Top Pool Resurfacing Options for Tampa Homeowners

Is your backyard oasis starting to look a little tired? Maybe the surface feels rough like sandpaper against your feet, or you're noticing stains that just won't scrub away no matter how much chlorine you add. In Tampa, our pools work hard. Between the brutal UV rays and year-round swimming season, wear and tear is inevitable.

If you're noticing these signs, it's likely time for pool resurfacing. Giving your pool a facelift doesn't just make it look better; it protects the structural integrity of the shell and fixes leaks. But with so many materials available, choosing the right one for Florida's specific climate is key.

Why Do Tampa Pools Need Resurfacing Sooner?

Tampa pools typically need resurfacing every 10 to 15 years due to the intense UV index and high humidity that accelerate chemical degradation. While a pool in a northern state might last 20 years on a single finish, the 90-degree days in Hillsborough County mean our pool chemicals are constantly fighting algae, which takes a toll on the plaster surface.

In our 25 years serving Central Florida, we've seen how specific local conditions affect longevity. For example, older pools in neighborhoods like Hyde Park or Davis Islands often battle shifting soil and high water tables. This can cause minor settling cracks that compromise the finish. Resurfacing seals these imperfections and provides a fresh, watertight layer.

Top Resurfacing Options for Tampa Pools

When you look for pool resurfacing Tampa Florida services, you'll generally encounter three main categories of finishes. Each has different strengths regarding cost, look, and how well they handle our subtropical weather.

1. Marcite (Standard White Plaster)

Best for: Budget-conscious homeowners and rental properties.

Marcite is the classic white finish you see in many older Florida pools. It's a mix of white cement and marble dust. It creates that traditional, bright blue watercolor that looks crisp and clean.

• Cost: This is your most affordable option. For an average 14x28 foot pool, prices generally start around $4,500 to $6,500.
• Longevity: Expect it to last about 7 to 10 years in Tampa.
• Pros: It’s smooth to the touch and the least expensive upfront.
• Cons: It’s the softest material. It dissolves slowly over time due to pool chemicals, making it prone to etching, staining, and rough spots sooner than other options.

2. Quartz Aggregate

Best for: A balance of durability and price.

Quartz finishes consist of crushed quartz stone mixed with plaster. Quartz is a non-porous, extremely hard mineral. By adding it to the mix, you get a surface that stands up much better to chemical imbalances than standard marcite.

• Cost: Typically costs 20% to 30% more than marcite.
• Longevity: You can expect 10 to 15 years of life.
• Pros: It’s harder and more stain-resistant. You also get more color variety, such as specks of blue or teal that sparkle in the sun.
• Cons: It can be slightly rougher on the feet than fresh marcite, though most people don't mind the texture.

3. Pebble Finishes (Pebble Tec)

Best for: durability, luxury look, and long-term value.

If you want the longest-lasting pool resurfacing Tampa Florida offers, pebble finishes are the industry gold standard. This surface is made of small, smooth river pebbles embedded in cement. At Aqua Coat Pool Plastering, we are authorized applicators of Pebble Tec, which is widely considered the world's most trusted pool finish.

• Cost: This is a premium product, often costing 40% to 50% more than standard plaster.
• Longevity: These finishes often last 20+ years.
• Pros: It’s incredibly durable and resistant to staining, algae, and chemical erosion. The texture is non-slip, and it gives the water a natural, lagoon-like appearance.
• Cons: The initial investment is higher. Some sensitive swimmers find the larger pebble textures slightly textured, though "mini" pebble options offer a smoother feel.

Don't Forget the Pool Deck

While the inside of the pool is the star of the show, the area surrounding it's just as important. A cracked or faded deck ruins the aesthetic of a newly refinished pool. If your pavers have sunk or your acrylic coating is peeling, you should address this during the renovation.

We often recommend pool deck resurfacing at the same time as the pool interior. In Tampa, popular options include acrylic coatings (which stay cooler underfoot) or pavers. Upgrading the deck ties the whole project together and prevents you from having to call contractors back out in six months.

How to Choose the Right Finish

Select a finish based on how long you plan to stay in the home and your tolerance for maintenance. If you're prepping a home for sale in Westchase or Carrollwood, a fresh marcite finish is a cost-effective way to increase curb appeal.

However, if this is your forever home, we almost always recommend upgrading to a quartz or pebble finish. The upfront cost is higher, but you won't have to drain and resurface the pool again for decades.

Quick Comparison:

Why Hiring a Local Expert Matters

Pool resurfacing is not a DIY job. It requires specific mixing ratios and troweling techniques that must be adjusted for Florida's heat and humidity. If the plaster cures too fast because it was applied at noon on a 95-degree day without proper hydration, it will crack and delaminate within a year.

Hiring a local expert ensures the job is done right. We know the local codes in Hillsborough County. We understand how to manage groundwater pressure when the pool is drained. Most importantly, we are here to support our warranty.

When vetting pool resurfacing Tampa Florida companies, look for:

1. Years in business: We have been established since 1993.
2. In-house crews: We don't subcontract our plaster work. Our team is trained specifically for Pebble Tec application.
3. Physical location: We own our warehouse and equipment here in Central Florida.

Ready to Revitalize Your Pool?

Your pool should be a source of relaxation, not stress. Whether you want the affordability of marcite or the luxury durability of Pebble Tec, upgrading your pool surface adds immediate value to your home.

Don't let another summer go by with a rough, stained pool. Call Aqua Coat Pool Plastering at (813) 767-1567 for a free consultation. We’ll help you choose the perfect finish to keep your pool beautiful for years to come.