What Really Happens During Pool Resurfacing?
You’ve seen the cracks and stains, and you know it’s time to do something about your pool. The terms pool plastering and pool resurfacing sound like straightforward fixes. A contractor comes in, puts on a new coat, and your pool looks brand new. Unfortunately, the reality is far more disruptive, messy, and time-consuming than most homeowners anticipate. It’s a process of demolition before construction, one that turns your backyard into a noisy work zone for weeks on end. Before you commit to this path, it’s crucial to understand what the process truly entails and to ask if a simple surface fix is worth the headache.
Deconstructing the Resurfacing Process: More Demolition Than You'd Think
Resurfacing isn't like painting a room. It's an invasive, multi-stage construction project that temporarily renders your backyard unusable. Homeowners are often surprised by the intensity of the labor and the disruption it causes.
Step-by-Step: The Gritty Details of a Pool Replastering Project
- The Draining: The process begins with draining thousands of gallons of water from your pool, which can take a full day and impact your water bill.
- The Demolition Phase: This is the loudest and messiest part. Workers use jackhammers and pneumatic chisels to chip away all the old, failing plaster. This creates a tremendous amount of dust and debris that can settle on your home, patio furniture, and landscaping.
- Surface Preparation: Once the old surface is gone, the crew must sandblast or acid-wash the underlying concrete shell to create a bondable surface. This involves more noise, machinery, and the use of harsh chemicals in your backyard.
- Repairs and Priming: Any cracks or structural issues in the pool shell must be repaired. This is also when plumbing fittings and tile lines are addressed—often adding to the project's timeline and cost. A bond coat is then applied.
- The New Application: Finally, the new material—whether it's pool plastering or an aggregate finish—is mixed and troweled onto the surface by a skilled team. This is a physically demanding and time-sensitive process that must be done perfectly to avoid flaws.
- The Long Wait (Curing): The pool is immediately filled with water, but you can't use it yet. The new surface must cure underwater for several weeks. During this time, you'll be responsible for "brushing" the pool multiple times a day to prevent dust from settling and staining the new finish. You'll also need to maintain a very specific chemical balance, a process known as a "hot start," which can be tricky and time-consuming.
This entire ordeal can take anywhere from two to four weeks, during which your backyard is a chaotic and often inaccessible construction site.
The Alternative: A Clean, Quiet, and Quick Transformation
Now, contrast that lengthy, messy process with the Freedom Decks solution. When you choose to solve your pool problem with a deck conversion, you are opting out of the disruption. Our process is designed to be efficient and respectful of your home.
The Freedom Decks Installation Process
- No Demolition: We don't chip, sandblast, or jackhammer anything. Your existing pool shell stays exactly as it is.
- No Mess: Our proprietary bracket system is installed inside the pool shell with minimal drilling. There is no concrete dust, no chemical runoff, and no debris to manage.
- Fast & Efficient: Our professional crews typically complete the entire installation of the support structure and composite decking in just 2 to 5 days.
- Immediate Use: The moment our team is finished, your new deck is ready to be enjoyed. There is no curing time, no brushing, and no complicated water chemistry to worry about. You can move your furniture on and host a barbecue that very same day.
Process Comparison Checklist
| Feature | Pool Resurfacing / Replastering | Freedom Deck Conversion |
|---|---|---|
| Project Timeline | 2-4 Weeks | 2-5 Days |
| Requires Demolition | Yes (chipping out old plaster) | No |
| Major Noise & Dust | Yes | No |
| Use of Harsh Chemicals | Yes (acid washing) | No |
| Post-Install Homeowner Work | Yes (weeks of brushing/ balancing) | No |
| Immediate Usability | No (requires weeks of curing) | Yes |
Reframing the Goal: From a New Surface to a New Lifestyle
If your goal is simply to have a better-looking pool, then pool resurfacing might seem like the logical choice, despite the messy process. But what if your real goal is to have a better, more usable backyard? One that requires less work, offers more flexibility, and eliminates the stress of pool ownership?
This is the fundamental difference in approach. Traditional pool repair focuses on restoring an old feature. We focus on creating a new one. A fictional family in Las Vegas was debating between pool replastering in las vegas and our conversion. They chose the deck because they realized they weren't just fixing a pool; they were solving a lifestyle problem. They wanted a safe space for their grandkids to play and an easy-to-manage area for entertaining. The new deck delivered on that vision instantly, without the weeks of construction chaos. When you consider the disruption of a replaster or resurface pool project, the clean and quick alternative becomes much more appealing.
Your Backyard Shouldn't Be a Burden
Your home should be a source of relaxation, not a stressful, noisy construction zone. The process of repairing your pool shouldn't be as painful as the problem itself. By choosing a solution that avoids demolition and disruption, you're not just getting a new deck; you're getting a better experience from start to finish. You're choosing a path that respects your time, your property, and your peace of mind, delivering a beautiful and functional outdoor space you can enjoy in days, not weeks.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will your installation process damage my landscaping or existing patio?
Our process is designed to be minimally invasive. Because we don't use heavy demolition equipment, the risk to your surrounding yard and patio is dramatically reduced compared to a traditional pool resurfacing project.
What about the water in the pool? Does it need to be drained?
Yes, the pool does need to be drained before we begin work. However, unlike a resurfacing job, it is not refilled. This provides an immediate and permanent savings on your water bill.
I'm concerned about what happens to the pool shell long-term. Is it safe under the deck?
Absolutely. The pool shell is left intact and protected from the sun and elements by the deck. This preserves it perfectly. Should you ever choose to remove the deck, the pool shell will be in the same condition as the day we covered it. This is a significant advantage over a pool plaster repair, which is only a temporary fix.