Pool resurfacing brings a tired, worn-out pool surface back to life. Over time every pool surface wears out – it goes rough underfoot, stains that won’t brush off appear, and the shell starts losing water. Pool resurfacing restores both the look and the watertightness of your pool, and this guide covers what’s involved, the finish options and what to expect.
Resurfacing means stripping the old, failed surface back to a sound shell, repairing any cracks, and applying a fresh finish so the pool is smooth, sealed and watertight again. It’s a proper renovation, not a patch – done well it adds many years to your pool’s life.
Not every rough patch or hairline crack means a full pool resurfacing job. A site inspection is how we tell the difference – we look at whether the damage is confined to the finish or has gone through to the shell underneath. Surface staining, minor chalkiness, or a single crack that isn’t leaking can often be patched without stripping the whole pool. Cracks that track through to the concrete, hollow-sounding patches, or a pool that’s losing water faster than evaporation usually mean the finish has failed and resurfacing is the only lasting fix. Our repair vs resurfacing guide covers this decision in more detail if you’re not sure which side of the line your pool falls on.
One of the first questions every homeowner asks is how long their pool will be out of action. The honest answer depends on which finish you’re resurfacing to, but both of our resurfacing services are quick compared to a new build.
Pool remarbeliting runs three to five days from start to finish, and pool refiberglassing runs the same three to five days. The pool is out of use for the full window – there’s no way around draining it – but because our teams are dedicated to each job, there’s no waiting around for the next available slot once work begins.
The three most common finishes in Gauteng are marbelite (a classic, affordable plaster), fibreglass (smooth, non-porous and low-maintenance), and epoxy (an economical coating). Not sure which suits you? Our marbelite vs fibreglass comparison breaks it down, and the table below lines all three up side by side.
| Marbelite | Fibreglass | Epoxy | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Guarantee | 5 years on remarbelite | 5 years on refiberglass | Shorter-term, suited to budget resurfacing |
| Typical cost (6x4m pool) | Around R18,000 (roughly R750/m²) | Around R25,000 (roughly R1,042/m²) | Priced per pool, generally the entry-level option |
| Maintenance needs | Porous cement finish – benefits from regular brushing and water balancing to slow chalking | Non-porous, smooth surface that’s low-maintenance day to day | Coating sits on top of the shell – needs monitoring for wear and recoating sooner than marbelite or fibreglass |
| Gauteng climate suitability | Handles UV and hail well when applied correctly, though older marbelite can chalk and fade over time | Resists UV fading strongly, though poor installation or ground movement can lead to osmosis blisters | A cost-effective option, but the coating is more exposed to UV and hail wear than a full plaster or resin finish |
Cost depends on the pool’s size, the finish and the amount of repair needed. As a guide, a remarbelite on a 6x4m pool is around R18,000, and a refiberglass on the same size pool is around R25,000. For real figures on your pool’s size and condition, see our 2026 pool resurfacing price guide, or get a free on-site quote.
Most pools need resurfacing every 10-20 years, depending on the finish, how well the water was balanced and the local conditions. Rough, stained or leaking surfaces are the usual signs.
It depends on your shell and budget – marbelite is classic and affordable, fibreglass is smooth and low-maintenance, and epoxy is an economical coating. We advise honestly per pool.
Leaving a chalky surface, a spreading crack or slow water loss unaddressed rarely stays a small problem. These are early warnings that the finish is failing, and ignoring them can lead to structural damage and leaks that cost thousands more to fix later. A pool that keeps losing water is also putting that water into the ground around the shell, and water seeping into the ground can cause shifting soil and foundation problems, potentially leading to cracks in the pool shell. Catching the signs early and booking a resurface while the damage is still cosmetic is almost always cheaper and quicker than waiting until it’s structural.
Thinking about resurfacing your pool? Call 081 537 0757 or email sales@trademen.co.za for a free quote anywhere in Gauteng.
For more background, see this external overview of how swimming pools are built and maintained.
Pool resurfacing is a proper renovation that adds years to your pool's life. Get a free on-site quote and honest advice on which finish suits your shell and budget.