We’ve covered fiberglass pools extensively in our previous guides and articles, how they’re made, how much they cost, and what it’s like to own one. But one question we haven’t talked much about is resurfacing fiberglass pools.
At River Pools, our fiberglass pools are made with high-quality materials and, when properly maintained, typically don’t require refinishing even after several decades.
Still, things happen. If a pool isn’t cared for, say, the water chemistry is neglected or the surface isn’t cleaned regularly, the gelcoat can wear down and eventually need repair or replacement.
In this guide, we’ll walk you through the essentials: what gelcoat is, how fiberglass resurfacing works, what it costs, and how to choose a pool with a gelcoat that’s built to last.
Let’s start by going over the basics of the fiberglass pool gelcoat.
What is gelcoat for fiberglass pools?
The gelcoat is the smooth, glossy surface of your fiberglass pool, the part you see, touch, and walk on. It's made from a colored resin that’s sprayed onto the pool shell during manufacturing.
When applied correctly, the gelcoat is the most durable pool surface available. Unlike concrete pools, which eventually need resurfacing, or vinyl liner pools, which require regular liner replacements, a fiberglass pool’s gelcoat could potentially last for decades with proper care.
At River Pools, we use the highest grade materials we can obtain, and apply gelcoat at just the right thickness. Too thin can lead to blisters, too thick can cause cracks. That balance is critical for long-term performance. Getting it right requires precision, which is why we apply gelcoat in a controlled manufacturing facility where conditions are stable and consistent.
But what happens if that gelcoat needs repair once the pool is in the ground?
How to repair gelcoat on a fiberglass pool?
Gelcoat is designed to be applied in a factory setting for two main reasons:
- It takes a long time to dry and cure. Gelcoat takes time to dry and must cure at a consistent temperature, which would be nearly impossible to control outdoors.
- It requires a very precise application. Manufacturers use specialized tools to ensure even coverage. Outdoors, this level of precision can’t be duplicated.
That’s why if your pool surface needs to be refinished, you won’t be reapplying gelcoat in your backyard. Instead, professionals use a different approach designed for pools already in the ground.
Take a look at how the gelcoat process is carried out in our River Pools manufacturing plant:
How to resurface fiberglass pools?
Typically, you would use a product like ecoFINISH , a long-lasting, chemical-resistant coating that bonds to concrete or fiberglass pool surfaces. Unlike gelcoat, ecoFINISH can be applied while the pool is in the ground.
It cures almost instantly, comes in a variety of colors, and the whole process typically takes just a few days. That means you can be back in the water quickly with a surface designed to last.
This coating is applied to the surface of the pool while it’s in the ground, and it comes in different colors. The application can be done within days and cures almost immediately, which means you'll be back to swimming in no time.
How much does it cost to resurface a fiberglass pool?
If you're using a product like ecoFINISH for your fiberglass pool resurfacing, you can expect to pay about as much as you would to refinish your pool with plaster. To give you a rough estimate, you can replaster a small 12x24 inground pool for about $10,000 and up. This price can double for larger pools, but the final cost will also depend on where you live and the contractor that you hire.
How to choose a fiberglass pool with a quality gelcoat
The best way to avoid resurfacing altogether is to start with a high-quality fiberglass pool and maintain it properly. That means proper chemical maintenance and regular cleaning and upkeep.
Not all fiberglass pools are made the same. Before buying, research how the company talks about its manufacturing process. Are they transparent? Do they share details, videos, or behind-the-scenes content?
We not only have plenty of information available about our manufacturing steps, but we also make tons of educational content including videos, guides, and more to walk you through how your pool is made before you buy it.
We would advise against investing thousands of dollars in a poor quality pool. It may be nice for a while, but it will only give you problems and cost even more later on. If you invest in a high-quality fiberglass pool, you’ll save yourself a lot of headaches and a lot of money in the long-run.
At River Pools, we manufacture world-class fiberglass swimming pools for customers across North America. Take a look at our catalog of models today and browse our gallery to see what we can do for your pool project.
The Bottom Line on Resurfacing Fiberglass Pools
In most cases, a fiberglass pool will never need to be resurfaced. That’s one of the biggest advantages fiberglass has over concrete and vinyl pools, which require regular refinishing or liner replacement. A well-built fiberglass pool with a properly applied gelcoat is designed to last for decades.
The key is consistent maintenance. By keeping your pool water balanced, cleaning the surface regularly, and following the manufacturer’s care guidelines, you protect the gelcoat and extend its lifespan. When the pool is cared for properly, resurfacing is rarely something you’ll need to worry about.
And if resurfacing ever does become necessary, modern solutions like ecoFINISH make it possible to restore your pool quickly, safely, and in a wide range of finishes. With proper care, resurfacing will likely never cross your mind, but even if it does, you’ll have reliable options to keep your pool beautiful and swim-ready for years to come.
Meet the Author: Marcus Sheridan, Co-Founder of River Pools®
Hi, I’m Marcus Sheridan, Co-Founder of River Pools. I’ve spent over two decades helping homeowners make confident decisions about fiberglass pools, and one thing I’ve learned is that folks want the truth, plain and simple.
That’s why I wrote this article. Resurfacing isn’t something most pool buyers think about early on, but it matters. If you understand how gelcoat works, what to expect down the road, and how to spot a high-quality pool shell, you’ll be in a much better place to choose the right pool from the start.
At River Pools, we believe in education first, because when you’re informed, you’re empowered.
Message from the River Pools Manufacturing Team:
We get it, resurfacing isn’t the most exciting topic when you’re dreaming about your future pool. But it’s an important one, and we believe you deserve to understand how it works and how to avoid it for as long as possible.
At River Pools, we design and manufacture fiberglass pools with durability in mind, using high-quality materials and precise application techniques to give your gelcoat the longest possible lifespan. Even so, if resurfacing ever becomes necessary, we want you to feel informed and ready.
Our pools are available through an independent dealer network of skilled installers across North America who share our commitment to quality and care. If you’re exploring your pool options and want to know what makes a well-made fiberglass pool truly last, we’re here to help.
Ready to start the conversation?
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