7 Signs Your Pool Needs Resurfacing (And What It Costs in Cape Coral)
Your swimming pool is the centerpiece of your Cape Coral backyard -- a place for family fun, exercise, and relaxation under the Florida sun. But even the best-built pools don't last forever, and the interior surface that keeps your pool watertight, smooth, and beautiful will eventually wear down and need replacement. This process, known as pool resurfacing, is one of the most important maintenance investments you'll make as a pool owner.
Here in Cape Coral, pool surfaces face unique challenges. Our municipal water supply is known for its high calcium and mineral content, which can accelerate surface deterioration compared to areas with softer water. The relentless Florida sun, combined with our warm temperatures that keep pools in use nearly year-round, means surfaces endure more wear and chemical exposure than pools in seasonal climates.
Knowing when your pool needs resurfacing -- and acting before small problems become expensive disasters -- can save you thousands of dollars in the long run. Ignoring the warning signs can lead to structural damage, higher water bills from leaks, and increased chemical costs as you battle algae growing in a deteriorating surface. In this comprehensive guide, we'll walk you through the seven clear signs that it's time to resurface your pool, break down the costs for each resurfacing option available in Cape Coral, and help you understand what to expect from the process.
How Long Does Pool Resurfacing Last?
Before we dive into the warning signs, it helps to understand the expected lifespan of different pool surface materials. Knowing how old your current finish is will give you context for evaluating any problems you notice.
- • Standard White Plaster: 5 to 10 years. This is the most traditional and affordable pool finish, but it has the shortest lifespan. In Cape Coral's hard water conditions, plaster pools on the lower end of that range are common.
- • Quartz Aggregate (Diamond Brite): 7 to 12 years. Quartz finishes blend crushed quartz crystals with plaster, creating a more durable and stain-resistant surface that holds up better against our mineral-heavy water.
- • Pebble Finishes (PebbleTec, PebbleSheen): 10 to 15+ years. These premium finishes use small natural pebbles that create a highly durable, attractive surface with the longest lifespan of any plaster-based option.
- • Glass Tile: 15 to 25+ years. The most durable option, though also the most expensive. Tile surfaces can last decades with proper maintenance.
Keep in mind that Cape Coral's specific water conditions -- particularly the high calcium hardness and mineral content from our local water sources -- can shorten these lifespans by 20 to 30 percent if water chemistry isn't diligently maintained. If your pool surface is approaching the end of its expected lifespan, it's time to start watching closely for the signs below.
The 7 Signs Your Pool Needs Resurfacing
Sign 1: Rough or Sandpaper-Like Texture
Run your hand along the walls and floor of your pool. A healthy pool surface should feel relatively smooth -- not glass-smooth, but certainly not abrasive. If the surface feels like sandpaper, that's one of the earliest and most common signs that your pool plaster is deteriorating.
This roughness occurs as the top layer of plaster erodes away, exposing the aggregate material underneath. In Cape Coral pools, high calcium levels in the water can accelerate this process by creating a rough, scale-like buildup on the surface that bonds with the deteriorating plaster.
Why it matters: A rough pool surface isn't just uncomfortable -- it can actually cut swimmers' feet, scrape knees, and tear swimsuits. More importantly, that rough texture creates thousands of microscopic crevices where algae spores can take hold and become nearly impossible to brush away. You'll find yourself fighting algae blooms constantly, spending more on chemicals, and still never quite winning the battle. If your kids or guests are complaining about scratchy pool walls, resurfacing should be on your radar.
Sign 2: Visible Staining That Won't Come Out
Pool stains are common and often treatable, but when staining becomes permanent or returns almost immediately after treatment, it's a sign that the surface itself has been compromised. There are several types of stains that Cape Coral pool owners commonly encounter.
Iron stains appear as brown, red, or rust-colored marks and are common in Cape Coral due to our iron-rich well water. Copper stains show up as blue-green or teal discoloration, often caused by corroded copper heat exchanger elements or low pH dissolving copper from plumbing fittings. Organic stains from leaves, berries, or algae typically appear as green, brown, or dark spots.
When a pool surface is in good condition, most stains can be removed with the right chemical treatment -- ascorbic acid for metal stains, chlorine shock for organic stains, or a targeted stain remover. However, when the plaster has become porous and worn, stains penetrate deep into the material where no amount of chemical treatment can reach them. If you've tried professional stain removal services and the stains keep returning within weeks, the surface has reached the point where only resurfacing will restore its appearance.
Sign 3: Crazing and Spider Cracks
Crazing refers to a network of fine, hairline cracks that spread across the pool surface in a pattern that resembles a spider web. These cracks are typically surface-level only and are different from structural cracks, which are wider, deeper, and may indicate problems with the pool shell itself.
Surface crazing happens naturally over time as the plaster cures, expands, and contracts with temperature changes. In Cape Coral, our pools experience significant temperature swings -- cool overnight lows in winter versus blazing afternoon sun heating the water and deck. This thermal cycling gradually stresses the surface material until tiny cracks form.
While a few small check cracks are normal in aging plaster, extensive crazing across large areas of the pool is a clear sign that the surface has reached the end of its life. These cracks allow water to penetrate behind the surface layer, which can accelerate deterioration and lead to delamination -- where chunks of plaster separate from the underlying gunite shell. If you notice crazing combined with any of the other signs on this list, resurfacing should be a priority. It's important to note that if you see wide cracks (larger than a credit card thickness) or cracks that appear to go through the pool shell, consult a structural engineer before resurfacing, as there may be underlying issues to address first.
Sign 4: Plaster Discoloration or Fading
If your pool's surface color has become patchy, uneven, or significantly faded from its original shade, the finish is wearing out. This is especially noticeable with colored plaster or quartz finishes, where areas of the pool may appear dramatically lighter or darker than others.
A chalky, white appearance on what was once a blue or gray surface indicates etching -- a chemical erosion of the plaster caused by low pH or aggressive water chemistry. Etching dissolves the calcium carbonate in the plaster, leaving behind a rough, chalky residue that makes the pool look perpetually dirty even when the water is crystal clear.
In Cape Coral, discoloration is particularly common because our naturally hard water interacts with the plaster surface in complex ways. High calcium hardness can cause white scale deposits, while the minerals in our water can cause gray or brown mottling. If your pool looks perpetually dingy, cloudy, or uneven in color despite balanced water chemistry and regular cleaning, the surface itself has degraded beyond what maintenance alone can fix.
Sign 5: Frequent Algae Growth Despite Proper Chemistry
Every pool owner battles algae occasionally, but there's a critical difference between an algae bloom caused by a chemical imbalance and persistent algae growth that keeps returning no matter what you do. If your chlorine levels are consistently between 2 and 4 ppm, your pH is balanced at 7.4 to 7.6, your cyanuric acid is in range, and you're still fighting green, yellow, or black algae every few weeks, the problem is almost certainly your pool surface.
As plaster deteriorates, it develops microscopic pits, craters, and rough patches that become perfect hiding spots for algae. These tiny crevices are too small for your pool brush to reach but large enough for algae spores to embed themselves and multiply. The algae essentially grows within the surface material itself, protected from both chemicals and physical brushing.
This is one of the most frustrating signs because it costs you money every single week in extra chemicals, additional filter run time, and wasted effort. Cape Coral pool owners who find themselves doubling their chlorine usage or constantly shocking their pool to fight recurring algae should seriously consider that resurfacing might actually be the most cost-effective solution. Instead of spending hundreds of dollars a month on chemicals fighting a losing battle, a one-time resurfacing investment gives you a smooth, non-porous surface that algae can't penetrate.
Sign 6: Pool Losing Water Faster Than Normal
Some water loss is completely normal -- Florida's heat and humidity cause evaporation, and splashing during use accounts for additional loss. A typical pool in Cape Coral can lose a quarter inch to half an inch of water per day to evaporation during the summer months. However, if you're consistently losing more than that, or if your autofill system seems to be running constantly, you may have a surface integrity issue.
When a pool surface develops cracks, crazing, or areas where the plaster has thinned significantly, water can seep through the finish and into the surrounding soil. This isn't the same as a plumbing leak or an equipment-side issue, though those should be ruled out first. A simple bucket test can help determine if water loss is from evaporation or an actual leak: place a bucket of pool water on the pool steps and mark the water level in both the bucket and the pool. After 24 hours, if the pool lost significantly more water than the bucket, you likely have a leak.
Surface-related water loss is particularly concerning because the water seeping through carries chemicals that can erode the gunite or shotcrete shell underneath, potentially leading to much more expensive structural repairs. If a leak detection professional has ruled out plumbing and equipment leaks, resurfacing with a fresh, watertight finish may be the solution. In Cape Coral's sandy soil, water seepage can also cause soil erosion around the pool, eventually compromising the deck and surrounding hardscape.
Sign 7: Exposed Aggregate or Gunite Showing Through
This is the most obvious and urgent sign that your pool needs resurfacing immediately. When you can see the gray, rough gunite or shotcrete base material showing through the plaster -- or when chunks of plaster have fallen off entirely, leaving bare patches -- the surface has failed and needs immediate attention.
Exposed aggregate means the pool surface is critically thin or has delaminated (separated from the shell). Plaster delamination often starts as hollow-sounding spots when you tap the surface -- the plaster has lost its bond with the gunite underneath and is essentially a thin shell with water behind it. Eventually, these areas break away completely.
Swimming in a pool with exposed gunite is not only unpleasant -- the rough, porous concrete will quickly scratch skin and damage swimwear -- but it also puts the structural shell at risk. Gunite and shotcrete, while strong, were never designed to be directly exposed to pool chemicals. Chlorinated water will gradually erode the exposed concrete, and the rough texture creates an ideal environment for aggressive algae growth. If you're seeing bare spots or exposed aggregate, don't delay -- schedule a resurfacing consultation as soon as possible to protect your investment.
What Causes Pool Surface Deterioration in Cape Coral?
Understanding what causes your pool surface to break down can help you make smarter choices when it's time to resurface -- and help you protect your new finish for as long as possible. Several factors are particularly relevant for pool owners in Cape Coral and Southwest Florida.
Hard water and calcium scaling is perhaps the biggest factor in our area. Cape Coral's water supply has naturally high levels of calcium hardness, often ranging from 300 to 500+ ppm. When calcium levels get too high, the excess calcium deposits on pool surfaces as white, crusty scale. This scale not only looks terrible but traps dirt and algae, making the surface rougher and more prone to staining. Over time, the constant cycle of scaling and descaling takes a heavy toll on the plaster.
Improper water chemistry is the second most common culprit. Low pH (below 7.2) creates what chemists call "aggressive water" -- water that is undersaturated with calcium and actively dissolves it from the plaster surface. This etching process eats away at the finish from the inside out. Conversely, high pH encourages scaling. Inconsistent chemical maintenance -- letting the pH swing back and forth -- causes even faster deterioration than consistently being slightly off in one direction.
Age and normal wear affect every pool surface eventually. Even with perfect water chemistry, the daily interaction between pool chemicals and the plaster surface gradually breaks down the finish. Sun exposure, temperature cycling, and the simple mechanical action of water circulating over the surface all contribute to gradual erosion.
Acid washing damage is another factor that Cape Coral pool owners should be aware of. Acid washing -- using a diluted muriatic acid solution to strip a thin layer of stained plaster to reveal fresh material underneath -- is sometimes used as a less expensive alternative to resurfacing. While it can be effective once or twice over the life of a pool, repeated acid washes thin the surface significantly and accelerate overall deterioration. If your pool has been acid washed multiple times, it may be time for a full resurfacing rather than another round of chemical stripping.
Pool Resurfacing Options and Costs in Cape Coral
When it's time to resurface, you'll have several material options to choose from, each with different price points, appearances, and expected lifespans. Here's what Cape Coral pool owners can expect to pay in 2026 for a typical residential pool (approximately 300 to 500 square feet of surface area). Prices include labor, materials, and basic pool prep.
| Surface Material | Cost Range | Lifespan | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Standard White Plaster | $4,000 - $7,000 | 5 - 10 years | Budget-conscious owners |
| Colored / Diamond Brite Quartz | $6,000 - $10,000 | 7 - 12 years | Durability + color options |
| PebbleTec / Pebble Finish | $8,000 - $15,000 | 10 - 15+ years | Premium look + longevity |
| Glass Tile | $10,000 - $25,000 | 15 - 25+ years | Luxury, maximum lifespan |
Standard White Plaster: $4,000 - $7,000
Traditional white marcite plaster remains the most affordable pool resurfacing option and is still the most commonly chosen finish in Cape Coral. It provides a classic, clean look and smooth feel. The main drawback is its shorter lifespan -- in our hard water conditions, expect closer to 5 to 7 years before you start seeing signs of wear again. White plaster is also more prone to staining and etching than premium alternatives. However, for homeowners on a budget or those planning to sell within a few years, it provides excellent value.
Colored / Diamond Brite Quartz: $6,000 - $10,000
Quartz-based finishes like NPP's Diamond Brite mix colored quartz aggregate into the plaster, creating a more durable surface with a subtle sparkle in the sunlight. These finishes are available in a wide range of colors -- from cool blues and French grays to warm sandy tones -- allowing you to customize your pool's appearance. The quartz crystals are significantly harder than plaster alone, providing better resistance to etching, staining, and chemical wear. For most Cape Coral pool owners, this represents the best balance of cost, durability, and aesthetics.
PebbleTec / Pebble Finish: $8,000 - $15,000
Pebble finishes use small, naturally tumbled stones to create a highly textured, incredibly durable pool surface. PebbleTec is the most well-known brand, but PebbleSheen (a smoother pebble variant) and PebbleFina (an even finer texture) are also popular options. These finishes create stunning natural-looking pools with water colors that range from tropical blue to lagoon green depending on the pebble color selected. With a lifespan of 15+ years even in Cape Coral's challenging water conditions, pebble finishes often prove to be the most cost-effective choice when calculated on a per-year basis.
Glass Tile: $10,000 - $25,000
Tile is the ultimate luxury pool finish and the longest-lasting option available. Glass tile is non-porous, virtually stain-proof, and resistant to chemical damage. It creates a stunning visual effect as light refracts through the glass, and it's available in limitless color combinations and patterns. The higher cost reflects both the premium materials and the specialized labor required for installation. Full-tile pools are relatively rare in Cape Coral, but they're increasingly popular for custom builds and high-end renovations where homeowners want a truly resort-caliber finish.
The Pool Resurfacing Process: What to Expect
Understanding what the resurfacing process involves will help you plan accordingly. Here's a step-by-step overview of what to expect when you hire a professional pool resurfacing company in Cape Coral.
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1
Drain the Pool: The pool is completely drained. This must be done carefully in Cape Coral, as our high water table can cause an empty pool shell to "float" or pop out of the ground if hydrostatic pressure isn't properly managed. Experienced contractors know to open hydrostatic relief plugs and work efficiently to minimize the time the pool sits empty.
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Surface Preparation: The old surface is prepared to accept the new finish. This typically involves chipping away loose or delaminated plaster and bond-coating or sandblasting the existing surface to create a rough profile for the new material to adhere to. Any necessary tile or coping repairs are also completed during this phase.
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3
Apply the New Finish: The new surface material is mixed on-site and applied by hand or with a sprayer, depending on the material. For plaster and quartz finishes, the material is troweled on in a continuous application to avoid cold joints. Pebble finishes require an additional step of exposing the pebbles by washing away a thin layer of cement after application.
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Fill and Balance: The pool is filled with fresh water as quickly as possible -- typically using multiple hose lines or a water truck to ensure the surface stays evenly submerged during the critical initial cure. Water chemistry is then carefully balanced to protect the new finish during its most vulnerable period.
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Curing Period: New plaster surfaces require a curing period during which you'll need to brush the surface daily and carefully monitor water chemistry. Standard plaster cures in about 28 days, while quartz and pebble finishes may take slightly longer. During this time, the pool is usable but requires extra attention.
Total timeline: From start to the point where you can swim again, expect approximately 1 to 2 weeks. The prep and application typically take 3 to 5 working days, filling takes 1 to 2 days, and initial chemical balancing takes another 2 to 3 days. The full curing process continues for several weeks after that but doesn't prevent pool use.
How to Extend the Life of Your New Pool Surface
Once you've invested in a new pool surface, you'll want to protect that investment for as long as possible. Here are the most effective strategies for maximizing the lifespan of your resurfaced pool in Cape Coral.
- ✓ Maintain proper water chemistry religiously. This is the single most important thing you can do. Keep your pH between 7.4 and 7.6, total alkalinity between 80 and 120 ppm, calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm (especially important in Cape Coral's hard water), and free chlorine between 2 and 4 ppm. Test your water at least twice per week and adjust promptly.
- ✓ Brush the pool regularly. Brush the walls and floor at least once a week with a nylon-bristle brush (for plaster) or a stainless steel brush (for pebble finishes only). Brushing prevents calcium scale buildup, disrupts algae before it can take hold, and helps distribute chemicals evenly across the surface.
- ✓ Avoid harsh chemicals and acid washing. Never add undiluted acid or granular chlorine directly to the pool where it can settle on the surface. Always pre-dissolve chemicals in a bucket of water and distribute them with the pump running. Avoid acid washing unless absolutely necessary, as each acid wash removes a thin layer of finish material.
- ✓ Invest in professional maintenance. A professional pool service in Cape Coral understands our local water challenges and can spot problems early, before they become expensive. Professional technicians have access to specialized test kits and treatments that keep your water perfectly balanced and your surface protected.
DIY vs. Professional Pool Resurfacing
In the age of YouTube tutorials and home improvement shows, it's natural to wonder whether pool resurfacing is a viable DIY project. We strongly recommend hiring a licensed, experienced professional for this job, and here's why.
Bond coat adhesion is critical for a long-lasting finish. The bond between the new surface material and the existing shell must be perfect -- any areas of poor adhesion will lead to delamination, bubbling, or flaking within months. Professionals use specialized bond coats, proper surface preparation techniques, and have the experience to know when a surface is ready to accept new material.
Proper mixing and application of plaster, quartz, and pebble finishes requires specific equipment, exact material ratios, and precise timing. These materials begin setting within minutes of mixing, so the application crew must work quickly and efficiently to create a seamless, uniform finish. An inexperienced applicator is likely to end up with visible trowel marks, cold joints (lines where new material meets already-setting material), color inconsistencies, or an uneven thickness that leads to premature failure.
Application technique varies significantly between materials. Plaster must be compressed with specific troweling techniques to achieve maximum density and a smooth finish. Pebble finishes require careful timing of the wash step -- too early and the pebbles fall out, too late and you can't expose them properly. These skills take years to develop and are virtually impossible to learn from a video.
Warranty protection is another major consideration. Reputable pool resurfacing companies offer warranties ranging from 2 to 10 years on their work. DIY resurfacing voids any material manufacturer warranty and offers you no recourse if problems develop. Given that resurfacing materials alone can cost $2,000 to $5,000, the risk of a failed DIY job that needs to be completely redone makes professional installation the clearly better value in virtually every case.
Ready to Resurface? Get Your Free Quote Today
If you've noticed any of these seven signs in your Cape Coral pool, don't wait until the problem worsens and becomes more expensive to fix. Pool resurfacing is an investment that protects your pool's structural integrity, improves its appearance, enhances swimmer comfort, and can even increase your home's value.
At Cape Coral Pool Pros, we've been helping Cape Coral homeowners restore their pools with high-quality resurfacing services for years. Our experienced team will assess your pool's condition, recommend the best surface option for your budget and needs, and deliver a flawless finish that will keep your pool beautiful for years to come. We offer free, no-obligation estimates and competitive pricing on all resurfacing materials -- from classic white plaster to premium PebbleTec.
Get a Free Pool Resurfacing Estimate
Call us today or request a quote online. We serve all of Cape Coral and the surrounding Southwest Florida area.