Living in Orlando means your pool is more than just a backyard feature—it's a necessity during our 90-degree summers. But when you look at your pool deck and notice cracks, stains, or a rough texture on the pool bottom, you might wonder if a quick patch job is enough or if you need a complete overhaul.
Most homeowners we talk to in neighborhoods like Lake Nona and Dr. Phillips face this same dilemma. You want your pool to look great and be safe for your family, but you also don't want to spend money unnecessarily. This guide explains the real differences between repair and resurfacing so you can make the smartest choice for your home.
What is Pool Repair?
Pool repair fixes specific, isolated issues without redoing the entire pool surface. It acts like a bandage for small problems, addressing immediate concerns such as a single crack, a few loose tiles, or a minor leak.
Common repairs we handle in Central Florida include:
- Structural Cracks: Sealing visible cracks in the concrete shell using specialized staples or hydraulic cement.
- Hollow Spots: Fixing areas where the plaster has separated from the gunite shell (often called delamination).
- Tile Repair: Reattaching loose waterline tiles or replacing broken ones.
Repair works best when the damage is localized. If your pool is generally in good shape but has one specific problem area, repair is the cost-effective path. However, if you find yourself calling for repairs every few months, you might be throwing good money after bad.
What is Pool Resurfacing?
Pool resurfacing involves chipping away the old, damaged surface and applying a brand-new material across the entire pool interior. This process restores the structural integrity of the shell and gives your pool a completely fresh look.
You have several material options for resurfacing:
- Traditional Plaster (Marcite): This classic white finish costs between $5,000 and $10,000. It offers a clean look but typically lasts 5-10 years.
- Quartz Aggregate: This mixes plaster with quartz crystals for added durability and a slight sparkle, lasting 10-15 years.
- Pebble Finishes (Pebble Tec): This is the most durable option for our intense Florida sun. It uses natural river pebbles, costs $9,000 to $18,000+, and can last 20+ years.
Resurfacing is the better option when your pool shows widespread signs of aging, such as rough texture that scrapes your feet, deep staining that won't brush off, or extensive cracking.
Key Differences Between Repair and Resurfacing
The main difference between repair and resurfacing comes down to the scope of work and longevity. Repair fixes a symptom; resurfacing cures the underlying condition of an aging pool.
Cost Implications:
Repair jobs typically cost hundreds or a few thousand dollars, depending on the severity. Pool resurfacing Orlando Florida projects are a larger investment, starting around $5,000 for basic plaster and going up for premium finishes. While the upfront cost of resurfacing is higher, it resets the clock on your pool's lifespan.
Timeline Considerations:
A simple repair might take 1-2 days. Resurfacing is a major construction project. From draining the pool to the final chemical balancing, resurfacing usually takes 7-14 days.
Aesthetics and Longevity:
Repair often leaves visible patch marks. Even with the best color matching, new plaster rarely matches old, faded plaster perfectly. Resurfacing provides a uniform, flawless finish that looks brand new and lasts for decades.
Factors to Consider Before Deciding
Before you sign a contract, look closely at your pool's overall health.
Age and Condition:
If your pool finish is over 15 years old, a repair is likely just a temporary fix. Most plaster surfaces in Orlando start deteriorating after a decade due to our harsh UV rays and chemical usage.
Structural vs. Cosmetic:
Is the issue just an ugly stain, or is the pool leaking? Structural cracks must be repaired before resurfacing, but if the only issue is cosmetic staining, you might be able to live with it longer if budget is tight.
Long-Term Goals:
Are you selling your home soon? A resurfaced pool increases home value significantly in competitive markets like Winter Park. If you plan to stay in your home forever, investing in a long-lasting pool renovation with a pebble finish is usually the smarter financial move.
Budget:
If a full resurface isn't in the budget right now, ask a professional if a repair can buy you another year or two. Just remember that you will eventually need to resurface.
DIY vs. Professional Help
In the age of YouTube, it's tempting to try fixing a pool crack yourself. However, pool chemistry and structural integrity are complex.
The Risks of DIY:
We've seen many homeowners try to patch cracks with marine epoxy, only to have the leak return worse than before because the underlying pressure wasn't addressed. Applying plaster requires specific weather conditions and mixing ratios that are hard to get right without training.
Benefits of Hiring a Pro:
Hiring a professional service means getting expertise and a warranty. For example, our team uses specific techniques to undercut tile lines and apply bond coats that ensure the new surface sticks. Plus, reputable companies carry insurance to protect your property during the work.
Local Regulations in Orlando
Pool work isn't the Wild West; there are rules to follow. In Orange County, major pool modifications often require permits to ensure they meet the Florida Building Code.
Compliance matters because unpermitted work can cause major headaches when you try to sell your home. A licensed contractor handles the permitting process for you, ensuring that drains are VGB-compliant (preventing entrapment) and that the work meets all local safety standards.
Real Examples from Central Florida
We recently worked with a family in Altamonte Springs whose pool had severe delamination—big hollow spots where the plaster had popped off. They considered patching it, but because the damage covered 40% of the pool, we recommended pool resurfacing Orlando Florida homeowners trust for longevity. They chose a blue pebble finish. The result wasn't just a fixed pool; it looked like a completely new backyard resort.
Another client in Conway had a single structural crack leaking water. Because the rest of their plaster was only three years old, we performed a targeted structural repair using staples. It saved them thousands of dollars and solved the leak immediately.
Making Your Decision
Deciding between patching a problem or resurfacing the whole pool is a big decision. If your pool finish feels like sandpaper, looks blotchy, or is losing water, don't ignore it. The Florida sun is unforgiving, and small problems turn into big, expensive ones quickly.
If you're still unsure which path is right for you, let us take a look. We can give you an honest assessment of whether a repair will hold or if it's time to invest in a new surface.
Ready to get your pool summer-ready? Call All Phase Pool Remodeling, Inc at (888) 714-7665 today for a free consultation.