HOW DO I KNOW IF MY COMMERCIAL POOL NEEDS RESURFACING?
This article is written for Commercial Pool operators of Waterparks, HOA’s, Hotels, Resorts,Timeshare, Apartments and Municipal Pools.
I have been asked numerous times,
“Do you think the pool needs to be resurfaced ?”.
I usually try to answer by pointing out that a combination of some or all the factors listed below will swing the answer to yes or no. So i decided to write this short guide to help you decide. Hopefully this article will answer most, if not all of your questions.
There are many factors to consider when it comes time to resurface your pool.
FACTORS
When the pool was last resurfaced
The widely accepted cycle within the industry for pool resurfacing is 7–10 years, although a well chemically maintained pool can last 15 years or more!
If you are less than 5 years into the pool life or last resurfacing check with your contractors warranty. Keep in mind if there is evidence of low Ph, it may void that warranty!
Water Loss
Many people may say that a good reason to have your pool resurfaced is so that it does not leak. New plaster may cover most leak areas although water loss from leaks with none of the other issues below may not be just cause for a full resurfacing, just dye testing or pressure testing.
The Surface
The pool finish gets thinner, pitted and scarred over time, due to the chemical wear and tear, as well as physical use and abuse from swimmers.
You may notice that your pool is chalking, and this is a good indicator that the pool finish needs to be resurfaced.
Most people start to see what we call etching on the pool surface. This can look like gray, yellow or brown patches all over the pool.
Pop Offs
Pool pop offs may indicate delamination of the plaster from the pool surface. Single or a sparse few pop offs can be filled in even without draining the pool, by a licensed and experienced contractor, if caught early. But few contractors will repair multiple pop-offs like the picture above.
Stains
If it is getting harder and harder to keep your pool clean, or keep it balanced, this is also a good indicator. Stains may be caused by organic materials or metals and minerals.When the pool gets pitted it becomes almost impossible to keep clean because the stains reoccur frequently as they become more stubborn in the etching.
Cracked Tiles
Cracks occurring on the tiles in your pool is perhaps the most obvious indicator that the surface needs some serious repair work. These cracks can lead to pool leaks, which are a much more difficult problem to deal with if they get out of control.
OPTIONAL ADD ONS
Tile
While home renovation shows are wildly popular you should keep in mind function over form. Colors should be kept simple as matching building and deck colors change over time. Also tile supply changes and the tile that you bought last year may not available ever again OR may be a slightly different color compared to the original. So stick with colors that seem to be in stock year after year. Always have a case or two of tiles left over as individual tiles may crack due to damage from swimmers.
LED Lights
Led lights are more expensive than traditional incandescent lights but use less wattage, have longer operating lives and in many cases make the pool look brighter at night.
BE AWARE
A resurface may require you to upgrade to new code standards such as,
- Ladders
- Handrails
- Depth Markers
- Non skid Step tile
- Main Drain outlet covers
Liability
In addition, what is acceptable for your home pool may not be acceptable for a commercial pool open to the public, due to liability concerns. For example you may have a black pool surface in your home pool but for safety reasons the Local pool code may require a white surface to contrast a swimmers body in the pool.
Licensed Contractors
Only use licensed pool contractors with valid licenses for performing pool renovations. Just because someone has experience and says they can do the job, doesn't mean they should be doing it.
Pick the best company not the lowest bid
After you've received a few estimates Pick the best company first and then negotiate to see how close they can come to the lowest bid. Be a hero for having a good looking job that lasts years rather than a zero who buys cheapest and spends days, weeks and years of unnecessary stress working through problems and possible legal action.
Completion Time
The length of time to resurface the pool may be as little as one week to one month or more depending on the size and scope of the pool and job. Favorable weather conditions will be a factor
The first 30 days
What you do in the first 30 days after the pool is resurfaced will extend the life of the job, such as,
- Following all the manufacturer recommendations.
- Fill the pool. The pool should be filled as quickly as possible, without stopping. Stopping may cause lines in the new surface, like a bath tub ring.
- Brush the entire surface twice each day for the first 3 days and daily afterwards. Clean the filter as needed.
- Keep chlorine, Ph, Total Alkalinity and calcium at contractors recommended levels.
- Do not install automatic pool cleaners for 28 days. Do not vacuum the pool with a wheeled vacuum for 14 days, to avoid leaving “Wheel Marks”.
Please contact Spies Pool for Commercial Pool renovation quotes in Central Florida
407 847 2771
