- ✅ 2,000+ pools refinished since 1998
- ✅ Plaster, pebble, epoxy coating experts
- ✅ 10-year warranty on refinishing work
Inground Pool Refinishing: Common Mistakes to Avoid for a Flawless Finish
After 25 years of inground pool refinishing, Charlie’s seen every mistake possible. The worst? A homeowner who acid-washed their pool so many times the rebar showed through.
Pool refinishing isn’t just cosmetic. Done wrong, it destroys structural integrity, creates safety hazards, costs thousands extra to fix.
We’ve refinished 2,000+ pools across Southern California. Here’s what goes wrong – and how to get that flawless finish you’re paying for.
Mistake #1: Refinishing at the Wrong Time
Temperature matters more than people realize. Plaster applied in 100°F heat cracks within months. Applied in 45°F cold? Won’t cure properly.
Rain during curing ruins everything. We’ve seen pools replastered three times because contractors ignored weather forecasts.
| Weather Condition | Impact on Refinishing | Best Action |
|---|---|---|
| Above 95°F | Rapid drying, cracking | Wait for cooler weather |
| Below 50°F | Poor curing, weak bond | Postpone until spring |
| Rain forecast | Washout, discoloration | Delay 48+ hours |
| High winds | Debris contamination | Tent or postpone |
| Ideal conditions | 60-85°F, dry, calm | Schedule immediately |
Pool age determines timing too. Ten-year-old plaster might need refinishing. Twenty-year-old? Probably structural repairs first.
Season affects pricing and availability. Everyone wants refinishing in spring. Fall’s cheaper, weather’s perfect, contractors less rushed.
Mistake #2: Skipping Proper Surface Preparation
Prep work is 70% of successful refinishing. Skip it? New finish fails within a year, guaranteed.
Proper prep starts with complete draining. Sounds obvious? We’ve seen contractors plaster over standing water. Results were predictable.
Critical Prep Steps Often Skipped
• Complete hollow spot removal (not just patching)
• Acid wash to proper pH level (not just once)
• Crack repair with hydraulic cement (not caulk)
• Pressure washing at 3,000+ PSI
• Bond coat application (essential for adhesion)
Old paint must go completely. Some contractors paint over existing epoxy. New coating peels in sheets within months.
Structural cracks need proper repair before refinishing. Plastering over cracks? They’ll telegraph through in weeks.
Prep Disaster: Costa Mesa Estate Pool
Situation: Previous contractor plastered over failing paint
Result: Entire finish delaminated in 6 months
Problem areas: 80% of surface had poor adhesion
Our solution: Complete removal to gunite, proper prep
Time required: 5 days prep work alone
Final cost: $18,000 (original job was $8,000)
Lesson: Cheap prep creates expensive problems
Mistake #3: Choosing Wrong Refinishing Materials
White plaster looks clean but shows every stain. Dark plaster hides stains but shows every calcium deposit. Choose based on your water and maintenance habits.
Pebble finishes last longest but cost most. Worth it for long-term ownership. Waste of money if selling soon.
Standard Plaster
Lifespan: 7-10 years
Cost: $4-6/sq ft
Best for: Budget-conscious
Aggregate Finish
Lifespan: 10-15 years
Cost: $5-8/sq ft
Best for: Texture lovers
Pebble Finish
Lifespan: 15-25 years
Cost: $8-12/sq ft
Best for: Long-term value
Epoxy Coating
Lifespan: 5-7 years
Cost: $3-5/sq ft
Best for: Quick fixes
| Material | Pros | Cons |
|---|---|---|
| White Plaster | Classic look, smooth | Stains easily, shorter life |
| Colored Plaster | Hides stains, custom looks | Fading, mottling issues |
| Quartz Aggregate | Durable, sparkles | Rough texture, higher cost |
| Pebble Tec | Longest lasting, natural | Expensive, very rough |
| Glass Tile | Stunning appearance | $25-50/sq ft cost |
Mixing materials causes problems. Pebble finish with plaster patches? Different expansion rates cause cracking.
Mistake #4: DIY Inground Pool Refinishing Disasters
YouTube makes pool refinishing look easy. Reality? We fix 50+ DIY disasters yearly. Most cost triple what professional work would’ve.
Homeowner tried epoxy coating himself. Mixed wrong, applied thick. Entire coating peeled off in sheets, clogged filters, ruined pump.
Wrong Mix Ratios
Too wet = weak finish
Too dry = won’t adhere
No fixing after applied
Uneven Application
Thick spots crack
Thin spots wear through
Trowel marks permanent
Poor Timing
Working too slow
Material sets up
Visible seams forever
Bad Chemistry
Wrong startup chemicals
Plaster etches/scales
Permanent damage
Acid washing seems simple. One homeowner burned through three plaster layers, exposed gunite, created leak. $15,000 repair.
Thought I’d save money refinishing myself. Bought materials, rented equipment, watched videos. Three days in, realized I was destroying my pool. Charlie fixed my mess but cost double what original quote would’ve been. Learned expensive lesson about leaving pool work to professionals.
Mistake #5: Hiring Wrong Pool Refinishing Contractors
Lowest bid usually means corners cut. We’ve torn out “professional” work that lasted six months. Homeowner saved $3,000, spent $12,000 fixing it.
Unlicensed contractors plague pool refinishing. No insurance, no warranty, no recourse when things fail. And they always fail.
Red Flags in Contractor Selection
• No license number provided
• Cash only, no contracts
• “Special deal” if you sign today
• No local references
• Extremely low bid (30%+ below others)
• Won’t pull permits
Experience with your specific finish matters. Plaster guy can’t do pebble properly. Different techniques, different tools, different expertise.
Warranty means nothing from fly-by-night contractors. They disappear when problems arise. Established companies stand behind work.
The Right Inground Pool Refinishing Process
Proper refinishing starts with honest evaluation. Not every pool needs complete refinishing. Sometimes repair and refresh works.
Day 1: Drain completely, evaluate structure. Find cracks, hollow spots, previous repairs. Document everything with photos.
Charlie – Pool Refinishing Expert
25+ years refinishing experience
2,000+ pools completed
Certified in all major finish types
Licensed, bonded, insured
Days 2-3: Prep work. Chip out hollow areas, repair cracks, acid wash, pressure wash. Most critical phase.
Day 4: Apply bond coat, then finish material. Timing crucial – work fast but precise. No stopping once started.
Perfect Execution: Anaheim Hills Renovation
Pool: 20,000 gallon, 20 years old
Condition: Severe staining, multiple patches, rough texture
Choice: Dark grey pebble finish
Process: 3 days prep, 1 day application, 3 days curing
Challenges: Found hidden cracks, previous repair failures
Investment: $12,000 including tile, coping refresh
Result: Like new pool, 20-year expected lifespan
Days 5-7: Careful filling, chemical balancing. Rush this? Ruin everything. Proper startup determines finish longevity.
Real Cost to Refinish Inground Pool
Average pool (15,000 gallons) runs $6,000-10,000 for quality plaster. Pebble finishes hit $10,000-15,000. Tile adds another $3,000-5,000.
Size obviously affects cost, but access matters more. Tight yards requiring pump trucks add $1,500. No side access? Everything hand-carried costs extra.
| Pool Size | Plaster | Aggregate | Pebble |
|---|---|---|---|
| 10,000 gal | $4,000-6,000 | $5,000-7,500 | $7,500-10,000 |
| 15,000 gal | $6,000-8,000 | $7,500-10,000 | $10,000-13,000 |
| 20,000 gal | $8,000-10,000 | $10,000-12,500 | $13,000-16,000 |
| 30,000 gal | $10,000-13,000 | $12,500-16,000 | $16,000-20,000 |
Hidden Costs Often Missed
• Permits: $400-800
• Water to refill: $200-400
• Chemical startup: $150-300
• Tile replacement: $2,000-5,000
• Unexpected repairs: $500-2,000 typical
Financing available but consider carefully. Seven-year loan for five-year epoxy coating makes no sense. Match loan term to finish lifespan.
Why Choose Charlie for Inground Pool Refinishing
Serene Pools is a Southern California-based pool maintenance and repair company specializing in commercial and residential services across Orange County, Los Angeles, Riverside, and San Bernardino Counties.
With decades of combined experience, we deliver weekly maintenance, green pool recovery, equipment repair, chemical balancing, tile cleaning, and complete pool care for apartment complexes, HOAs, gyms, hotels, and high-end homes.
Professional Credentials
Licensed California Contractor
Bonded & Insured
10-Year Warranty Available
Clients trust us for reliable, transparent service – no unnecessary upsells, just consistent results. We operate legally, professionally, and with firm commitment to doing refinishing right the first time.
Get Your Pool Refinishing Done Right
Ready for flawless inground pool refinishing? Charlie’s team has the experience to avoid every mistake that ruins pool finishes.
Call (714) 904-8575 for honest evaluation and fair pricing. We’ll tell you what needs fixing and what can wait.
Don’t let your pool become another refinishing disaster story. Get it done right the first time.
Call Charlie: (714) 904-8575Inground Pool Refinishing Questions Answered
How long does inground pool refinishing take?
Typical refinishing takes 5-7 days: 2-3 days prep, 1 day application, 2-3 days curing. Larger or problem pools may take 10+ days.
What’s the best pool refinishing material?
Pebble finishes last longest (15-25 years) but cost most. Standard plaster works for 7-10 years at lower cost. Choose based on budget and plans.
Can you refinish a pool without draining?
No. Complete draining is essential for proper refinishing. Any water prevents adhesion and causes immediate failure.
How do you refinish inground pool steps?
Steps require special attention – often hand-applied finish, reinforced edges, non-slip texture. Critical for safety and durability.
Is DIY inground pool refinishing possible?
Technically yes, realistically no. Requires specialized tools, perfect timing, experienced technique. DIY disasters cost more than professional work.
What’s the average cost to refinish inground pool?
Standard plaster runs $6,000-10,000 for average pools. Pebble finishes cost $10,000-15,000. Add 20-30% for tiles and coping.
When should you refinish vs repair pool surface?
Repair works for small areas under 20% of surface. Multiple patches, widespread roughness, or 10+ year old finish needs complete refinishing.
Does pool refinishing include tile replacement?
Usually separate but often done together for cost efficiency. Waterline tile replacement adds $15-30 per linear foot.