If you’re considering resurfacing your pool because of cracks, stains, or general wear and tear, then you’re probably wondering exactly how much it will cost.
You’ve got multiple options when it comes to resurfacing your pool, and they can be overwhelming when you’re trying to determine the total cost of ownership.
There are several factors that come into play when determining how much it will cost to resurface a swimming pool, but the main components include:
- The size of the pool,
- Your desired surface,
- The cost of labor, and
- The amount of water disposed.
In this post, we’re going to break down the costs of resurfacing your pool using these 3 methods: fiberglass, concrete, and vinyl lining.
To calculate the costs, we’ll be using a 1,000 sq. ft. pool, measuring 16×32 ft., with an average depth of 5ft as an example.
Straight line depreciation was used to calculate the remainder of the resurfacing cost to equalize all methods to a 25 year period. Chemical costs were calculated using the average annual cost of pool chemical usage. In porous surfaces, the cost of acid washing and wire brushing can be part of maintenance, so these were taken into account as well. All numbers are rounded.
The Cost of Resurfacing a Pool with Fiberglass
Most people think that the only way to get a fiberglass pool is by buying a prefabricated shell and dropping it into the ground; however, this is not the case.
You can transform your current pool with fiberglass by bonding a fiberglass mat to your current surface and coating it with a layer of resin that gives it a smooth, stain-resistant surface.
Fibre Tech’s fiberglass pool resurfacing process is designed to leave your pool with a beautiful, sparkling finish for up to 25 years.
Its smooth texture is stain-resistant, prevents injury and cracking, and drastically reduces your chemical costs.
Chemical costs
Lifespan of 25 years x $400/year = $10,000
With a lifespan of 25 years and an average chemical cost of $400 per year, you can expect to spend around $10,000 over time when resurfacing your pool with Fibre Tech’s patented fiberglass.
Water costs
19,000 gallons of water disposed x $0.0098/Gal = $186
For a standard fiberglass pool around 1,000 sq. ft. in size, you can expect to need around 19,000 gallons of water to fill it. At $0.0098 per gallon, this equates to $186.
Labor costs
$7.50 per sq. ft. x 1,000 sq. ft. = $7,500
Labor costs average around $7.50 per sq. ft., so multiply that by the 1,000 sq. ft. area of your pool, and you can expect to spend roughly $7,500 on labor.
Total
$10,000 + $186 + $7,500 = $17,686
Add together your $10,000 in chemical costs, $186 in water costs, and $7,500 in labor costs, and your total comes to $17,686 when resurfacing with Fibre Tech’s Pool Resurfacing System.
The Cost of Resurfacing a Pool with Marcite, Plaster, or Exposed Aggregate
Marcite, plaster, and exposed aggregate resurfacing costs are much higher than concrete, and when filled with chemically-treated pool water, these pools also tend to yellow, age, and deteriorate over time. Worse yet, these pool surfaces only last for about 10 years.
Chemical costs
Lifespan of 25 years x $500/year = $12,500
Over 25 years, with an average chemical cost of $500 per year, you can expect to spend around $12,500 on a marcite, plaster, or exposed aggregate pool–that is, if you don’t have to replace it altogether after 10 years.
Water costs
19,000 gallons of water disposed x 2.5 coats = 47,500
- 47,500 x $0.0098/Gal = $466
As mentioned previously, you’ll probably need around 19,000 gallons to fill a pool of this size. Multiply that by the 2.5 coats you’ll need over 25 years, then by the standard price of $0.0098 per gallon, and you can expect to spend about $466 on water with any standard marcite, plaster, or exposed aggregate pool.
Labor costs
$5 per sq. ft. x 1,000 sq. ft. x 2.5 coats = $12,500
Labor costs average around $5 per sq. ft. with concrete pools, so multiply that by the 1,000 sq. ft. area of your pool and the 2.5 coats you’ll need, and this equates to roughly $12,500 in labor.
Total
$12,500 + $466 + $12,500 = $25,466
Add together your $12,500 in chemical costs, $466 in water costs, and $12,500 in labor costs, and you can expect to spend about $25,466 on a marcite, plaster, or exposed aggregate pool.
The Cost of Resurfacing a Pool with Vinyl Lining
Vinyl pools are similar in price range to fiberglass pools–however, they only last about 1/3 as long. So, you can expect to pay the same price as you would a fiberglass pool, just every 7 years instead of every 25 years.
Chemical costs
Lifespan of 25 years x $400/year = $10,000
Over 25 years, with an average chemical cost of $400 per year, you can expect to spend around $10,000 on a vinyl pool–again, if you don’t have to replace the entire thing after 7 years.
Water costs
19,000 gallons of water disposed x 3.57 liners = 67,830
- 67,830 x $0.0098/Gal = $665
Over 25 years, you’ll need about 3.57 liner replacements. Multiply this by 19,000 gallons and the standard price of $0.0098 per gallon, and you can expect to spend about $665 on water to fill your vinyl pool.
Labor costs
$2,000 to purchase and install 16ft x 32ft liner x 3.57 liners = $7,140
A 16 x 32ft liner costs $2,000 (labor included). Since you’ll need roughly 3.57 of these, you can expect to spend $7,140 on labor costs over 25 years.
Total
$10,000 + $665 + $7,140 = $17,805
Add together your $10,000 in chemical costs, $665 in water costs, and $7,140 in labor costs, and your total comes to $17,805 to resurface a vinyl pool.
Total Cost of Ownership over 25 years
Fiberglass Resurfacing System (Fibre Tech-Patented)
- Total cost of ownership for 25 years = $17,686
- Lasts 25 years
- Times resurfaced: 1
- $7,500 in labor
- 19,000 gallons of water used ($186)
- $10,000 spent on chemicals
Marcite/Plaster
- Total cost of ownership for 25 years = $25,466
- Times resurfaced: 2.5
- $12,500 in labor
- 47,500 gallons of water used ($466)
- $12,500 spent on chemicals
Vinyl Liner
- Total cost of ownership for 25 years = $17,805 (before inflation)
- Times resurfaced: 3.57
- $7,140 in labor
- 67,830 gallons of water used ($665)
- $10,000 spent on chemicals
The benefits are clear. Not only do fiberglass pools cost less, but they last for at least 15 years longer than any other option available. If you want more details on how much it’ll cost to resurface your pool with fiberglass, contact Fibre Tech for a free estimate.