When your pool starts showing its age with cracks, stains, and a rough texture, the first step for most homeowners is to figure out the right repair method. You find yourself researching terms like pool plastering vs resurfacing, trying to understand the nuances. Is one better than the other? Does one last longer?
This leads to another common question: should I replaster or resurface pool? While these are valid technical questions, they overlook a much more important strategic one: "Why am I spending thousands to fix something that will just break again?" Before you get lost in the details of repair terminology, it's critical to step back and evaluate if you're even solving the right problem.
Defining the Terms: What's the Real Difference?
To make an informed decision, you first need to understand what contractors mean when they use these terms. Often, they are used interchangeably, which adds to the confusion, but there are subtle distinctions.
What is Pool Plastering?
Pool plastering typically refers to the application of a traditional pool finish, which is a simple mixture of white cement, marble dust, and water. This is the classic, smooth, white or light-blue finish that has been used for decades. When people talk about needing to "replaster" their pool, they are referring to the process of chipping out the old plaster and applying a fresh coat of this specific material.
What is Pool Resurfacing?
Pool resurfacing is a broader, more modern term that encompasses the entire process of removing the old pool surface and applying a new one, which could be anything. This includes traditional plaster, but more often today, it refers to upgraded materials like:
- Aggregate Finishes: These mix cement with small, polished river pebbles, quartz, or glass beads. They are more durable and stain-resistant than standard plaster but have a bumpier texture.
- Tile Finishes: Using ceramic, porcelain, or glass tiles to cover the entire pool shell. This is the most durable, longest-lasting, and most expensive option.
Essentially, plastering is a type of resurfacing. The real decision isn't between the two words, but between different materials, each with its own cost, lifespan, and aesthetic.
Material Pros and Cons
| Feature | Standard Plaster | Aggregate (Pebble/Quartz) | Full Tile |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Cost | Lowest | Medium-High | Highest |
| Lifespan | 5-10 Years | 15-20 Years | 20+ Years |
| Durability | Prone to staining & cracking | Highly durable, stain-resistant | Extremely durable |
| Texture | Smooth | Varies from smooth to rough | Smooth |
| The Big Question | Does it solve the long-term cost and maintenance burden? No. | Does it solve the long-term cost and maintenance burden? No. | Does it solve the long-term cost and maintenance burden? No. |
The Flaw in the Logic: A New Surface Doesn't Create a New Experience
No matter which material you choose, the fundamental equation remains the same. You are spending a significant amount of money—anywhere from $5,000 to $30,000+—to restore a feature that will immediately begin costing you more money in maintenance, chemicals, and electricity. A new surface doesn't reduce your workload. It doesn't make the pool safer for your kids or pets. And it doesn't give you more usable space in your backyard.
This is why debating pool plastering vs resurfacing is like arguing over which brand of bilge pump to install on a sinking boat. You're focused on a minor detail when the entire vessel has a bigger problem. The real issue for many homeowners is that the pool itself has become a liability—a "money pit"—rather than an asset.
Pivot from Repair to Reinvention
The smart alternative is to change the question entirely. Instead of asking, "How should I fix my pool?" ask, "What is the best way to use this space in my backyard?" Suddenly, the answer isn't a choice between plaster and pebble. The answer is a solution that gives you more functionality, less cost, and zero maintenance.
A Freedom Decks pool conversion does just that. We bypass the entire repair debate by installing a beautiful composite deck over the pool. The old, damaged surface is instantly irrelevant. You've solved the problem of the ugly pool surface permanently, and in the process, you've gained a massive outdoor patio. You've traded a high-maintenance water feature for a no-maintenance living space.
A Lasting Solution, Not a Temporary Patch
Think about the long-term implications. A new pool plastering job might look great for a few years, but soon the stains will reappear, and the surface will start to feel rough again. Even a minor issue can require a professional pool plaster repair, adding yet another expense. You are locked into a cycle.
A deck conversion is a definitive end to that cycle. The composite materials are engineered for longevity, resisting the fading, staining, and cracking that plague traditional pool surfaces. It’s a single decision that provides decades of worry-free enjoyment.
You Deserve More Than Just a New Coat of Plaster
Don't get bogged down in the semantics of pool repair. Lift your sights to what your backyard could truly be. The choice isn't just between different types of cement and rock. It's between continuing a frustrating cycle of costly repairs and embracing a modern solution that enhances your home and your lifestyle. A new deck gives you freedom—freedom from cost, freedom from labor, and freedom from worry.
Frequently Asked Questions
If I choose a deck, does it matter what condition my old pool plaster is in?
No, and that's a major advantage. Whether your plaster is lightly stained or severely cracked and delaminating, it makes no difference to our installation process. We cover it all, saving you the cost and mess of demolition and repair.
Is this a better option than a pool fill-in?
Absolutely. A fill-in is a permanent, irreversible decision that can negatively impact your property value. Our deck system is fully reversible, preserving the pool as an asset. This gives you or a future owner the flexibility to choose, which is always more valuable.
My pool has a unique shape. Can you still build a deck over it?
Yes. Every Freedom Deck is custom-designed and engineered to fit the exact dimensions of your specific pool, whether it's a classic rectangle, a kidney shape, or a complex freeform design.