Swimming Pool Resurfacing: The Smartest Material Choices

Tired of looking at those dingy tiles in your inground pool? Do growing cracks in your pebbles and plaster make you worry about your pool’s stability? It’s time to consider swimming pool resurfacing.

Resurfacing your swimming pool with premium materials updates its visual appeal. It also provides durable surfaces that add longevity and structural integrity. 

We asked our outdoor living designers and pool refinishing experts for insights into selecting the best resurfacing materials for your inground pool. We’ll cover our 5 top picks, their pros, cons and best use cases. Then, we’ll tell you about 4 materials that didn’t pass our test. 

• Will your refinished pool pass the DIVES test? Durability, installation, value, elegance and safety are the 5 most important elements of any pool renovation project.
• 5 premium pool materials make the grade. Glass tile, blue quartz plaster, porcelain tile, pebble finishes and classic white marcite plaster are materials we use and trust.
• Some materials didn’t quite make the grade. Acrylic paint and epoxy peel and blister in pool chemicals. Standard plaster doesn’t stand up to premium, reinforced options. Vinyl covers aren’t aesthetically pleasing and can wrinkle with poor installation.

10 Clear Signs You’re Ready for Swimming Pool Resurfacing

Not sure if you’re ready to refinish your inground pool? That’s okay — your swimming pool will tell you when it’s time.

The interior surfaces and walls of your pool provide 10 visual cues to consider a refinishing project. Talk to a premium pool renovation company if you notice any of these aesthetic or structural warning signs.

5 Aesthetic Signals It’s Time for Pool Resurfacing

Consider resurfacing your pool if you see or feel any of these aesthetic issues:

1. Discoloration. Fading or uneven coloring of your pool’s tile or pebbles is an early sign of deterioration. 
2. Loss of pebbles and materials. Are pebbles falling off the walls of your pool and collecting on the floor? That’s a clear indication it’s time for refinishing.
3. Mineral stains. Persistent mineral and organic stains detract from your pool’s appearance. This is common here in Texas, where our water hardness levels are high.
4. Rough textures. It’s uncomfortable to touch gritty, rough surfaces in your pool. These abrasive patches are early warning signs your pool’s finish is wearing off.
5. Rust stains. Signs of rust are a major warning sign your pool needs to be renovated. They indicate that rebar or other metal components within the pool's structure are corroding.

5 Structural Cues Your Swimming Pool Needs to Be Resurfaced

These structural issues are easy to see in your swimming pool and require immediate attention.

1. “Crazing”. Also called “check cracks”, these small cracks look like a spider web crawling across your pool’s plaster. 
2. Hairline cracks. Hairline cracks rarely stay small for long. Here in Texas, they’re an indication that hard minerals are penetrating the walls of your pool.
3. Leaks. Is your pool losing water faster than it evaporates? Check for leaks in your pool shell — especially if you noticed a hairline crack last summer.
4. Plaster flaking or peeling. If your pool plaster is coming off in small flakes or large sheets, the material is failing and needs to be replaced.
5. Spalling. Spalling is when a chemical imbalance in your pool water causes surface materials to deteriorate. Call a pool renovation professional immediately.

The Key Difference Between Pool Resurfacing and Replastering

The terms “pool resurfacing” and “pool replastering” are often used interchangeably, but they aren’t the same thing. 

Pool replastering is a highly specific type of resurfacing project. A new layer of plaster is applied to the pool’s interior. This process often involves removing the existing plaster layer before applying the new one.

Meanwhile, pool resurfacing encompasses a broader set of renovation projects. The goal is to restore the pool’s aesthetic value and functionality, not just add a fresh coat of plaster. 

Be sure your pool renovation team understands you want a fully refinished pool, not just a replastering project. You’ll save yourself a lot of miscommunication — and headaches.

Does Your Pool Material Pass The DIVES Test?

Our team of pool renovation experts evaluated over a dozen pool materials for overall quality and performance. Their goal was to determine which materials are worthy of use in a premium pool resurfacing project.

We based our material evaluation process on 5 criteria we’re calling the DIVES test:

• Durability: Is the material durable enough to withstand prolonged sunlight, UV radiation, pool chemicals, water pressure and thermal changes (temperature)?
• Installation: How secure is the overall installation process? Certain materials present a risk of installation failure, even in the hands of exceptionally qualified contractors.
• Value: What is the overall cost/benefit analysis for the material? Does the price reflect a product built to last, with premium aesthetic appeal and a long lifespan?
• Elegance: Simply put, does the installed material make your inground pool look beautiful? How customizable is the product in terms of color, texture and pattern?
• Safety: Does the material pose any risk to user safety? Is it smooth, polished and comfortable to swim around in your pool?

Discover The 5 Best Swimming Pool Resurfacing Materials

Our pool material evaluation process revealed 5 options we trust and use regularly in Texas pool resurfacing and refinishing projects:

1. Glass tile
2. Blue quartz plaster
3. Porcelain tile
4. Pebble finishes
5. White marcite pool plaster

A deep dive into each option is featured below. Discover the advantages, potential drawbacks, and best use cases for these 5 premium materials in your pool renovation.

See these premium pool materials in action! Visit our pool remodels gallery for design inspiration.

Glass Tile

The sparkling, reflective nature of glass tile is an eye-catching pool redesign material. Its mix of versatility and longevity makes it among the very best options for pool refinishing projects.

The non-porous nature of glass makes it naturally moisture and salt resistant. Its design versatility ranges from complex mosaic designs to gorgeous Infinity pool edges.

Advantages:

• Elevated aesthetics. Glass pool tile reflects the sun and water to create a glimmering surface. Choose from a boundless assortment of colors and sizes.
• Versatile use. Use glass tile confidently as waterline tile, accent features, spa areas, or the entire interior of your pool.
• High durability. Glass is non-porous, stain resistant and long lasting. It retains its color well and doesn’t suffer from chlorine exposure.
• Low maintenance. Your glass tiles don’t require sealing, and they’re naturally resistant to mold and mildew.

Potential Drawbacks:

• High cost. High demand and aesthetic value make glass tile an expensive pool resurfacing material.
• Complex installation. Glass pool tile installation is highly specific and requires precision. Novice pool contractors may struggle with the material.
• Complex repair. Repairing damaged glass in and around your pool is often difficult.
• Grout maintenance. Clean and seal your grout regularly to prevent mold and staining.

Best Use Cases:

• Elevated outdoor pool and spa areas
• Accents, intricate designs and water features
• Waterline tile and vanishing pool edges
• Salt water pools

Blue Quartz Plaster

Blue quartz plaster is very different from traditional natural stone. Its combination of premium plaster with quartz aggregates offers smooth, refined aesthetics and high-end durability.

While quartz plaster comes in a variety of hues, blue quartz plaster shimmers against the natural beauty of your pool water.

Advantages:

• Premium aesthetics. Create a shimmering, vibrant effect between your blue quartz plaster shell and the swimming pool water.
• Smooth finish. Quartz plaster is refined to a smoother finish than pebbles.
• Color consistency. Manufacturers create aggregate finishes that retain long-lasting, consistent color throughout the material.
• Stain resistance. Quartz plaster outperforms many other plaster varieties in its stain and etching resistance. It also resists chlorine damage well.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Price point. Blue quartz plaster is more expensive than standard white plaster.
• Potential fading. The material may fade over time in pools where chemical levels are imbalanced, or the chlorine content is quite high.

Best Use Cases:

• Modern and contemporary pool design
• Resort style pools
• Smooth pool surfaces, walls and floor
• Geometric pool design

Porcelain Tile

Porcelain tile is synonymous with luxurious, high-end outdoor living design. While it comes with an elevated price tag, this low-maintenance, durable material looks elegant in modern and transitional resurfaced swimming pools.

Extend porcelain tile out to your patio and pool deck for a seamless, cohesive outdoor design.

Advantages:

• Low maintenance. You’ll spend less time cleaning and maintaining porcelain tile than most other pool materials.
• Versatile design. Porcelain tile offers a range of color and pattern options. Use it to mimic wood, natural stone, and other materials with less moisture resistance.
• Premium aesthetics. A luxurious, high-end look comes naturally with porcelain pool tile.
• Moisture resistance. Porcelain’s density makes it incredibly resistant to moisture and chemicals. It won’t suffer from chlorine damage, water damage, mold or mildew.

Potential Drawbacks:

• High cost. The average price point of porcelain tile places it among the most expensive pool design materials.
• Complex installation. Your installer must have a depth of experience with porcelain materials to prevent loose tiles or improper setting.
• Grout maintenance. While the tiles are low maintenance, the grout between them requires periodic cleaning and sealing to combat mold and staining.

Best Use Cases:

• Premium modern pools and spas
• Waterline tiles and Infinity pools
• Pools with intricate design elements
• Salt water pools

Pebble Finishes

Pebble finishes are a popular pool renovation material. Homeowners covet their textured, non-slip surface and organic aesthetic. 

Advantages:

• Customization. Pebble finishes are highly customizable in a variety of colors, textures and sizes. Mix and match pebble sizes for a natural, organic look.
• Non-slip nature. No slipping and sliding on the pool floor or in your custom spa. Pebble finishes are safe for swimmers, especially children.
• Covers imperfections. The natural texture of pebbles hides minor imperfections and dirt better than smooth finishes. 
• Durability. Pebble finishes are highly resistant to pool chemicals, chlorine, and general wear and tear.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Installation complexity. Be sure your pool renovators are experts at pebble installation. Incorrect installation practices can lead to loose pebbles.
• Semi-rough surface. Some homeowners find the textured surfaces of pebbles irritating or rough to the touch.
• Compatibility with automated pool robots. Some robotic pool cleaners experience accelerated wear and tear due to the semi-rough surface of pebble finishes.

Best Use Cases:

• Freeform and rustic pool designs
• Cocktail pool finishes
• High-traffic pool areas

White Marcite Pool Plaster

White marcite plaster is classic, familiar and easy to install. Pool renovators like white marcite for its clean aesthetic and wide availability. Homeowners enjoy its competitive price point.

Advantages:

• Easily sourced. You (and your pool contractor) won’t have any problem finding white marcite plaster.
• Generally affordable. While prices vary by brand and manufacturer, white marcite plaster is more affordable than blue quartz plaster or premium pool tile.
• Classic, clean aesthetic. Gain a bright, traditional and smooth finish throughout your resurfaced pool.

Potential Drawbacks:

• Shows imperfections. Like most white design materials, it shows stains and cracks in the pool shell more easily.
• Slightly less durable. White marcite plaster is less durable than quartz aggregate plaster. It’s more prone to etching and staining.
• Regular cleaning required. You’ll work a bit harder to keep stains off your pool shell.

Best Use Cases:

• Traditional, classic pool designs
• Budget-conscious renovations
• Stable water chemistry

4 Pool Materials That Didn’t Pass Our Evaluation

Homeowners trust Allied Outdoor Solutions to provide thoughtful, high-performance outdoor living spaces. If we wouldn’t use a material in our own pool, we’ll never put it in yours. 

Several pool renovation materials failed to live up to our standards for long-lasting durability and value. Here’s why:

• Acrylic paint is inexpensive, but you get what you pay for. It’s simply not designed to withstand the pool chemicals that keep your water safe for swimming (even if an acrylic product says otherwise). It fades, peels and blisters quickly and has poor UV resistance.
• Epoxy paint is an upgrade from acrylic, but still has the same core limitations as a pool refinishing material. It still peels and fades with prolonged exposure to sunlight and chemicals. Without precise application, epoxy fails very quickly.
• Standard plaster is certainly more cost-effective than reinforced polished plaster. But its chemical sensitivity means you’ll see cracking within a few years. It’s also susceptible to water pressure, temperature changes and UV exposure damage.
• Vinyl liners are a budget-friendly alternative for pool surfaces, but they don’t meet our standards for aesthetics. Visible seams and dated patterns lower their overall value. Patching minor tears can prove difficult, and wrinkles can develop from poor installation.

Enhance Your Outdoor Oasis With a Stunning Pool Refinish

Design your refinished swimming pool to last with premium materials like blue quartz plaster, glass tile and pebble finishes. Consider simple white marcite plaster for longevity and stability.

Our outdoor living design and construction experts hold their materials to the highest standards. That’s why over 20,000 Texas homeowners love how we’ve transformed their backyards into premium outdoor living spaces.

Ready to refinish your outdated pool in Dallas, Fort Worth, Houston, San Antonio or Austin, TX? Trust Allied Outdoor Solutions — we’ll make your poolside dreams a reality.