When it comes to maintaining a backyard swimming pool, one of the most significant investments you can make is resurfacing. Over time, pool surfaces wear down—tiles crack, plaster fades, and the bottom can develop rough patches that can be uncomfortable for swimmers. Pool resurfacing is a necessary part of long-term pool maintenance, but homeowners often ask: Will resurfacing change my pool’s depth? This is a valid concern, especially for those with specific depth considerations, such as families with young children or competitive swimmers.
In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore how pool resurfacing affects the depth of your pool, the materials and methods involved, and what to expect from the process. We’ll also look at how to plan for resurfacing to ensure your pool remains functional, safe, and aesthetically pleasing.
Understanding Pool Resurfacing and Its Purpose
Pool resurfacing is the process of applying a new finish to the interior of the pool. This can include replacing the plaster, applying pebble finishes, tile replacements, or installing fiberglass coatings. The goal is to enhance the appearance of the pool, improve safety, and prolong the lifespan of the structure.
Most pool owners consider resurfacing when they notice signs of deterioration such as:
- Cracks in the surface
- Rough or uneven textures
- Discoloration or staining
- Leak problems that may be tied to surface wear
But when considering resurfacing, it’s important to understand that while the exterior dimensions of the pool remain unchanged, the interior finish can affect the interior volume and, in some cases, depth.
Does Pool Resurfacing Affect Pool Depth?
To answer the central question directly: Yes, resurfacing may alter the depth of your pool, but the change is typically minimal. How much it changes depends on the type of resurfacing material used, the thickness of the new layer, and the scope of the project.
Factors That Influence Depth Changes
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Material Thickness: Different resurfacing materials have different application thickness. For example:
- Traditional marcite (plaster) is usually applied around ½ to ¾ inch thick.
- Pebble finishes can be slightly thicker, sometimes adding an additional ¼ inch compared to standard plaster.
- Fiberglass coatings may only add a thin layer, less than ¼ inch.
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Existing Surface Damage: If the original surface was damaged and needed significant removal before resurfacing, this can affect the final depth in two ways—either reducing the depth if the new layer is thicker than the removed one or increasing it slightly if more material was removed than replaced.
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Waterline Tile Replacement: Replacing the waterline tiles can sometimes bring the effective waterline level slightly lower, indirectly affecting how depth is measured.
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Design Interventions:
In rare cases, pool resurfacing is done as part of a major remodeling project that may include deepening certain areas, adjusting steps, or modifying the pool structure. These are not standard resurfacing procedures, and typically classified as renovations.
Minor vs. Major Depth Variance
In most standard resurfacing scenarios, the change in depth is not drastic—generally within a few inches. For example:
| Material | Average Thickness | Typical Depth Change (total from all sides) |
|---|---|---|
| Plaster (Marcite) | 0.5″ – 0.75″ | 1″ – 2″ (due to surface build-up) |
| Pebble Tec | 0.75″ – 0.9″ | 2″ – 3″ |
| Fiberglass Coating | 0.2″ – 0.3″ | ~0.5″ – 1″ |
This means that while pool depth could decrease slightly, it rarely impacts pool functionality or poses issues for typical users.
Does It Really Matter? Understanding the Practical Impact of Depth Changes
Now that we know resurfacing may slightly affect the depth of your pool, the next question is: Will it matter? In most cases, the change is so small that it won’t alter the user experience or render the pool unusable for its intended purposes.
For Homeowners with Children
Families often opt for a shallow depth near the pool steps and entry areas. If the change in depth affects these regions slightly, it may even offer an added safety benefit by making the water slightly more shallow. However, this change is typically negligible unless the resurfacing project involves extensive structural or design modifications.
For Competitive Swimmers or Dive-Friendly Pools
For pools used for competitive lap swimming or diving (where a minimum depth is required for safety), even slight variations may matter. In these cases, it’s essential to consult with a professional pool contractor before the resurfacing project. They can provide accurate calculations of the expected depth change and ensure safety standards are met if new construction or deepening procedures are necessary.
Legal Considerations
In some jurisdictions, local codes require the pool to maintain a certain depth for safety reasons, especially for public or community pools. If your pool falls under such regulations, your contractor should verify the structural integrity and final dimensions after resurfacing to ensure compliance.
Materials Used in Resurfacing and Their Effect on Depth
Understanding which type of resurfacing material you choose is crucial in determining how much the depth might change. Let’s explore the most common types and their potential impact.
1. Plaster (Marcite): The Traditional Option
Marcite is a mix of white cement and marble dust and is one of the most common resurfacing materials. It’s cost-effective and offers a smooth finish but typically needs resurfacing every 5–7 years due to wear and discoloration. Since it’s applied in a thick layer, plastering usually results in a 1–2 inch change in the pool’s effective depth.
2. Pebble Coatings: Aesthetic & Durable
Pebble finishes, such as Pebble Tec or similar options, are popular for their durability and attractive appearance. They consist of small, smooth stones embedded into the cement, creating a natural look. The additional thickness of pebble coatings typically adds 2 to 3 inches of surface build-up, making this the most significant impact on depth among common resurfacing materials.
3. Fiberglass and Liquid Liners: Thin Coverage Solutions
Fiberglass coatings and liquid liners are thin and create a seamless, non-porous finish that resists algae growth. These materials are ideal for those looking to avoid major changes in pool depth. Their thinner application typically results in less than an inch of depth variation.
4. Tile Replacements and Waterline Adjustments
Sometimes, resurfacing includes replacing damaged waterline tiles. Because most of the tile work is external (at the waterline), it has minimal effect on internal pool depth. However, if the waterline is raised or lowered during resurfacing, it could slightly affect the volume and usable space of the pool.
Planning and Communication: Avoiding Unpleasant Surprises
Whether you’re resurfacing your pool for aesthetic reasons, maintenance, or safety, communication with your contractor is key. Before work begins, be sure to ask the following questions:
- What kind of surface material will be used?
- How thick is the material applied?
- Will the entire pool be resurfaced evenly?
- Are there areas of the pool that will require additional build-up?
- Can you confirm the expected post-resurfacing depth?
A reputable contractor should be able to provide measurements and explain any anticipated changes, ensuring you’re not surprised by a slightly shallower or uneven swimming experience.
Mitigating Potential Depth Issues
If you’re concerned about depth changes during resurfacing, several strategies can help minimize the impact.
Step Adjustments and Modifications
If your pool has steps or benches that will be affected by the resurfacing, the contractor may adjust them slightly to maintain usability. By raising or modifying these structures where necessary, you can offset minor depth variations caused by resurfacing.
Custom Design Elements
Some pool owners take the opportunity to incorporate design upgrades during resurfacing, such as adding a sun shelf or a tanning ledge. While these changes intentionally affect pool depth, they are typically planned ahead of time and are part of more extensive remodeling rather than standard resurfacing.
Resurfacing and Future Maintenance: How to Maximize Your Investment
Once resurfacing is complete, regular maintenance becomes essential to preserve your investment and avoid frequent replacements that could compound depth changes over time.
Chemical Balance and Cleanliness
Maintaining the right chemical balance (pH, alkalinity, chlorine levels) is crucial for prolonging the life of your pool resurfacing. Imbalances can lead to etching, staining, and premature wear, eventually necessitating repeated resurfacing and incremental depth changes.
Proper Filtration System Use
Using a high-quality filtration system and cleaning your pool regularly ensures debris doesn’t contribute to surface wear, helping your resurfacing last longer.
Periodic Inspections and Repairs
Small cracks or surface wear should be addressed immediately. Timely repairs prevent more extensive damage that could require deeper resurfacing in the future.
Cost Considerations and Value of Resurfacing
The cost of resurfacing typically ranges from $4,000 to $10,000 depending on the size of the pool, materials used, and geographic location. While it’s a substantial investment, it also enhances the longevity and appeal of your pool. The slight change in depth it might cause is negligible compared to the benefits it offers.
From an SEO and real estate perspective, a well-maintained pool is a valuable selling point. If your resurfacing project includes aesthetic upgrades (like pebble finishes or modern tile replacements), it may even add curb appeal and increase property value.
Conclusion: Resurfacing and the Depth of Your Pool
In summary: Pool resurfacing can slightly alter your pool’s depth, but in most cases, the change is minimal and doesn’t affect functionality or safety. The type of material used, the condition of your pool before resurfacing, and communication with your contractor all play a role in determining how much change—if any—you’ll experience.
By understanding the process and planning accordingly, you can enjoy the aesthetic and performance benefits of resurfacing without worrying about unexpected changes in water depth. Whether you’re looking to refresh an aging finish, enhance safety, or boost curb appeal, resurfacing is a smart and practical investment in your home’s most refreshing feature.
If you’re considering a resurfacing project, now is the time to reach out to a professional contractor who can guide you through the process and help you make an informed decision. Keep your pool looking great, performing well, and functioning safely for years to come.
What is pool resurfacing and how does it affect the structure of my pool?
Pool resurfacing involves applying a new finish to the interior surface of a swimming pool to restore its appearance and integrity. This process typically includes removing the old plaster or coating and applying a new layer of material such as plaster, pebble, quartz, or tile. While resurfacing does add a layer to the pool’s interior, it generally doesn’t alter the overall structure or shape of the pool. In most cases, the thickness of the new surface is minimal, so structural changes like depth variation are typically negligible.
However, depending on the materials used and the condition of the existing pool, resurfacing can have a slight effect on water depth. The coatings applied during resurfacing may add between 1/8 to 1/4 inch to the pool floor and walls, which can reduce the overall water depth by a small margin. This effect is generally too minor to have a noticeable impact on pool usage or water volume. Professional contractors are aware of this and can account for it when planning the resurfacing to minimize any changes.
How much does resurfacing typically reduce a pool’s depth?
The amount of depth reduction caused by resurfacing depends on the thickness of the new surface applied. Most resurfacing materials, especially plaster and aggregate finishes, add only a thin layer—typically between 1/8 to 1/4 inch—across the entire interior surface of the pool. This change is relatively insignificant compared to the typical depth of most residential pools, which usually range from 3 to 8 feet. The result is usually a depth reduction of less than half an inch, which rarely affects normal pool operation or swimmer comfort.
In some cases, especially when transitioning to a tile finish or applying multiple coats for repairs, the change in depth may be slightly more noticeable. However, pool professionals generally account for this when applying the new surface to ensure that water depth remains functional for the pool’s intended use. If you have a very shallow pool or specific depth requirements, it’s important to discuss this with your contractor before beginning the resurfacing process.
Can I choose resurfacing materials that minimize depth changes?
Yes, you can select resurfacing materials that are thinner and designed to minimize changes in water depth. For example, standard white plaster is one of the thinner options available and is often preferred when maintaining the existing pool dimensions is important. On the other hand, pebble or quartz finishes tend to be slightly thicker, which can contribute more to depth reduction depending on the application method and texture.
Discussing your concerns with a professional pool contractor will help you choose the most appropriate material. They can guide you through the available options and their impact on water depth. If preserving every inch of your pool’s depth is critical, such as in a spa or shallow end, the contractor may also suggest thinner coatings or specialized techniques for application to maintain the existing measurements as closely as possible.
Will resurfacing affect the water volume of my pool?
Since resurfacing slightly reduces the interior dimensions of your pool, it can lead to a minor decrease in total water volume. The reduction is typically minimal and depends on the size of the pool and the thickness of the applied coating. For example, in a medium-sized pool with an average depth of five feet, a resurfacing layer that reduces the floor depth by a quarter inch might result in a small loss of water volume—perhaps just a few hundred gallons out of thousands.
This slight change is unlikely to impact pool equipment or water chemistry significantly, but it is worth noting for purposes of maintenance, winterization, or adjusting chemical dosages. If your filtration system or automation controls are sensitive to exact water volumes, you may want to update those settings after resurfacing. Consulting your pool maintenance provider can help ensure everything is updated accordingly for optimal performance.
Is there a way to resurface a pool without changing the depth at all?
Full resurfacing will typically involve applying at least a thin layer over the existing surface, which may slightly alter the depth. However, there are techniques to minimize this, such as acid washing or lightly sanding the existing surface to preserve measurements. These techniques are not always suitable or effective, especially if the current surface is heavily damaged, cracked, or no longer bonded well to the structure.
In situations where maintaining every inch of depth is crucial, contractors may also remove the old surface entirely before applying the new finish. This is more labor-intensive and not always feasible, but it can help preserve the existing depth profile. Consult with your pool professional to determine the best approach based on your pool’s construction and the degree of resurfacing needed.
Are depth changes from resurfacing permanent?
Depth changes caused by resurfacing are generally permanent for the lifespan of that particular finish, which is usually between 7 to 15 years depending on the material and maintenance. Once the new surface is applied and cured, the added layer becomes a permanent part of the pool structure unless removed through intensive processes such as full demolition or aggressive sanding, which are usually costly and disruptive.
If consistent water depth is a priority due to specific needs like aquatic fitness or pool automation, it’s important to plan accordingly when choosing materials and techniques for resurfacing. Because pool finishes wear over time, repeated resurfacings could eventually compound the depth changes. If you plan to own your pool for decades, be mindful of cumulative effects and account for them in long-term planning and design choices.
What should I do if I have specific depth concerns before resurfacing?
Before proceeding with pool resurfacing, communicate your depth concerns directly with a licensed contractor or pool professional. They can assess your current pool structure, explain the impact of various resurfacing materials, and recommend the best options for minimizing depth changes. Many contractors will take precise measurements and may even mark the expected finish line to help you visualize how the resurfacing will alter the pool’s interior.
Additionally, you can request a written estimate of the expected depth shift and discuss any customization options available. If precise depth is tied to safety or usage factors, such as in a therapeutic pool, it may also be wise to involve a pool engineer or designer to ensure compliance with your specific requirements. Being proactive and informed helps ensure your resurfaced pool meets both aesthetic and functional expectations.