How Much Does It Cost To Resurface A Fiberglass Pool? (Is It Worth It?)

Kenneth Wilson

Tired of looking at cracks and chips in your fiberglass pool? It might be time to resurface the entire pool and make it look new again. There are quite a few options, some more expensive than others. Let’s go over how much it cost to resurface a fiberglass pool, and compare the different finish options.

The Average Cost to Resurface a Fiberglass Pool


Across the United State, the average cost of resurfacing a pool is $6.5k, with prices ranging anywhere from $2,000-$50,000. That’s quite the price range, but keep in mind that some pools are much bigger than others.

Expected Price Range By Size


Square footage indications are based on the area getting re-surfaced; not the footprint.

Size

Low

High

800

$4,200

$14,000

1100

$5,200

$18,500

1400

 (apprx a 20x40 pool)

$6,600

$23,000

1700

 (Very large pool)

$7800

$27,500

Materials can cost anywhere from $250-$60k, depending on the finish used and size of the pool. (Related: Inground Pool Cost & Consumer Guide) However, for a typical in-ground fiberglass pool you can expect to pay around $7,000 to get it resurfaced.

Finish Options


There are a lot of ways you can go about resurfacing your fiberglass pool, with paint being the most affordable. For fiberglass, the best options are paint and ecoFinish. However, if you have a big budget you may also consider pebble.

  1. 1
    Tile
  2. 2
    Pebble
  3. 3
    Paint
  4. 4
    Aggregate
  5. 5
    ecoFinish

Pool Paint


Epoxy paint is a common option, but it takes a few weeks to cure. The result is very much worth it, as it leaves a smooth coating that looks stunning and easy on the eyes. Since it only costs about $1,500 to have your pool resurfaced with epoxy, it’s the best option for those who are on a tight budget.

Cost: $3-7 per square foot.
Lifespan: 10 years if applied and maintained properly.

Pros:

  • Ability to choose from a wide variety of color options
  • Seals off small cracks to improve the look of your pool
  • Prevents algae growth and protects the pool from damage
  • Looks great! Epoxy paint has a glossy appearance and it’s smooth to touch
  • Low maintenance - you can brush and clean your pool as usual

Cons:

  • There’s a lot of prep work that must be done before applying epoxy paint
  • The curing process takes a long time
  • It can only be applied to bare surfaces or on top of old epoxy paint

Pebble


Getting a pebble finish installed is a lot more expensive than pool paint, but it also looks a lot better. It’s made of larger aggregate stones that form a smooth, reflective surface within your pool. If you want your pool to shine in the sun, then this is a finish you should consider.

Cost: $10.00 per square foot.
Lifespan: 15-25 years.

Pros:

  • Large variety of color and theme options, as well as the option to get customized pebble finishes.
  • Pebble finishes are durable, as they’re made of pebbles and cement. They’re known to last more than 25 years when maintained properly.

Cons:

  • Pebble is known for being the most expensive pool finish on the market.
  • Takes longer to install.
  • The rough texture is known for irritating feet, but smaller pebble options will be smoother.

ecoFinish


If you’re looking for the best solution, then consider hiring an ecoFinish Certified Installer. It will cost around $10,000, but the finish will last a lifetime. EcoFinish is a maintenance-free coating that uses polymeric compounds capable of lasting more than 100 years. That’s truly amazing!

Cost: $10-$15 per square foot.
Lifespan: Since ecoFinish is a newer product, it’s hard to say. However, it’s expected to last beyond the 10 year warranty.

Pros:

  • ecoFinish will mimic the appearance of stone and aggregate finishes.
  • ecoFinish will mimic the appearance of stone and aggregate finishes.
  • There are a wide range of color options so you can customize your pool.
  • Scratch resistant surface is able to outlasts paint and plaster options.
  • It’s quick to apply with a fast cure time - so depending on the contractor, this might mean you save money.

Cons:

  • More expensive than pool paint.
  • It’s not always easy to find an experienced installer as it’s a newer finish option.

How Long does Resurfacing Take?


There are many variables when it comes to resurfacing a pool, but you can expect to have the job done within two weeks. If the weather is bad, that can delay the project even further. The size of your pool is another variable.

When getting a quote, make sure to ask the sales rep or owner how long it will take for the job to get done on your specific pool.

How to Tell if your Fiberglass Pool needs to be Resurfaced


It’s easy to ignore chips and cracks in your pool, but it’s hard to ignore the itchy feeling you will get from swimming in a fiberglass pool that needs to be resurfaced. Notice an itchy feeling after using the pool? Check the filter under a light and see if you notice the fiberglass glistening.

That’s usually the last straw for folks who would normally ignore the obvious crack or chip inside the pool. You do not want to ignore this, as caring for a pool that you can’t swim in is a huge waste of money and time.

Conclusion


Properly maintaining your fiberglass swimming pool will ensure the gel-coat surface lasts a long time. However, when it’s time to get your pool resurfaced be prepared to spend anywhere from $6,500-$10,000. The ecoFinish coating is your best option, as it will last a lifetime and you’ll never have to worry about it again.

You may need to get your fiberglass pool resurfaced as soon as 10 years, but sometimes the coating will last for 25 years. It can take anywhere from 5 to 14 days for the resurfacing job to be complete.

Kenneth Wilson
September 11, 2021
Cost Guides, Pool

Kenneth Wilson

Retired contractor. Currently residing in Southwest Florida. Now in semi-retirement, I write and manage this blog focused on helping home owners make savvy decisions when it comes to finding contractors and getting their projects done. I also operate remodeling design service for homeowners.

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