Let’s face it—you lose pride in your pool when the surface looks shabby, not chic. If you gaze into the water and see a pool floor that looks like it has fallen on hard times—it’s just not inviting.
The reality is, most plaster pool surfaces are designed to last about 10 years. After that, the surface can show common signs of aging that are aesthetically unappealing, uncomfortable for swimmers, and degrading to the value of your pool and overall property.
But, there’s hope! There are a number of cutting-edge, modern options for pool resurfacing that will give your pool and space the updated look and feel you deserve. As a premium pool design, installation, and service provider in South Florida, Reef Tropical has the opportunity to create and care for high-end luxury pools. Unfortunately, we also run into a lot of pools with poor construction, inadequate pool service, and general issues that degrade the pool surface. The good news is, we partner with pool owners to help them breathe new life—and more value—into their pool/spa environments. It’s amazing how resurfacing a pool can elevate the entire experience you gain from your outdoor living space!
Whether your pool surface needs attention, or you want to update the look, there are options.
First, here are five sure signs that it’s time to resurface your swimming pool. And, we’ll share some pool surfacing options that our clients are loving. (We bet you’ll feel the same way.)
Erosion Marks
Erosion marks are a natural consequence of water moving against a surface over a period of time. For example, consider how a stream begins as a trickle of water down a mountainside. Gradually, the water wears away the surface and eventually, you’ve got a river—and in an extreme case, The Grand Canyon. Your pool isn’t facing this level of erosion, of course. But the same friction of water against the surface can result in worn spots that eventually become visible. Also, you might feel these spots while swimming. The proper chemical balance is important for preventing erosion because water by itself is actually quite aggressive. It tries to dissolve a surface—unless we prevent that by adding sufficient levels of calcium, which helps protect surfaces including plaster, concrete, and tile grout. The bottom line is if your pool surface has erosion marks, it’s time to think about resurfacing.
Stains That Won’t Clean Off
Do you have pool stains that just won’t brush out, no matter how hard you try to clean them? Unremovable stains really age a pool, making it look unappealing even when it is clean. Stains can be caused by an excess of certain chemicals, or if there are metals in the water (from an old pool heater). Stains occur if natural debris (leaves) are not cleared away from the pool bottom, and algae can also create stains that don’t always clean off. Also, if you or a pool service provider are not properly servicing the pool and ensuring the right chemical balance, the result can be stains on the pool surface that never go away.
Rough Areas
Do you feel rough spots on the pool floor? These areas can even scuff your feet—a sure sign that the pool needs resurfacing. Rough spots occur over time when the pool surface wears down. They can occur because of a chemical imbalance (pH levels), unexpected damage, or if the pool surface was not properly installed in the first place. We often run into pool surface issues that are the result of poor craftsmanship during the pool-building process. Rough areas should be addressed for the safety of swimmers, the integrity of the pool surface—one spot leads to another—and the overall appearance of the pool.
Corroded Tile Grout
Tile pool surfaces stand the test of time, lasting up to three times the life of a typical plaster pool surface. That said, the grout can show signs of aging and eventually can corrode if it is not cared for properly. Sometimes, pool tile loses its adhesive property and can “pop” off the pool floor. This is generally the result of poor installation—and unfortunately, you won’t realize that pool tile was not put in correctly until years later when it fails. Ruptured tiles can cut swimmers, and it’s definitely not an appealing look.
Unexplained Drop In Water Level
The fact is, we can explain why the water level is dropping—even if the disappearing water seems like a mystery. Leaks are not always easy to detect. Cracks in the pool surface usually occur because of poor pool construction. Again, this goes back to hiring a pool professional that understands what is required to design and install a quality, long-lasting pool.
Resurfacing Your South Florida Pool—A Pro’s Perspective
The certified pool service team at Reef Tropical can assess your pool and provide recommendations for resurfacing.
The three most popular options:
- Diamond Brite is a blend of colored quartz aggregates and polymer-modified Portland cement.
- Glass tiles are the most elegant and come in a range of colors and designs. You can even order custom-color tiles.
- Pebbles are aggregate finishes like PebbleTec, PebbleSheen, and Hydrazzo.
We almost always recommend resurfacing a pool vs. attempting to use acid washes to lift out stains—or chipping out rough patches and replacing the surface. These fixes end up looking like band-aids and do little to preserve the longevity of your pool surface, improve its aesthetic quality or increase its value.
Revamp Your Pool & Spa by Resurfacing
Give your pool a facelift with today’s modern pool surfacing techniques that produce long-lasting, visually stunning results. See Reef Tropical in action on our YouTube channel—and give us a call for a consultation. Contact us at (305) 901-1505, or fill out this simple contact form to request a proposal.