When it’s time to refinish your pool, most homeowners focus on the finish itself — the color, the texture, the look. And yes, those things matter. But the decision that actually determines how long your new finish lasts? It happens before a single trowel touches the surface.
There are two main approaches to pool surface preparation, and choosing the right one makes all the difference.
The Standard Approach: Conventional Surface Prep
The most common method removes about 10% of the existing interior finish. This isn’t just a shortcut — it’s intentional. Removing that top layer allows the new finish to sit flush with the tile edge and align cleanly around all fittings and penetrations. The result is a smooth, even surface with no “sunken” fittings, no uneven transitions where debris collects, and a finish that’s easier to maintain for years to come.
For pools in good condition, conventional prep delivers a quality result without the added cost or downtime of a full removal.
When a Full Chip-Out Is the Right Call
A full chip-out takes everything down to the structural shell. It adds roughly $8 per square foot to the project — and in the right circumstances, it’s absolutely worth it.
Here’s why it matters: most finish manufacturers and installers won’t extend full warranty coverage when new plaster is applied over an existing surface. That includes protection against delamination — which happens to be the biggest long-term threat to any new pool finish. If your existing surface is in poor condition or if long-term durability and peace of mind are the priority, a complete chip-out gives you the clean slate that a lasting finish deserves.
The Better Pool Starts With the Right Foundation
At Oak Wells Aquatics, we don’t cut corners — on materials, on process, or on the details most people won’t see until they’re not there. Whether your pool needs a simple resurfacing or a full renovation, our team will walk you through exactly what your pool needs and why.
Because The Better Pool isn’t just about how it looks on day one. It’s about how it holds up for decades.
Ready to refinish the right way? Contact us at OakWellsAquatics.com.
