Not Sure You Need It? Try These 3 Quick Checks
You don't need a professional visit to get a good read on this — these are the same checks we'd do on-site, just DIY-able first.
- The touch test: run a hand along the floor or wall underwater. Gritty or scratchy instead of smooth means the protective top layer of the finish is gone.
- The stain test: shock the water and scrub the worst spot. If the discoloration is still there a few days later, it's baked into the finish, not just algae or minerals sitting on top.
- The age check: plaster in the 10–15 year range or pebble/quartz past 15–20 years is normal replacement territory, especially paired with a dull or chalky look.
- Two out of three pointing the same way is usually enough reason to get a free estimate started.
What's Included in a Resurfacing / Replaster-Only Project
This page is specifically for homeowners who just need the interior finish redone — not a broader remodel. Here's exactly what's in scope, and what isn't.
Not sure this is the right fit? See the full Resurfacing vs. Remodel decision guide or our Resurfacing vs. Remodel blog breakdown.
What's Included
- Full demo of the old surface — traditional or hydroblast method
- New interior finish applied — plaster, mini pebble, or quartz
- New return flush fittings and drain covers
- Full start-up service — water chemistry, brushing, and curing guidance
Not Included (Unless You Add It)
- Waterline tile or coping — see Tile & Coping
- Decking or pavers — see Deck & Pavers
- Skimmer, pump, or heater work — see Skimmer Repair or Equipment
- Structural shell repairs — scoped separately if we find any during demo
The Straightforward Way to Refresh Your Pool
If your pool's shell, tile, and equipment are all still solid and it's just the interior finish that's rough, stained, or dated, a resurfacing — what a lot of homeowners still call a replaster — is usually all it needs. No decking torn up, no tile pulled, no equipment swapped unless you ask for it.
It's also ACE's fastest project type: drain to refill typically wraps in 5–7 days, versus weeks for a broader remodel.
Every estimate starts with an on-site visit, not a phone-quote guess, so the number you're given is the number you actually pay.
Get Your Free Estimate
Tell us about your pool — we'll follow up to schedule a free on-site visit.
Get a Free QuoteTraditional Demo vs. Hydroblast: Removing Your Old Finish
Every resurfacing or replaster starts the same way — the old finish has to come off before the new one goes on. We use two different methods depending on the pool's condition, and we'll confirm which one yours needs during the on-site estimate, not guess over the phone.
Traditional Demo (Jackhammer)
- The old finish is mechanically chipped away down to the shell with pneumatic jackhammers
- The standard, reliable method for most jobs, especially older or more deteriorated finishes
- More dust and noise during the work itself, contained and cleaned up as part of the job
Hydroblast Demo
- High-pressure water strips the old finish instead of impact tools
- Puts less mechanical stress on the shell, which can matter on older or more delicate pools
- Often faster with less dust, though not the right fit for every finish or shell condition
Choose Your Resurfacing Finish
The finish you pick is the single biggest factor in both cost and how long the job lasts before it needs doing again.
Standard Plaster
The most budget-friendly resurfacing option. Smooth white or colored finish, 10–15 year lifespan.
Mini Pebble Finish
Textured, natural-stone look with strong stain and algae resistance. We mainly install StoneScapes Mini Pebble, available in 8 real colors. 15–20+ year lifespan — our top recommendation.
Quartz Finish
Vibrant color range with excellent durability and a bright, long-lasting shine.
8 Real StoneScapes Mini Pebble Colors
Mini Pebble is what we install most often, and these are the 8 colors we regularly work with — not a full manufacturer catalog, just the ones we actually offer.
Tropics Blue
Aqua White
Aqua Blue
Aqua Cool
Salt & Pepper
Tahoe Blue
French Gray
Caribbean Blue
A Few of These Colors, in Real ACE Pools
Tropics Blue
Salt & Pepper
French Gray
Why Orange County Homeowners Trust ACE
A resurfacing job is smaller than a full remodel, but it's still your pool — here's who's doing the work.
4.9★ Rating
249+ verified reviews on Yelp from Orange County homeowners.
Licensed, Bonded & Insured
Full California pool contractor license, verified before every job starts.
Resurfacing Specialists
One of our most common jobs, not a rare service we occasionally handle.
Locally Owned & Operated
Based right here in Fullerton since 2014 — not a franchise or referral service.
Pool Resurfacing & Replaster Costs
One flat starting price, fully itemized before you sign anything — no surprise line items added mid-project.
| Scope | Typical Cost |
|---|---|
| Resurfacing / replaster only — white plaster, no upgrades | Starting at $9,850 |
| Demo — traditional or hydroblast | Included |
| Return flush fittings & drain covers | Included |
| Full start-up service | Included |
That $9,850 starting price is the whole job, not just the finish — demo, new flush fittings, drain covers, and start-up are already built in. A much lower number you find elsewhere almost always means one or more of those got quietly left off.
Adding tile, decking, or equipment work changes the scope and cost — see the full remodel pricing for that. Pricing here varies by pool size and finish choice; call (909) 577-5274 for a free estimate specific to your pool.
See Your Monthly Payment
See your monthly payment for your backyard renovation with Lyon Financial's pool loan calculator — flexible financing for your resurfacing project.
How a Resurfacing / Replaster Project Works
Because the scope is narrow, this is one of our fastest projects — typically drain to refill in about a week.
Free on-site consultation
We check the current finish, pool size, and any drain or fitting issues to scope an accurate quote.
Written, itemized estimate
One flat price covering demo, finish, fittings, and start-up — no vague scopes.
Drain & demo
Pool is drained and the old surface removed — traditional or hydroblast, whichever the finish calls for.
New fittings & drain covers
Return flush fittings and drain covers are replaced while the shell is exposed.
New finish applied
Plaster, mini pebble, or quartz applied by hand and finished to a smooth, even surface.
Refill & start-up
We refill, balance the water, and walk you through the curing schedule before we leave.
Resurfacing & Replastering Across Orange County
We serve homeowners throughout Orange County and parts of Los Angeles County — including Irvine, Costa Mesa, Santa Ana, Tustin, Lake Forest, Huntington Beach, and other nearby areas without a dedicated page yet.
Don't see your city listed? We often work outside this list too — give us a call and we'll let you know.
Call or Text Us Today: (909) 577-5274Recently Resurfaced Pools Around Orange County
A look at finishes we've applied recently — full case studies coming soon.
Want to see full before-and-after project details?
View Full GallerySee a Finish, Straight From the Homeowner
Two real clients on the finish they chose and how it turned out.
Client review — Aqua White mini pebble finish
Chino Hills — quartz plaster finish
What Our Resurfacing Clients Say
“We planned a full pool remodel with ACE — the pool was re-tiled and re-plastered, and the result was absolutely beautiful.”
“Job to fix the cracks, replace old tiles, and replaster the whole pool. Looks brand new.”
“Full retile and replaster with mini-pebble — called the crew perfectionists, and they earned it.”
Pool Resurfacing & Replaster FAQ
Is pool resurfacing the same thing as pool replastering?
How can I tell if my pool needs a resurface or replaster?
How long until I can swim after resurfacing?
What does resurfacing or replastering cost in Orange County?
Is pebble finish better than plaster?
Do I need a permit to resurface my pool in California?
How often does a pool actually need to be resurfaced?
What StoneScapes Mini Pebble colors does ACE offer?
Thinking about adding something while the pool is already open? Baja steps, shallowing, a spa, waterfalls, deck jets and trim tile are all far easier during a remodel than after one. Read the pool upgrades guide →
Ready to Resurface or Replaster Your Pool?
Get your free, no-obligation estimate today.