Top Signs Your Pool Needs Resurfacing—Before It’s Too Late

A beautiful backyard pool is more than just a luxury—it’s a centerpiece for family fun, relaxation, and a vital part of enjoying warm weather in Columbia, SC. But even the best-maintained pools eventually show signs of wear and tear. Pool resurfacing is a critical part of long-term pool maintenance that ensures the structure remains safe, functional, and visually appealing. Ignoring the early pool resurfacing signs can lead to much bigger (and costlier) pool repair down the road. So how do you know when it’s time to take action? Here’s a deep dive into the top signs your pool needs resurfacing—before it’s too late.

Discoloration, Stains, and Fading Surface

One of the earliest and most visible signs that your pool needs resurfacing is discoloration. Over time, your pool’s surface will naturally start to fade due to exposure to sunlight, chemicals, and regular usage. However, when you begin noticing uneven color patches or persistent stains that resist brushing or scrubbing, these are red flags. Mineral buildup, algae, and chemical imbalances are often to blame, but if the staining becomes deep-seated, it can permanently affect the pool finish.

In Columbia, SC, where summers are long and pool usage is high, these changes in appearance often accelerate. A faded or stained pool surface doesn’t just ruin the aesthetic—it may signal surface degradation underneath. If you’re constantly cleaning and the pool still looks worn or dirty, it’s likely that resurfacing is necessary. Surface coatings wear thin over time, making it harder to repel stains and maintain clarity. At this stage, applying a fresh surface layer will restore the brightness and vibrancy your pool once had.

Rough Texture and Peeling Plaster

Another major indication that resurfacing is overdue is a rough or abrasive texture on the pool’s surface. While older pools were designed with coarse finishes like pebble or gunite, even those should not feel excessively sharp or scratchy. If swimmers complain about cuts or scraped feet after spending time in your pool, the surface finish may be deteriorating. In concrete or plaster pools, this roughness is usually caused by delamination—when the surface coating begins to separate from the underlying structure.

This condition not only impacts comfort but poses safety risks as well. Peeling plaster or flaking surfaces can result in sharp edges, increasing the risk of injury. Additionally, a rough surface harbors algae and bacteria more easily, leading to hygiene issues that are hard to manage with regular pool maintenance alone.

Peeling or bubbling paint is another sign to watch for in painted pools. These are often symptoms of moisture trapped beneath the surface, which can cause the paint to blister and peel. Once the integrity of the surface has been compromised, no amount of patching or cosmetic fixes will provide a long-term solution. Resurfacing is essential to restore the pool’s original smoothness and ensure it remains safe and sanitary for swimmers.

Persistent Leaks and Water Loss

Nothing strikes fear into the heart of a pool owner faster than unexplained water loss. While some evaporation is natural, especially during hot Columbia, SC summers, ongoing water loss could point to more serious structural issues. Cracks in the pool surface or shell can allow water to seep out slowly but consistently, driving up your water bill and putting unnecessary strain on your pool’s filtration system.

Sometimes the signs are subtle: increased need to refill the pool, inconsistent chemical levels, or signs of soggy ground nearby. In other cases, cracks may be visible along the pool walls or floor, particularly in aging concrete pools. Leaks are not only expensive but dangerous—they can weaken the surrounding ground and pool structure, leading to even bigger structural repairs if ignored.

Professional pool inspection can determine whether the leak stems from plumbing or surface damage. If it’s the latter, resurfacing is usually the most effective pool repair strategy. By reapplying a fresh, waterproof coating, you create a new barrier that seals minor imperfections and prevents further water loss.

Chalky Residue or Erosion Marks

If you’ve noticed a white, powdery substance on your hands after touching your pool walls—or if you see cloudy water that won’t clear despite chemical treatments—you could be dealing with surface erosion. As pool surfaces degrade, calcium deposits are released into the water, creating a chalky residue that clings to surfaces and interferes with your water chemistry.

In Columbia’s humid climate, pool owners often use higher levels of chlorine or algaecides, which can accelerate erosion in older finishes. Over time, erosion leads to thinning surfaces and creates tiny pits or pinholes that become breeding grounds for algae. Once the surface becomes porous, it’s nearly impossible to maintain balanced water chemistry with standard pool maintenance efforts.

This is especially common in plaster pools, where the finish may wear away unevenly, leaving behind swirls, etchings, or streaks that ruin the pool’s uniform look. Not only does this make your pool harder to maintain, but it can also damage pool equipment by clogging filters and requiring more frequent chemical corrections. Resurfacing replaces the eroded layer with a fresh, smooth finish that helps prevent future buildup and keeps your water crystal clear.

Cracks, Structural Damage, or Age-Related Wear

All swimming pools have a finite lifespan, and even the best-built pool will eventually show signs of age. While small cosmetic cracks are normal, structural cracks—especially ones that widen or grow over time—are a sign that your pool is in trouble. These cracks can appear in the shell, coping, or tiles and often indicate deeper problems such as shifting soil or long-term water intrusion.

For many homeowners in Columbia, SC, aging pools that were installed decades ago are now reaching the point where resurfacing is no longer optional. A pool that’s 15–20 years old without a resurfacing treatment is at significant risk of underlying damage. If your pool hasn’t been resurfaced in over a decade and is showing any of the issues mentioned above, it’s likely operating on borrowed time.

In these situations, resurfacing offers both cosmetic and structural rejuvenation. Beyond sealing cracks and halting further degradation, modern resurfacing techniques often include stronger, longer-lasting finishes like quartz or pebble, which offer improved durability and aesthetics. This upgrade can extend your pool’s lifespan by years, saving you from costlier full reconstructions later on.

Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late

Owning a swimming pool is a big responsibility, but one that pays dividends in comfort, beauty, and lifestyle—especially in a place like Columbia, SC. However, overlooking the early warning signs of deterioration can turn that dream into a headache. Whether it’s discoloration, rough surfaces, leaks, chalky buildup, or visible cracks, these pool resurfacing signs should never be ignored.

Staying on top of pool maintenance is key to ensuring your pool remains safe, enjoyable, and cost-effective to operate. If you’re noticing even one or two of these indicators, it may be time to consult with a professional pool repair and resurfacing expert. The good news is that resurfacing isn’t just a fix—it’s an investment in the longevity and beauty of your outdoor oasis. Don’t wait until the damage becomes irreversible. Take proactive steps today to keep your pool sparkling, secure, and swim-ready for years to come.

Need Pool Repair Services in Columbia, SC?

With over 30 years of experience, the Can Do Plaster Crew is capable of taking care of all your swimming pool needs. We make sure to be professional and time-efficient with everything that we do, priding ourselves on the level of work we produce and our customer service. At Can Do Plaster Crew, we handle a wide variety of pool maintenance repairs, including resurfacing, tiling, plastering, some plumbing, lighting, and deck work. Can Do Plaster Crew is a one-stop shop for your pool’s needs. If yours is in need of an upgrade in functionality or style, give us a call. We are available after our regular business hours by request, so call us now!

Categorised in: Pool Resurfacing

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