Most residential pool resurfacing jobs in Central Florida take 7 to 15 days from start to finish, and most homeowners are swimming again within about 15 days. The exact time depends on the size of the pool, how much prep the old surface needs, whether tile or other repairs are done at the same time, and the weather. Here is what happens at each stage, so you know how long pool resurfacing takes and what to expect.
Pool resurfacing timeline at a glance
| Stage | What happens | Typical time |
|---|---|---|
| 1. Drain | Pool is drained and groundwater is controlled | About 1 day |
| 2. Prep | Old surface is prepared, loose material removed, repairs made | 1–3 days |
| 3. Tile and repairs (if included) | Waterline tile, fittings, step markers | Adds 1–3 days |
| 4. Bond coat and new finish | Bond coat applied, then the new plaster, quartz or pebble finish | 1–2 days |
| 5. Refill | Pool is refilled without stopping | 1–2 days |
| 6. Start-up | Water is balanced and the new finish is brushed while it cures | The rest of the 7–15 days |
Stage 1: Draining the pool
The pool is drained completely. Much of Central Florida has a high water table, so a careful contractor manages groundwater while the pool is empty, including the hydrostatic relief, to protect the shell. Draining usually takes about a day depending on pool size.
Stage 2: Preparing the old surface
Prep is the most important part of the job. The crew prepares the old surface so the new finish can bond: grinding along the tile line and around fittings, sounding the shell for hollow spots and removing anything loose. If the pool was painted or has a coating, that has to come off first. Pools that need more repair work take longer here.
Stage 3: Tile and repairs
If you are replacing waterline tile, adding step markers or fixing fittings, this is when it happens, before the new finish goes on. It is the most efficient time to do it because the pool is already empty.
Stage 4: Bond coat and the new finish
A bond coat is rolled over the prepared shell so the new finish grips. Then the finish itself goes on: PMM Premix plaster, Diamond Brite quartz, mini pebble or Pebble Tec. Not sure which one? Read our Diamond Brite vs Pebble Tec vs plaster comparison.
Stage 5: Refilling the pool
Refilling starts right after the finish is applied and should not stop until the pool is full. Stopping partway can leave a visible ring on the new surface. Depending on pool size and water pressure, filling usually takes one to two days.
Stage 6: Start-up and curing
A new finish keeps curing after the pool is full. During start-up the water is balanced carefully, metals in the fill water are controlled, and the surface is brushed regularly to remove the dust the new finish releases. This step decides how good the finish looks for years, which is why it matters as much as the application.
When can you swim after pool resurfacing?
Most homeowners are swimming again within about 15 days of the start of the job. Your crew will tell you exactly when the water is balanced and the pool is ready to use.
What can make it take longer?
- Rain: the finish can’t be applied in the rain, so storms can push the schedule.
- Extra prep: paint or coatings that have to be removed, or hollow and damaged areas.
- Tile and repairs: new waterline tile or other work done while the pool is empty.
- Pool size: large pools and pools with an attached spa take longer to prep, finish and fill.
Pool resurfacing timeline FAQs
How long does pool resurfacing take?
Most residential pool resurfacing jobs in Central Florida take 7–15 days from start to finish, including draining, prep, the new finish, refilling and start-up.
How long after resurfacing can I swim?
Most homeowners are swimming again within about 15 days of the start of the job, once the water is balanced and the new finish has started curing.
Why can’t the refill stop once it starts?
Stopping the fill partway can leave a visible line on the new finish, so the pool is filled continuously until it is full.
Does rain delay pool resurfacing?
Yes. The finish can’t be applied in the rain, so storms can push the schedule back a day or more.
How much does pool resurfacing cost in Central Florida?
Pool resurfacing starts at $4,995. Plaster is about $4,995–$7,000, quartz about $6,500–$10,000, mini pebble about $8,000–$13,000 and Pebble Tec about $10,000–$18,000+ for a standard residential pool.
Plan your resurfacing
The Pool Repair Guy is a state-certified pool contractor (license CPC1457859) serving Central Florida since 1999. Pool resurfacing starts at $4,995, and every quote is free and itemized. See our pool resurfacing cost guide, our pages for pool resurfacing in Orlando and Kissimmee, or call (407) 898-5000.