How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost in Phoenix? (2026 Guide)

If you’re a Phoenix homeowner with an aging pool, you’ve likely noticed the signs: rough textures tearing up swimsuits, stubborn algae spots that won’t scrub off, or just a dull, tired look.

We see this every day in pools built during the housing boom of the early 2000s.

The question isn’t usually if you need to resurface, but how much the damage will set you back.

Here is the reality for 2026: Most complete pool resurfacing projects in the Phoenix Metro area now land between $6,000 and $15,000.

Our team has tracked a steady rise in material costs, specifically for cement and aggregates, which has pushed the average price up about 5-7% from last year.

Let’s break down exactly where that money goes and how to budget for a finish that can survive our intense desert heat. Learn more about our professional pool resurfacing services to see what’s included in a complete project.

Average Pool Resurfacing Costs in Phoenix (2026)

The biggest variable in your quote will be the material you choose.

We typically advise clients that while white plaster is the cheapest upfront, it struggles against the high calcium hardness of Phoenix water.

Finish Type	Cost per Sq Ft	Average Pool (400 sq ft / 15k gal)
Standard White Plaster	$6 - $8	$4,500 - $7,000
Quartz Aggregate	$7 - $10	$6,500 - $10,000
Pebble (Generic)	$8 - $12	$8,000 - $12,000
Premium Pebble (PebbleTec®)	$10 - $15+	$11,000 - $16,000+

But those are just the shell costs.

A full resurfacing project is rarely just “applying new plaster.”

You also need to account for the mandatory prep work and surrounding repairs that ensure the new surface actually sticks.

Realistic total project ranges we see in 2026:

• Budget Refresh (Plaster + Basic Prep): $6,000 - $8,500
• Mid-Range Upgrade (Quartz + Tile): $8,500 - $12,500
• Premium Overhaul (Pebble + Chip Out + Deco Tile): $13,000 - $18,000+

What Drives Your Specific Price?

1. The Prep Work: Chip Out vs. Bond Coat

This is the “hidden” labor cost that makes the biggest difference in longevity.

We strongly recommend a full “chip out” for pools that have already been resurfaced once before or have significant delamination (hollow spots).

• Chip Out ($1,500 - $3,000): Crews manually chip away the old plaster down to the original gunite shell. It’s loud, dusty, and labor-intensive, but it guarantees a permanent bond for the new surface.
• Bond Coat ($800 - $1,500): If your current surface is solid, we can sandblast it and apply a bonding agent. This saves money but adds thickness, which can be an issue around tile lines and fittings.

2. Finish Selection: Balancing Cost vs. Durability

Your choice of finish determines how often you’ll need to do this again.

Standard White Plaster ($6-8/sq ft)

This is the classic, smooth white finish you see in older pools.

• The Reality: It is the most affordable, but it is soft. Phoenix’s hard water and aggressive UV rays often cause it to pit and stain within 5-7 years.
• Best For: Sellers looking to spruce up a home before listing or strict budget projects.

Quartz Aggregate ($7-10/sq ft)

Manufacturers mix crushed quartz into the plaster cement to add strength.

• The Reality: You get a harder surface than standard plaster with a nice speckle. It resists chemical erosion better, typically lasting 10-15 years.
• Best For: Homeowners who want durability without the rougher texture of pebbles.

Pebble Finishes ($10-15+/sq ft)

These finishes embed small river stones into the cement.

• The Reality: This is the gold standard for Arizona. Brands like PebbleTec or Wet Edge are virtually bulletproof against algae and staining, often lasting 20+ years.
• Insider Tip: If you have young kids, ask for “Mini Pebble” or “Sheen” varieties. The standard pebble size can sometimes feel a bit rough on tender feet after hours of swimming. For a deeper comparison of material options, see our guide on Pebble Tec vs Plaster vs Quartz.

3. Waterline Tile Replacement

Resurfacing almost always requires removing the old tile because the new plaster needs a fresh edge to seal against.

We often see homeowners try to save $1,500 by keeping old tile, only to have it fall off a year later because the bond was disturbed.

• Standard Ceramic (6x6): $600 - $1,500
• Glass Mosaic: $2,000 - $4,000+ (Looks stunning but requires skilled installation to avoid cracking in the heat)

“Hidden” Costs You Must Budget For

Detailed quotes should include these, but many low-ball estimates leave them out.

• Water Refill ($100 - $250): Refilling a 15,000-gallon pool in Phoenix isn’t free. The City of Phoenix raised water rates by 13% in March 2025. Expect a higher bill, especially if you refill during the “High Season” (June-September) when rates are over $6.00 per unit.
• Startup Chemicals ($350 - $600): New surfaces, especially plaster, are incredibly thirsty for acid and calcium. You need a “hot start” or specialized chemical balancing for the first 28 days to prevent immediate scaling.
• Permit Fees (Varies): While Maricopa County doesn’t typically require a permit just for resurfacing, you may need one if you touch the barrier fencing or if your city requires a specific drainage permit to empty the water into the sewer cleanout.

Our approach: We quote the full project upfront, including the startup chemicals and cleanup. No surprises, no add-ons.

Is Resurfacing Worth the Investment?

You might be tempted to just patch the bad spots.

We usually advise against patching for aesthetics because the new patch will never match the old, faded color. You end up with a “polka-dot” pool.

Consider the alternatives:

• Patching: $500 - $1,200. A temporary functional fix that looks patchy.
• Full Replacement: $60,000 - $100,000+. Only necessary if the structural shell is cracked or failing.

Resurfacing restores the waterproof integrity and beauty of your pool for about 10-15% of the cost of building a new one. Not sure if it’s time to resurface? Check our guide on signs your pool needs resurfacing.

Strategic Ways to Save Money

1. Utilize the “Sewer Fee Review”: If you live in the City of Phoenix and refill your pool between January and March, you can apply to have the sewer portion of your water bill adjusted, since that water didn’t go down the drain. This can save you a significant chunk of the refill cost.
2. Schedule for Winter: Plaster cures best between 50°F and 85°F. Trying to plaster in July when it’s 110°F is risky; the material dries too fast and can crack (“check cracking”). Contractors are also less busy in December and January, potentially offering better labor rates.
3. Bundle Your Tile: Since the crew is already onsite for the chip-out, replacing the tile now is cheaper than doing it as a separate project later.
4. Compare “Apples to Apples”: A $6,000 quote for plaster is not the same as an $8,000 quote for quartz. Always check the warranty—PebbleTec often carries a lifetime material warranty, whereas basic plaster might only cover 1-2 years.

Get an Accurate Quote for Your Pool

Every pool has its own unique quirks, from access issues to existing layers of plaster.

The best way to know your real number is a professional assessment.

We offer free, no-obligation estimates throughout the Phoenix Metro area, from Scottsdale to Gilbert. Our team will inspect your current surface, measure your square footage, and show you physical samples of the latest finishes.

Ready to see your options? Contact us for your free estimate.