Plaster is your best and most affordable option when resurfacing a concrete pool. Sider-Proof is one example of a product that makes plaster resurfacing easy enough for the DIYer.
An experienced professional will chip or sandblast out the old plaster to leave the original concrete shell. A bond coat is then applied. This is followed by one to two coats with new plaster tinted according to your preference.
Pebbles and quartz are both common additives. Quartz is less prone to staining than plaster. Mixing the two creates a stronger, more durable surface that gives your pool water a true sparkle. QuartzScapes from NPT and DiamondBrite at SGM are both popular quartz-plaster mixes.
Pebble-plaster aggregates, such as Pebble Tec, or Pebble Sheen, are the most expensive but create a striking look and a smooth, river-rock-like texture underneathfoot. Pebble blends are among the most resistant to chemical and staining of all plaster techniques.
Retiling is another option to revive your pool. This is the same procedure as indoors. The pool is given a scratch coat, then tiles are laid and grout is placed in between. Tiling can be expensive and time-consuming depending on the size and complexity of your pool. However, it will result in an elegant look.
Whatever type of pool your have, they will all need to be resurfaced. This is a deep dive into the methods, materials and costs.
Cracks will always appear. This can be caused either by chemical imbalances, UV rays, slight shifts of the soil or even minor shifting in the soil below the pool. The veneer could start to peel. You may see cracks that collect dirt and other debris. It can become a huge birdbath. Your pool may be time for a drain and resurfacing.
In-ground pools consist of concrete shells that have been sealed with a Portland cement-based material known as “plaster.” This protects and seals the shell. Plaster can often be covered with epoxy, paint, or fiberglass. The plaster can also be used to support tile.
Over time, the plaster’s surface and coating will begin to wear. It must be resurfaced. Depending on the area, your pool may require this treatment every ten- to twenty years. First, repair any spalling or cracks. Next, prep the entire pool shell. The prep is designed to remove any plaster that has escaped and to roughen the surface to allow new layers of plaster to bond to it. The prep can include sandblasting and chipping as well as chemical surface etching.