost of $4 per square foot, it is still a rather affordable option that comes in various colors.  

A downside to this type of finish is its vulnerability to stains and algae. To maintain pool plaster, an acid wash needs to be performed every 3 to 5 years. 

Aggregate

This type of finish will cost you higher than plaster and paint, and it can be exposed or polished. The average cost is $4.95 per square foot. Polished aggregate pools are generally more expensive than exposed. 

Tile

Tile is the most expensive type of pool surface finish. It is highly durable and can last up to 10 years, allowing some pool owners to think twice and paying that extra cost. In terms of shape, size, and color, pool tile is very customizable compared to other finishes. 

The cost of this surface finish typically ranges from $2 to $25 per square foot, but can reach as high as $100 per square foot for some tile types. The table below shows the different types of tile, with mosaic being the most expensive. 

Pool Type

Pool resurfacing cost will vary depending on the type of pool installed on your property. Vinyl pools are somewhat of an exception when it comes to resurfacing, mainly because they require liner replacement instead. However, resurfacing does apply to fiberglass and concrete pools, each with different resurfacing options and costs. 

Vinyl-liner Pool

As mentioned above, vinyl pools require liner replacement instead of resurfacing. Replacing a vinyl pool liner costs between $2,250 and $4,535. To repair minor leaks or holes, you can make it a DIY project and purchase a vinyl pool liner repair kit from retail stores such as Walmart. 

Fiberglass Pool

On average, the cost of resurfacing a fiberglass pool is about $7,250. Costs may increase depending on the type of surface finish applied. 

Fortunately for pool owners, fiberglass pools do not require as much care as vinyl pools, and may rarely need resurfacing if properly maintained. But if severely damaged, resurfacing will be required with tile, epoxy paint, or other finishing. 

Concrete Pool

The average cost of resurfacing a concrete/gunite pool is $7,833 per 1,000 square feet, depending on the size and surface finish material. 

There is one downside to resurfacing this type of pool. If the concrete pool’s pre-installed plaster is damaged, you might need to get it repaired before resurfacing. This extra service will cost you more. Despite that, any one of the surface finishes can be applied on concrete pools, including tile and paint. 

Pool Draining and Refilling

When professional pool cleaners need to resurface your pool, they will need to drain it first. The average cost of draining a pool is about $149. Once the entire process is complete, they will fill the pool water back to the appropriate level. 

For 15,000 to 30,000 gallons, a water delivery service will cost between $525 and $1,800 on average. 

Pool Cleaning and Repairs

For a pool maintenance project such as resurfacing, cleanup professionals will need to clean the pool before getting to the main task. In some cases, they might even need to do some quick repairs before resurfacing. The amount of time and equipment needed to complete the repairs will affect the additional cost. 

The table shows the typical price ranges of pool services that could increase the total cost of resurfacing. 

Pool ServiceTypical Price Range
One-time Cleaning$137 – $333
Repairs$147 – $888
Monthly Pro Maintenance$80 – $183

Labor Cost

Some surface finishes require more work than others, increasing the amount of labor and overall cost of getting your pool resurfaced. On average, the cost of labor for this type of work is between $50 and $77 per hour

Related Services

As long as pool pros are on your property resurfacing your pool, you might want to consider additional services to upgrade your swimming pool and spruce up your backyard. 

Pool Add-ons

Such services will add more costs to your bill, but can prove to be a worthwhile investment. 

For instance, fencing around your pool can secure the pool area and give you privacy. A pool heater can extend the swimming season and help you enjoy the warm waters on chilly nights.

The table below shows a list of related pool services along with their costs. 

Extra ServicesTypical Price Range
Diving Board$366 – $5,000
Pool Slides$883 – $16,000
Pool Deck$3,600 – $15,733
Pool Fencing$1,700 – $8,133
Pool Heater$1,718 – $4,426
Pool House$100 – $600 per square foot

Landscaping 

With a fully restored pool, it’s a good idea to get some landscaping work done in your backyard. Besides, a lifeless backyard with no furniture or plants could lower your swimming pool’s visual appeal. 

Some of these services are included in the table below, including flower bed and gazebo installation. 

Landscaping ProjectsTypical Price Range
Pathway Installation$8 – $22 per square foot
Retaining Wall Installation$4,025 – $8,711
Gazebo Installation$5,364 – $9,027
Flower Bed Planting$650 – $3,000
Tree and Bush Planting$25 – $3,000

Switching Vinyl to Fiberglass

Most homeowners pay about $57,500 on average to switch from a vinyl pool to a fiberglass pool shell. Such a project may appeal to homeowners for several reasons:

  • Fiberglass pools require less maintenance
  • They are much more durable
  • Look more aesthetically pleasing
  • They’re easy to install
  • Algae-resistant

Pool Maintenance

Maintaining your pool’s sanitation, equipment, and water chemistry requires time and energy. Instead of sweating over your pool, sign up with a local pool service company to do the job for you. The average annual cost of professional pool maintenance is between $2,000 and $4,035

Pro Cost vs. DIY Cost 

A pool resurfacing project is not considered a DIY project. Resurfacing a swimming pool with any type of finish is a detail-oriented task best performed by professionals. Draining the in-ground pool yourself could void its warranty, while misusing chemicals required for resurfacing may cause you harm. 

For an efficient project with minimal damage to your property, hire a local professional to get the resurfacing job done. 

Cost of Pool Resurfacing Across the U.S. 

In this pricing guide, all costs associated with pool resurfacing are national averages. The labor and material costs will vary depending on where you live. Generally, these types of pool services cost more in urban areas than in suburbs or rural areas. 

FAQ About Pool Resurfacing

What are some signs that your pool needs resurfacing? 

It is hard to set a precise date of when a pool needs resurfacing. However, there are some clear signs that it’s time to hire a professional pool company to get it done:

● Surface stains appear
● Pool floor/surface feels rough
● Structural cracks
● Discoloration of tiles
● Pool paint is chipping
● Rust stains

When is the best time to resurface a pool? 

Whether it’s resurfacing or any type of pool maintenance, it is best to get the work done in fall or spring. With the exception of indoor pools, pool owners will rarely go for a swim between the months of October and April, allowing them to complete the necessary tasks before summer arrives. 

Can you pressure wash a plaster pool? 

Swimming pools constructed of concrete, plaster, and exposed aggregate can withstand pressure washing. As for vinyl and fiberglass pools, pressure washing is not an option. Cleaning these two types of pools can be done using non-abrasive methods. 

When to Call a Pool Pro

If your swimming pool was installed several years ago, odds are it will need to be resurfaced sooner rather than later. With prices ranging from $1,500 to $63,000 per 1,000 square feet, pool resurfacing costs will vary depending on all the factors listed in this article. 

Resurfacing a pool requires the skills of a professional team, and making it a DIY project may cause you to harm yourself or damage your pool system. 

To set started on your pool resurfacing project, find a local pool company to get an estimate and get the work underway. It will feel great to swim in your resurfaced pool.

Main Image Credit: Decorative Concrete Kingdom / Flickr / CC BY 2.0

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Jeffery Keusseyan

Jeffery Keusseyan is a writer with a knack for research and handiperson skills. He enjoys writing about home improvement projects and efficient ways to maintain your home exterior.