Community Pool Resurfacing: Essential Insights for Your Board

A community swimming pool provides endless enjoyment for residents, but when it's time to resurface, the process can become daunting. By understanding your resurfacing options, you can simplify the procedure and ensure a top-notch pool experience for years to come.

When pool surfaces start to crack, the main choices for resurfacing are paint or plaster. Deciding between the two involves considering factors like climate, the age and location of the pool, budget constraints, and the existing pool surface material.

Making a wise decision requires being well-informed. A proficient community association management company can offer valuable insights and recommend a reliable pool specialist. Before engaging a professional, consider the following pros and cons.

Pros

- Options: Various paint bases such as acrylic, water, epoxy, or rubber are available.
- Appearance: Typically smooth and seamless finishes.
- Choices: A wide array of colors can be selected.
- Longevity: Epoxy-based paint can last up to 10 years.

Cons

- Durability: Acrylic-based paints don't endure as long as epoxies.
- Limitations: Epoxy-based paints need precise mixing with catalysts and hardeners. They are suitable only for unfinished surfaces or those with similar epoxy compositions.
- Peeling: Contaminants, like those carried by the wind, can cause future peeling.
- Time: Surfaces need to be dry for five days before painting, with an additional three days required for the new coat to dry.
- Potential pitfalls: Incorrect application or improper water alkalinity can result in blistering, peeling, or chalking.

Pros

- Appearance: Attractive surfaces available in colored aggregates, exposed aggregates, and polished finishes.
- Ease: Less prep work since the surface doesn't need to be dry.
- Durability: Generally longer-lasting than paint.
- Flexibility: Adding pebbles, quartz, or glass beads enhances aesthetics and extends the lifespan to 10-12 years.

Cons

- Routine maintenance: Regular maintenance is needed every 7-10 years due to plaster's semi-permeable nature.
- Difficulty: Several application steps are involved, including water-blasting and applying a specialized bonding coat.
- Potential unsightliness: Incorrect water chemistry can cause the plaster to appear mottled or whitened.

Ultimately, the best course of action is an informed decision. There's no universal solution, so consulting a community manager to find a reliable pool expert is advantageous. This approach ensures that factors such as location, water quality, current pool surface, and budget are all considered, safeguarding your investment.