A worn or damaged concrete pool surface is more than an eyesore—it's a safety hazard and a money drain. Choosing the right contractor to resurface it can mean the difference between a job that lasts 15 years and one that fails in five. Here's how to find and vet someone who'll do it right.
Know What You're Actually Getting
Concrete pool resurfacing isn't one-size-fits-all. The most common options are plaster (the cheapest at $3,000–$8,000 for a standard residential pool), aggregate finishes like pebble or quartz ($6,000–$15,000), and tile ($10,000–$25,000+). Each has different durability, maintenance needs, and aesthetic appeal. Before you call contractors, decide which finish makes sense for your budget and how long you plan to keep the pool. This clarity prevents wasting time on quotes for services you don't want.
Verify Licensing and Insurance
Any contractor who blinks when you ask for their license number should be crossed off your list immediately. Pool resurfacing involves structural work and chemical handling—this isn't DIY territory. Ask for their state license, proof of general liability insurance (minimum $1 million), and workers' compensation coverage. Call the licensing board to confirm the license is active and check for complaints. If they're bonded, even better. Legitimate contractors expect these questions and have answers ready.
Check References Specific to Pool Work
A contractor who rebuilt three decks last year might not know concrete pool finishing. Ask specifically for references from residential pool resurfacing projects completed in the last two to three years. Call at least three of them. Ask not just "Were you happy?" but concrete questions: Did they stay on schedule? How has the finish held up? Any chipping, discoloration, or algae issues? Did they properly drain and prep the pool? What unexpected problems came up, and how did they handle them? A contractor who's done 50 kitchen remodels but only two pools is riskier than one with a focused track record.
Get Multiple Written Quotes
Never rely on a phone estimate. You need three to five detailed written quotes that specify the following:
- Finish type and material brand (plaster, quartz aggregate, tile brand, etc.)
- Pool surface square footage (and how they calculated it)
- Prep work included (draining, pressure washing, crack repair, chemical treatment)
- Timeline (start date, expected completion, weather contingencies)
- Warranty (labor warranty and material warranty lengths—plaster typically 3–5 years, pebble 10–15 years)
- Payment schedule (deposit amount, milestone payments, final payment terms)
Quotes typically range 15–25% depending on finish and location, so if one bid is suspiciously low, that's a red flag for corner-cutting or miscalculation.
Ask About Their Draining and Prep Process
The quality of resurfacing depends almost entirely on surface prep. A sloppy contractor will drain the pool one day and start applying finish the next—a recipe for failure. Ask how long they let the pool dry (typically 48–72 hours minimum), what cleaning methods they use (pressure washing, acid washing, or both), and how they handle existing cracks and weak spots. The best contractors pressure-wash first, acid-wash second, and visually inspect for structural issues before quoting. Skipping acid washing is a common shortcut that leads to premature coating failure.
Confirm Timeline and Communication Plan
Most residential pools take 7–14 days from drain to completion, though weather delays are common. Confirm whether their timeline includes curing time (typically 5–7 days before refilling) and whether they handle refilling or leave that to you. Establish how you'll communicate during the project—who's your main point of contact, how often will you get updates, and what's the process if something unexpected happens. A contractor who avoids committing to these details is signaling disorganization.
Watch for Red Flags
Avoid anyone who demands full payment upfront, can't provide insurance certificates, won't give references, or guarantees results that sound too good to be true. Also skip contractors who dismiss your questions or pressure you to decide immediately.
Mercoly makes comparing trusted pool service contractors easier—you can find vetted resurfacing specialists in your area, review their qualifications, and see what others have paid for similar work.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How often does a concrete pool need resurfacing? A: Plaster typically lasts 5–10 years, while aggregate and tile finishes can last 10–15 years or longer, depending on water chemistry, maintenance, and sun exposure.
Q: Can I resurface my pool myself? A: Not realistically—concrete pool finishing requires proper equipment, chemical knowledge, and technique to avoid bubbling, cracking, or discoloration; hire a professional.
Q: Should I replace the pool equipment (pump, filter) during resurfacing? A: It's not required, but resurfacing is a logical time to upgrade aging equipment since your pool will be drained; discuss options with your contractor beforehand.
Find and compare qualified pool resurfacing contractors in your area today.