Pool resurfacing does not always mean stripping every square inch to bare concrete, but it also should not mean plastering blindly over whatever is there. Existing plaster has to become a sound substrate: hollow/delaminated material is removed, contamination and weak material are addressed, interfaces are prepared, and the chosen system’s bonding method is followed.
A Published Resurfacing Procedure Shows the Difference
SGM’s Diamond Brite installation manual gives separate instructions for resurfacing projects. It calls for substrate cleaning/preparation, undercutting around tile and fittings, sounding the old plaster and removing hollow/delaminated areas. That is very different from treating old plaster as though it were automatically a suitable bonding surface.
Why Hollow Plaster Matters
A new finish can only be as dependable as the layer supporting it. If old plaster has lost bond to the shell, bonding the new finish strongly to that loose plaster does not reconnect the old layer to the structure. Delamination therefore has to be addressed as a substrate problem.
Prep Is More Than “Acid Wash the Shell”
- Remove dirt, algae, mold, grease, loose patching and incompatible material.
- Identify and remove hollow or delaminated finish as required.
- Prepare around fittings, drains and tile interfaces.
- Address active water penetration/hydrostatic conditions called out by the system.
- Use the specified bond coat or mechanical/chemical preparation method for the exact finish system.
Ask the Contractor to Describe the Shell After Demolition
A useful proposal should explain what happens if sounding reveals much more hollow plaster than expected, whether repairs are included or unit-priced, what bond coat is used, and how existing tile/fittings are handled. “Prep included” is too vague for a resurfacing job where hidden delamination can materially change the scope.
Florida Scope Reminder
Interior pool resurfacing/refinishing is within regulated Florida pool-contractor scopes. That is another reason to distinguish it from ordinary cosmetic coating work. Verify the contractor category appropriate to the actual scope.