Pool resurfacing offers a cost-effective, affordable way to improve the beauty, longevity, and health of your pool investment. It can be confusing to decide on the right surface for your pool, as there are so many available. Below is a breakdown of the best pool resurfacing products, along with their advantages and disadvantages?
Marblesheen
Marblesheen pools use a concrete shell to construct them. The top is 5-20mm thick and has white marble chips embedded in it.
A marblesheen finish can last as long as 12 to 15 years if it is well maintained. You can also color the surface to complement the surrounding areas in a wide variety of bright, vibrant, or subtle shades.
Marblesheen’s long life span and great looks have their drawbacks. Marblesheen itself is not waterproof. It can be susceptible to rust and hairline cracks as well as rust stains, algae, and loss of adhesion.
Age is also important. Why? Because any marblesheen surface before 1980 could contain asbestos. This is because asbestos was originally added to increase the product’s lifespan. Marblesheen surfaces that are more than 40-years old will need to be resurfaced.
Benefits: Long lifetime, wide selection of colours
Cons: Non waterproof, prone to wear and tear, older surfaces may have asbestos
Pebblecrete
Pebblecrete pools have small stones or glass beads which give the pool its natural look while maintaining a non-slip surface. The naturally polished surface provides a smooth, comfortable feel for your feet. The surface is smoother for smaller stones and beads than the larger ones. They also give the pool an elegant appearance that few other surfaces can duplicate.
Pebblecrete finishes of low quality can feel rougher than they need to be. The surface is porous, which makes it non-waterproof. This means that it needs to be well maintained and cleaned regularly to ensure that it remains clean, fresh, and attractive to the eyes. To ensure a healthy surface of pebblecrete, it is important to have a balanced chemical composition.
Pebblecrete may develop black algae, calcium (in form of white drips), deep cracks, and stains if not taken care of.
You can have your pebblecrete pool maintained in top shape by hiring a professional pool resurfacing firm like United Pools & Renovations. This will save you time, hassle, energy, and money.
Benefits: Natural and elegant design, wide selection of stone/bead combinations and relatively gentle on the feet
Con: More porous than other surfaces, non-waterproof, more abrasive
Fibreglass
Fiberglass is, at the risk that it sounds a bit pompous, one of the best products for resurfacing pools.
Why? Because of its strength and versatility, as well as cost-effectiveness, this pool surface has been very popular for over 40 years. The surface is both easy to put in and visually appealing. It looks great in any indoor or outdoor pool setting. Fiberglass is non-porous so it’s easy on your feet. This makes it less likely to sustain damage like cracks, stains, or bacteria.
Fiberglass is also available in bright and vivid colors. The finish acts as both a thermal and protective layer between the surface of the water and the water. It makes the water feel warmer in winter while still keeping it cool in summer.
Fiberglass finishes last 20-30 years if maintained properly. It’s a very worthwhile investment that will stand the test of time.
Benefits: Exceptionally long life span, non-porous to increase durability, customizable for your needs, and very gentle on your feet.
Cons: Surface can become more porous with time, making it susceptible to black spots and hairline cracks.
Summary
These are some of the most well-known pool surfaces available. This will hopefully help you make the best choice for your pool surface.
United Pools & Renovations will be happy to assist you with any questions. Our pool painting and pool resurfacing experts are happy to discuss your requirements with you and offer a custom solution.