When it’s time to breathe new life into your swimming pool, two of the most common resurfacing options come to mind—pool plaster and fiberglass. Both options bring unique advantages to the table, but the ideal choice depends on several factors, such as your budget, the pool’s condition, and your maintenance preferences. This article compares pool plaster and fiberglass resurfacing so you can make an informed decision for your pool.
Understanding Pool Resurfacing
Pool resurfacing is essential to maintaining your pool’s functionality and aesthetics. Over time, exposure to chemicals, minerals, and weather can take a toll on pool surfaces, leading to cracks, stains, and rough textures. Resurfacing not only refreshes the look of your pool but also extends its life by preventing leaks and further damage.
The resurfacing process involves removing the existing surface material and applying a new finish. This major renovation addresses accumulated damage, improves water quality by creating a smooth surface that’s easier to clean, and enhances the overall swimming experience. Most pools need resurfacing every 10-20 years depending on the material, though this timeline varies based on maintenance quality and usage intensity.
Why Choose Pool Plaster or Fiberglass?
Pool plaster and fiberglass are two popular resurfacing options because of their durability and aesthetic appeal. But they differ significantly in terms of material, cost, lifespan, and maintenance needs. Understanding these differences helps you select the option that best aligns with your priorities and circumstances.
What You Need to Know About Pool Plaster Resurfacing
What Is Pool Plaster?
Pool plaster is a traditional and time-tested material made from a mixture of cement, sand, water, and either marble dust or quartz. It creates a smooth, hard surface and can be finished in various colors to match your pool’s style. Plaster has been the standard pool finish for decades, providing a proven track record of performance.
The application process involves troweling the plaster mixture onto the prepared pool shell, creating a surface typically 3/8 to 5/8 inches thick. Once applied, the plaster cures over several weeks, bonding to the underlying concrete structure. Proper curing is critical for achieving optimal strength and longevity.
Pros of Pool Plaster
Cost-Effective: Plaster is often more affordable upfront than fiberglass, typically costing $3,500 to $7,000 for an average-sized pool. This makes it accessible for homeowners with tighter budgets or those who prefer to minimize initial investment.
Customizable Aesthetics: Choose from a range of colors and finishes, including polished or textured looks. While traditional white remains popular, colored plasters incorporating pigments offer blues, grays, greens, and earth tones. Quartz and pebble-enhanced plasters add texture and visual interest while increasing durability.
Widely Available: Pool plastering is a common service offered by most contractors, making it easier to find professionals for the job. Competition among contractors can also drive competitive pricing and ensure availability during your preferred timeline.
Proven Track Record: Decades of use have established plaster as a reliable, time-tested option with well-understood performance characteristics.
Repairable: Small cracks or chips in plaster can be patched relatively easily without requiring complete resurfacing, extending the life between major renovations.
Cons of Pool Plaster
Shorter Lifespan: Plaster typically lasts 7–10 years and may need repairs sooner due to cracking or staining. High-use pools or those with poorly maintained water chemistry may require resurfacing even sooner, sometimes within 5-7 years.
Maintenance-Intensive: It requires consistent upkeep, including balancing water chemistry to prevent discoloration and surface damage. pH levels that are too low etch plaster, while high calcium hardness causes scaling. Both conditions accelerate deterioration.
Sensitive to Harsh Chemicals: Prolonged exposure to pool cleaning agents can deteriorate plaster over time. Chlorine, when combined with improper pH balance, actively attacks plaster surfaces.
Porous Surface: Plaster’s porosity makes it susceptible to staining from metals, minerals, and organic matter. These stains can be difficult or impossible to remove once they penetrate the surface.
Roughness Over Time: As plaster ages and erodes, it develops rough patches that can be uncomfortable for swimmers and create ideal conditions for algae growth.
Who Should Choose Pool Plaster?
If you’re looking for an affordable resurfacing solution with a classic aesthetic and don’t mind performing regular maintenance, pool plaster could be the right option for you. It’s particularly suitable for homeowners who are diligent about water chemistry, prefer traditional pool appearances, or plan to resell their home before the plaster reaches the end of its lifespan.
What You Need to Know About Fiberglass Resurfacing
What Is Fiberglass?
Fiberglass resurfacing involves applying a pre-fabricated fiberglass shell or fiberglass-resin coating to the pool’s interior. This creates a smooth, non-porous surface that is resistant to many common pool issues. The process typically involves applying multiple layers of fiberglass mat and resin, building up a durable, waterproof coating.
Unlike complete fiberglass pools that arrive as single molded units, fiberglass resurfacing adapts the material to work with existing concrete pool shells. The fiberglass bonds to the prepared concrete surface, creating a hybrid structure that combines concrete’s strength with fiberglass’s protective properties.
Pros of Fiberglass
Durable and Long-Lasting: Fiberglass often lasts 15–20 years, significantly outlasting plaster. Some installations remain in excellent condition for 25 years or more with proper care, making the investment worthwhile over the long term.
Low Maintenance: Its non-porous surface resists algae growth and staining, reducing cleaning time and chemical usage. Because algae can’t penetrate the smooth surface, it’s easily brushed away. This characteristic can reduce chemical costs by 30-50% compared to plaster.
Smooth Finish: Fiberglass is gentle on swimmers and less prone to developing rough spots over time. The consistently smooth surface remains comfortable throughout its lifespan, unlike plaster that becomes increasingly abrasive as it ages.
Chemical Resistance: Fiberglass withstands chemical exposure better than plaster, maintaining its integrity even when pH levels fluctuate outside ideal ranges.
Stain Resistance: The non-porous surface prevents metals and minerals from penetrating and causing permanent discoloration. Most stains wipe away easily during routine cleaning.
Flexibility: Fiberglass has some flexibility, allowing it to accommodate minor ground movement without cracking as readily as rigid plaster.
Cons of Fiberglass
Higher Upfront Cost: Fiberglass resurfacing tends to be more expensive initially than plaster, typically ranging from $6,500 to $12,000 for an average pool. This higher cost can be a barrier for budget-conscious homeowners.
Specialized Installation Required: Not all contractors specialize in fiberglass pools, which may limit your options. Finding qualified installers may be challenging in some regions, potentially extending timelines or increasing costs.
Limited Customization: While fiberglass is available in various colors and finishes, it doesn’t offer as many aesthetic options as plaster. The range of colors and textures is more restricted compared to plaster’s nearly unlimited customization potential.
Difficult Repairs: When fiberglass does sustain damage, repairs are more complex and expensive than plaster patches. Matching colors and achieving seamless repairs can be challenging.
Gel Coat Degradation: Over time, the gel coat finish can fade or develop a chalky appearance, particularly in pools with intense sun exposure. While this doesn’t affect functionality, it can diminish aesthetic appeal.
Who Should Choose Fiberglass?
If you’re willing to invest upfront for long-term durability and reduced maintenance, fiberglass resurfacing stands out as a worthwhile option. It’s ideal for homeowners who value convenience, plan to remain in their homes long-term, want to minimize chemical usage, or simply prefer spending less time on pool maintenance.
Head-to-Head Comparison of Pool Plaster and Fiberglass
| Feature | Pool Plaster | Fiberglass |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | Lower upfront cost ($3,500-$7,000) | Higher upfront cost ($6,500-$12,000) |
| Lifespan | 7–10 years | 15–20 years |
| Maintenance | High | Low |
| Durability | Prone to staining and cracking | Resistant to stains and algae |
| Aesthetics | Wide customization options | Limited customization |
| Installation | Easy to find contractors | Requires specialized professionals |
| Chemical Usage | Higher chemical needs | Lower chemical needs |
| Texture | Can become rough over time | Consistently smooth |
| Repairability | Easy to patch | Complex repairs |
| Environmental Impact | Requires more chemicals | More eco-friendly |
Key Considerations Before Resurfacing
Before deciding, consider these factors:
Budget: How much are you willing to spend upfront, and what are your long-term goals? Calculate the total cost of ownership over 20 years, including resurfacing frequency and maintenance expenses. Often, fiberglass’s higher initial cost is offset by its extended lifespan and reduced maintenance requirements.
Maintenance: Do you prefer a low-maintenance pool, or are you okay with occasional care and repairs? Be honest about your willingness and ability to maintain proper water chemistry and perform regular maintenance tasks.
Pool Size and Condition: Some materials are better suited for certain pool structures and sizes. Fiberglass works well for standard rectangular or free-form shapes, while complex geometric pools with numerous steps or benches may be more suited to plaster.
Longevity: Are you planning to stay in the same home long enough to benefit from a higher initial investment? If you plan to sell within 5-10 years, plaster may be more economical. For longer-term residence, fiberglass provides better value.
Climate: Extreme temperature fluctuations affect materials differently. Freeze-thaw cycles can be particularly hard on plaster, while fiberglass’s flexibility helps it accommodate temperature-related expansion and contraction.
Environmental Concerns: If minimizing chemical usage and water waste matters to you, fiberglass’s lower maintenance requirements align better with environmental goals.
Aesthetic Priorities: If achieving a specific color or texture is crucial to your vision, plaster offers more options. If consistency and smoothness matter more than variety, fiberglass excels.
Cost Analysis Over Time
When evaluating costs, consider the lifetime expense rather than just initial investment. Plaster costing $5,000 but needing replacement every 8 years means spending $15,000 over 24 years plus accumulated maintenance costs. Fiberglass costing $9,000 and lasting 20 years requires only one additional resurfacing in that timeframe—approximately $18,000 total—but with significantly lower maintenance costs that often make it more economical overall.
Final Verdict: Pool Plaster or Fiberglass?
Both pool plaster and fiberglass have their merits. Plaster is a budget-friendly option that delivers timeless beauty, but it requires more upkeep and has a shorter lifespan. On the other hand, fiberglass may cost more initially, but its durability and low-maintenance characteristics make it more cost-effective in the long run.
Your choice ultimately depends on your priorities. Choose plaster if upfront cost is your primary concern, you value extensive aesthetic customization, you’re willing to commit to diligent maintenance, or you plan to sell your home within the next decade. Choose fiberglass if you prioritize convenience and lower maintenance, plan to stay in your home long-term, want to reduce chemical usage, or value durability and longevity.
Consult with multiple pool contractors specializing in both materials. Request detailed quotes, ask about warranties, and seek references from previous customers. The right choice for your neighbor’s pool may not be right for yours—make your decision based on your unique circumstances, preferences, and long-term goals. Whatever you choose, professional installation and proper maintenance will maximize your investment and ensure years of enjoyment from your beautifully resurfaced pool.
Looking to upgrade your pool? Contact Estate Renovation today. Our experts deliver quality pool renovation Sydney services that fit your style and budget.