Is there really anything better than having a swimming pool in your backyard? Watching the shimmering light play over the water? Jumping into the beautiful blue depths and enjoying a blissful swim? And yet, if your pool is poorly surfaced or the paint has chipped, faded or turned to an ugly shade, you can find your idyllic swim marred by mould and mildew, or simply bad aesthetics.

If your pool is looking a little worse for wear, it may be time for a resurface or repaint. Read on to find out about repainting and replastering your pool, and which might be the better choice for you…

Pool Painting Vs Pool Replastering

Pool painting, as you would imagine, is the act of painting the inside of your swimming pool. Specialised pool paint is used that is designed solely for this purpose. It is strong and durable, expands and contracts as needed, and isn’t impacted by the pool chemicals.

Pool plastering, on the other hand, involves covering your pool walls in a coat of plaster. It creates a waterproof seal and a smooth and aesthetic surface for your pool. If this plaster gets damaged, you may need to replaster your pool to repair it. This involves adding a new coat of plaster in an attempt to reseal the pool all over again.

What are the pros of painting your pool?

There are many pros to painting your pool. It is cheaper to paint your pool than to plaster it, even with the kind of paint used. As mentioned above, the paint you need is made especially for this use and comes with many benefits. It is:

• Non-porous – so that water cannot pass through.
• Durable against temperature extremes – so it is not damaged overly by the changes in seasons and if your water is warmer or colder.
• Durable against the chemicals used in your pool – which is utterly essential in swimming pools. The chemicals used can have negative reactions with certain paints and materials, so opting for pool paint ensures that this won’t happen.
• Easy to clean – another important benefit for pools that require a great deal of cleaning as it is.
• Resistant to mould, mildew and fungus and much more.

You can also paint your pool for aesthetic reasons. One of the main reasons we ever paint anything is because we like the way it looks. Painting your pool can make it look fresh and bright. It can also cover up stubborn stains and watermarks that make it look a little more drab or worn.

What are the cons of painting your pool?

One issue with pool painting is that you need the right kind of paint. That means shelling out for the good stuff, but it is definitely worth it in the end. Paint is also thinner than plaster, and is therefore likely to wear down faster and be replaced more often. 

You may need to repaint your pool every 4-5 years or so, and you won’t get any warranty with pool paint. That being said, it is still fairly affordable compared to the alternative and still lasts for quite a while. Painting every few years is normal in many homes, and a pool sees much more wear than the average kitchen or living room wall.

What are the pros of replastering your pool?

Replastering your pool comes with a great many pros, both for the look and function of your pool. Among the top benefits of replastering are that:

• It improves your pool’s structural integrity – older plaster, particularly plaster that has worn away or is showing cracks, can be dangerous for your pool and garden. Water can seep in and damage the concrete. It can harm your plants and even your pool’s plumbing and electrical systems. Replastering can prevent all this from happening.
• It looks fabulous – replastering your pool can immediately improve the look of your pool. Old plaster can make it look shabby, and cracks and other issues can make it look truly appalling. Fresh plaster can instantly turn the clock back and leave your pool looking good as new.
• It feels fabulous – another huge benefit is how your feet will feel touching the new silky-smooth surface of your pool. Older plaster can feel rough and even unpleasant underfoot, so by getting your pool resurfaced you can not only enjoy how much better it looks, but also how much better it feels.
• It is better for health and safety reasons – it is tricky to perfectly balance your chemicals and pH levels in your pool if your plaster has any cracks or damage. As it leaks, it lowers the levels and allows bacteria and fungi to grow and multiply. Resurfacing your pool will leave it good as new, easy to balance and manage once more.

What are the cons of replastering your pool?

Replastering your pool can be a time-consuming process. It can easily take more than a week to complete and can be messy while it is happening. It may also need to be done again every decade or so depending on wear and tear.

One of the main cons of replastering your pool is that it is difficult to do yourself. It may seem tempting to try and save money. But you could waste a lot of money and still need to pay for someone to come and fix it for you in the end. That’s where companies like West Coast Pool Resurfacing come in. They can do a fantastic job at an affordable price as well.

Final thoughts

If your pool is starting to show signs of cracks, has a surface that is faded or shabby, or is not looking at its best, it may well be time to repaint or replaster. You will be able to tell if plastering is necessary for the structural integrity of the pool, but it also can be the best choice for so many other reasons. 

When you think your pool is in need of replastering, make sure to contact experienced professionals to get the job done for you. They will leave your pool looking and feeling great, ready for you to dive right back in.

Amy Pearson