When was the last time you had your Lakewood Ranch pool resurfaced?
Concrete pools need resurfacing every 10 years, at the very least. Pools in Florida especially suffer the surface-damaging effects of our state, like intense sunshine, severe storms, wind and debris, and chemical fluctuations.
An old or damaged pool surface never looks good. But aesthetic issues are only part of your problem. Read more about why you should resurface your pool sooner rather than later, and why the resurfacing experts at Lakewood Ranch’s Bahama Blue are the ones to do it.
What Is a Pool Surface/Resurfacing?
A “pool surface” is the material that coats your pool’s walls and floor—ie the bit under and around the water that you can see and touch during typical pool use.
Pools can have a variety of structural foundations that then receive finishing via a surface installation/application. In Lakewood Ranch, we’re usually dealing with gunite or concrete pool foundations, overlaid with tile, pebble, or plaster pool surfaces.
Both gunite and concrete are, technically, “concrete surfaces.” The different names refer to how these surfaces are applied. Pool builder pour concrete into a pool mold or shell. Gunite, a mixture of concrete and sand, gets sprayed over a rebar frame.
Pool resurfacing involves removing the old and/or damaged pool surface and replacing it with a new, clean, smooth and durable surface, without affecting the pool’s underlying infrastructure.
What Advantages/Disadvantages Does Each Pool Surface Have?
Each type of pool surface has advantages and disadvantages. Plaster costs less, applies easily, and looks…well, the way you expect a pool to look: clean, classic, white or off-white.
Pool resurfacers apply plaster by hand using a trowel to create a smooth, even look and feel.
But plaster will need to be resurfaced sooner than other pool services. It’s the most susceptible surfacing material to the elements and to time.
Pebble or composite surfaces give a unique Florida pool vibe. Using pebbles, quartz, glass stones or other materials embedded in cement, this darker, textured surface provides a rustic-but-contemporary look. Pebble surfaces can be anything from bumpy river bottom to smooth terrazzo-style finish.
Because they’re made of cement and natural, durable materials, pebble surfaces last longer than plaster.
But depending on the texture of the finish, composite surfaces can be uncomfortable to walk or sit on. Some materials also fade in the Florida sun.
Tile surfaces are great. They look clean and classic, they provide endless artistic options for colors and patterns, and their smooth texture makes them resistant to stains and easy to clean.
Well, the tile itself is easier to clean. The grout between tiles can house unsightly algae and stains. You just need to keep on top of it.
Tile also costs the most. You have to decide whether the look, ease and longevity of tile are right for you and your pool.
Does My Pool Need Resurfacing?
Maybe, maybe not. Even though pool resurfacing is a relatively straightforward project for us, we understand if you’re not prepared to undertake pool resurfacing or pool renovation this summer. In that case, Bahama Blue can clean, shock, balance, and otherwise beautify your pool for this season. Then let us reconnect in the fall.
Not sure if your pool needs resurfacing? Let Bahama Blue’s Lakewood Ranch pool experts take a look!
But keep in mind, every pool needs resurfacing at some point in its life. Our resurfacing experts can take care of it now and save you a lot of headaches in the future.