Share this story, choose your platform!
Every pool surface wears out in the end
A pool that’s been in the garden for twenty or thirty years has seen a lot. Hot summers, frosty winters, years of chemicals and thousands of swims all leave their mark. Sooner or later the surface starts to look tired, feel rough underfoot or show cracks and stains that won’t shift.
That’s usually when owners start searching for pool resurfacing. It’s a sensible thing to look into. A fresh surface can bring an older concrete or tiled pool back to life, and in some cases it’s the right answer. In others, the surface is only telling part of the story.
In this guide we’ll explain what resurfacing involves, the signs your pool might need it, and the questions worth asking before you commit. We’ll also be honest about when replacing the pool altogether might be the better long term choice.
A quick word on which pools this applies to
Resurfacing mainly applies to pools built on site from concrete or blockwork. These are usually finished with render, plaster, paint or tiles. Liner pools are a different story, because the liner itself is replaced rather than resurfaced. One-piece pools have their own finish built in at the factory.
What pool resurfacing actually involves
In simple terms, resurfacing means removing or preparing the old surface and applying a new one. The aim is a smooth, watertight, good looking finish that will last for years.
The exact process depends on the pool and the chosen material, but it generally follows a similar pattern:
- The pool is drained, which needs care and planning.
- The old surface is inspected closely for cracks, hollow spots and damage.
- Loose or failed material is removed back to a sound base.
- Repairs are made to the structure where needed.
- The new surface is applied and left to cure properly.
- The pool is refilled slowly and the water is balanced from scratch.
It’s specialist work. The preparation stage is often the biggest part of the job, and it’s where a lot of the long term quality is decided. A new surface is only as good as what it’s stuck to, so cutting corners here tends to show up later as bubbling, cracking or patches that come away.
Why draining a pool needs care
An empty pool isn’t always a happy pool. In some ground conditions, particularly where the water table is high, an empty shell can be pushed upwards by pressure in the soil. This is one of the reasons draining should only be done by people who understand the risks and the site. Please don’t be tempted to empty it yourself to take a look.
Signs your pool finish is past its best
Surfaces rarely fail overnight. There are usually warning signs for months or even years beforehand. Here are the most common ones to look out for.
- Rough patches that feel abrasive on feet and hands
- Staining or discolouration that doesn’t clear with normal cleaning
- Cracks in render or grout, or tiles that have come loose
- Flaking or peeling paint
- Hollow sounding areas when tapped
- Etching or pitting, which can make the surface look chalky
- Algae that clings to rough areas and is hard to brush off
- Water loss that can’t be explained by evaporation
None of these on their own means you definitely need pool resurfacing. But if you’re ticking off several, it’s time for a proper look.
Surface problems can point to deeper ones
Cracks and hollow spots are worth taking seriously. Sometimes they’re simply cosmetic. Other times they’re a sign of movement in the structure, failing waterproofing or water getting where it shouldn’t. A good assessment should look beyond the surface to find out why it’s failing, not just how to cover it up.
Water chemistry plays a part too
Water that’s out of balance for long periods can be hard on surfaces. Water that’s too aggressive can slowly eat away at render and grout. Water that’s scale forming can leave rough, crusty deposits. Keeping your chemistry steady helps any surface last longer, old or new. If you do go ahead with pool resurfacing, ask how the water should be balanced in the first weeks after refilling, because a new surface can be especially sensitive while it settles.
Choosing a new pool finish for a concrete pool
If resurfacing is the right route, you’ll need to decide what goes on next. Each option has its own look, feel and upkeep, and the right choice depends on your pool, your budget and how you use it.
Render and plaster
These are traditional options. They give a smooth, classic look and can be tinted to change the water colour. Lighter shades tend to give that bright, clear blue, while darker shades can make the water look deeper and more natural. They tend to need renewing at some point as they wear with age and chemistry.
Tiles and mosaics
Tiles are hard wearing and look smart. They’re easy to wipe clean at the waterline, where oils and grime tend to collect, and they come in a huge range of colours and textures. Mosaic tiles in particular can create a real feature. They’re usually one of the more involved options to install, and grout lines need looking after over time.
Paints and coatings
Specialist pool paints and coatings can refresh a surface. They can be a useful option if you want to smarten up a pool for a season or two while you decide on longer term plans. They’re often seen as a shorter term fix, and the preparation underneath makes a big difference to how long they last.
Whatever you’re considering, ask about expected lifespan, maintenance, and what happens if the surface fails early. It’s also worth asking to see examples of similar work that’s a few years old, not just freshly finished. Anything looks good on day one. What you really want to know is how it looks after a few summers of sun, swimming and chemicals.
Getting the right people involved
Resurfacing a concrete pool is a job for specialists in that kind of construction. It’s not something HiLife does, so talk to us about your situation and we’ll be honest about whether a new pool could be a better fit. If you decide to go ahead with resurfacing, look for contractors with plenty of experience, clear written quotes and proper guarantees.
When pool resurfacing is only part of the answer
Sometimes the surface is the only thing wrong. The structure is sound, the equipment works and the plumbing is fine. In that case, resurfacing can be a great way to give the pool a new lease of life.
Often, though, an older pool has more going on. The pump might be decades old. The filter may be struggling. There’s no cover, the heating is inefficient and the lighting has seen better days. Add all of that up, and resurfacing on its own may only solve one piece of a bigger puzzle.
Think about the timing too. If you resurface now and then need to replace the pump, filter and heating in a couple of years, you’ll have two rounds of disruption instead of one. Planning everything together often makes more sense.
Before you commit, it’s worth taking a step back and asking a few questions:
- How old is the structure, and is it still sound?
- Are there any leaks or signs of movement?
- How old is the equipment, and will it need replacing soon?
- Does the pool still suit the way your family uses the garden?
- Would you change the size, shape or depth if you could?
- How much disruption are you willing to live with?
Our guide to pool refurbishment looks at the renovate or rebuild question in more depth.
Replacing an old pool with a one-piece pool
For many owners, the tipping point comes when the list of problems gets long. Rather than resurfacing an ageing concrete shell and replacing the kit around it, they choose to remove the old pool and start again with something new.
This is where HiLife comes in. For owners weighing up pool resurfacing against something new, we supply and install one-piece pools, which are made in a factory and delivered to the garden as a single shell. Installing them is usually quicker and less disruptive than building a concrete pool on site, and they come with their own smooth, built in finish.
Why a one-piece pool appeals
- The shell and its finish are made together in controlled conditions
- There are no tile joints or render layers to maintain
- Installation is usually quicker than building on site
- Modern equipment, heating, covers and lighting can be planned in from the start
- You can rethink the size, shape and position to suit how you live now
It isn’t the right answer for every garden, and we’ll always be straight with you about that. Access, ground conditions and the space you have all play a part, and we’ll look at those properly before suggesting anything. But it’s worth considering alongside resurfacing, especially if your pool needs more than a new surface. Our guide to a swimming pool remodel covers some of the bigger changes people make.
What happens to the old pool
Removing an old pool is a proper project, and the approach depends on the site. Talk to us about what’s involved for your garden, including access for machinery and where spoil will go, and we’ll explain how it would work and give you a tailored quote for the new pool. It’s also sensible to check with your local council whether any permissions are needed for the new work, as rules can vary.
Looking after a new surface once it’s done
Whatever route you choose, a little care goes a long way.
- Keep the water balanced and test it regularly
- Brush the walls and floor to stop deposits building up
- Keep a cover on when the pool isn’t in use to protect it from debris and sunlight
- Book regular servicing so small issues get caught early
- Follow any curing and start up advice you’re given exactly
A well kept pool finish can last for many years, and good habits will help it do just that. If you notice anything unusual, such as a new crack or a patch that feels different underfoot, get it checked sooner rather than later.
Pool resurfacing questions we get asked a lot
How often does a concrete pool need resurfacing?
It depends on the material, the water chemistry, the climate and how well it’s been cared for. A specialist can give you a realistic idea for your own pool.
Can I resurface a pool myself?
We wouldn’t recommend it. Draining, preparation and application all need specialist knowledge, and mistakes can be expensive to put right.
Can a liner pool be resurfaced?
Liner pools usually have the liner replaced rather than resurfaced. The structure behind it may need checking at the same time.
Does HiLife resurface pools?
No, we don’t resurface pools. Talk to us about replacing an older pool with a one-piece pool if that could suit you better.
Will resurfacing fix a leak?
Not necessarily. A leak may be in the plumbing or fittings rather than the surface, so it’s best to find the cause first.
How long does a pool stay out of use?
That varies with the method and the weather. Ask your contractor for a realistic timeline, including curing and refilling.
Deciding between pool resurfacing and a fresh start
A tired surface doesn’t always mean a tired pool. If the structure and equipment are sound, resurfacing can make a real difference. If the list of problems is growing, it may be worth looking at the bigger picture before spending money on the surface alone. Take your time, get proper advice, and choose the route that will give you the most enjoyment for years to come. If a new pool is on your mind, you can explore our full range of pools and see what might work in your garden.
Call us on 01483 323 676 or email hello@hilifepools.co.uk for a friendly, no-pressure chat, or get in touch online and we’ll come back to you.
