Is your pool tile cracking and the interior finish seems faded? Unfortunately, resurfacing or a remodel may be your best option. Now, the real question is what is it going to cost to restore your pool.
An interior finish typically costs a few thousand dollars to well over $15,000. However, deck resurfacing prices depend on the material and how the concrete underneath is holding up.
We’ve been remodeling pools for more than 60 years and the price is different on almost every one. Pool age and the existing conditions play a big part. Arizona’s climate does too. That’s why we focus on education first.
We list the national average prices for each part of the pool below. We also cover when a full replacement makes more sense than a resurface. Afterwards, you will have a better idea if the quotes you get are fair.
Table of Contents
- What are the Cost Breakdowns by Pool Component?
- What are the Factors that Influence Pool Replacement Costs?
- What are the Cost Ranges to Replace Different Pool Features?
- Is It Time to Renovate Your Pool?
What are the Cost Breakdowns by Pool Component?
Your cost depends on which parts of the pool you update. Some of those parts are tied together. For instance, replacing a worn interior finish is a much bigger job than recoating a deck. New waterline tile is different again, with its own price drivers. The typical cost ranges for each part are below.
“It's good to differentiate when we're talking about repair versus remodel, because, yeah, we wouldn't consider anything a repair. We're, we're completely resurfacing, refurbishing, remodeling. … Resurfacing the pool would be, we would consider that a full remodel. That, that's, that's a lot of work. Yeah. Draining the pool, stripping it out. But yeah, if they wanted to save the existing tile, if it's a newer pool, you bet. Yeah. Customers can go ahead and keep their existing tile. It's a great time to replace the tile. You don't have to, but we encourage people to do it so everything's fresh and new, and we can warranty it.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling Division (Shasta Pools | Since 1993)
What are Pool Tile Replacement Cost and Options?
The tile and the install decide most of the price. Ceramic starts at $1.00 per square foot. For premium glass mosaics, it can hit $100.00 per square foot. Most homeowners spend around $15,000 for a complete tile replacement project. However, the range runs anywhere from $2,000 to $70,000 depending on pool size and materials.
Waterline tile replacement is the most common project. You'll pay $25-$30 per linear foot. A standard 10×20-foot pool with 60 linear feet of tile costs approximately $1,500-$2,500.
Your material choice drives both appearance and cost:
- Ceramic/Porcelain: $1.00-$35.00 per square foot
- Glass: $7.00-$50.00 per square foot
- Stone (granite, marble): $2.00-$30.00 per square foot
- Mosaic: $75.00-$100.00+ per square foot
Most homeowners who call us about a remodel are also getting a price from at least one other company. We wrote a guide on why those bids can come back so far apart.
Our guide on comparing bids is here: Why 5 Pool Bids Can Have 5 Very Different Prices
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What are Pool Deck Replacement Cost by Material?
A typical deck is about 900 square feet. A complete replacement would run $5,400 to $13,500. That covers removal ($2.00-$6.00 per square foot) and installation ($6.00-$15.00+ per square foot).
“The deck that can be done at any time. It's easier to do during as like anything if you're doing a kitchen, you know, it's all good to do at the same time. But, but the deck, and that happens all the time, folks. Whether it's a, a budgetary decision or just the deck looks fine, it isn't an issue because the deck is mostly aesthetic, because you can have a somewhat stained deck and it doesn't affect the swimming of your enjoyment of the pool.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling Division
What you pay per square foot depends on the deck material:
- Concrete works with most deck designs. Figure $5.00-$15.00 per square foot.
- Wood looks great at $15.00-$35.00 per square foot. However, pool chemicals wear it down faster.
- Pavers can be $5.00-$40.00 per square foot depending on which paver you pick.
- If you want the premium look of natural stone, plan on $20.00-$40.00 per square foot.
- Stamped concrete with a decorative pattern lands at $15.00-$30.00 per square foot.
Although, resurfacing is about half of a replacement at $3.00 to $12.00 per square foot.
What are Interior Finish Costs for Plaster, Aggregate, and More?
The interior finish is one of the bigger costs. How long they last varies a lot between options. Standard white plaster costs $3.00-$6.00 per square foot. For a standard pool, the total project cost runs from $3,500 to $4,000.
“And yeah, without a doubt, plaster finishes, any cheap version of plaster, we get folks who call us within it with inside of a year and say, yeah, I went cheap. My plaster looks terrible. It looks stained. It looks very cloudy. And we're regretful that, that we didn't go with a more durable finish.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling Division
The pricier finishes usually last longer.
- Standard plaster is the cheapest at $3,500-$6,500. Plan on redoing it in 5-10 years.
- Quartz plaster is $7,000-$10,000 and usually good for 10-15 years.
- Expect aggregate to last 15-20 years for $6,000-$15,000.
- Pebble holds up a lot longer than plaster in our heat, for about $6,000 to $15,000.
- Tile lasts the longest. It's also the priciest at $15,000-$30,000.
As Herschel Holder explains:
“But yeah, with the UV and the fact that the water gets as warm as it does in the summer, you really have to keep the chemicals up. So in Arizona, we in the Valley especially, we have a, a high chlorine and acid content because as the water warms up, it takes a lot more to kill the bugs. So that can essentially acid can eat an interior finish away. Like plaster finish. … If you keep a high acid and chlorine content, content, you bet that's going to erode the plaster very quickly.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling Division
I think the lifespan of a finish matters more than its price. At $10.00 per square foot, pebble can look expensive when you compare it to plaster at $4.00. However, pebble lasts 20+ years and plaster usually gets 7-10. So pebble often costs less over time.
“The durability. There's nothing more durable than a pebble interior. It's rock solid, literally and figuratively. So once it goes in, you, you certainly, certainly could expect to have the finish be solid for the life of the pool. It could last 25, 30 years if taken care of.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling Division
What are the Factors that Influence Pool Replacement Costs?
Base price ranges are only the starting point. Structural conditions, material choices, pool size, and Arizona’s climate all play a role in effecting the final project cost. If you know these cost drivers upfront, you can avoid surprise changes later.
“Well, I can tell you the biggest regret folks have, like we spoke about earlier, is, is not changing out the waterline tile. That's the biggest regret. That'll happen almost immediately. As soon as we fill the pool up and they see the beautiful, shiny new interior finish next to their old tile, they're regretful. … So, no question, that is one of the biggest regrets people have.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling Division
How pool size and shape impacts cost?
Bigger pools cost more to renovate. For example, a standard 14 by 28 foot pool averages around $57,938 to remodel. Although, the shape of it matters too.
Curves take more precision work, particularly on a gunite pool. On a custom shape that extra labor can add thousands to your project.
Rectangular pools are the most straightforward to work on. Free-form designs like a kidney shape take more time and skill. Pools with multiple levels do too.
How material type and quality make different budget amounts?
Out of everything on this list, the material you choose is what swings the price the most. For example, a budget ceramic tile at $1 per square foot and a premium glass mosaic at $100 per square foot are 100 times apart in price.
Premium materials cost more at the start. They also tend to last longer. If you're staying in the home a long time, that can mean fewer replacements. Although, if you might sell soon, a mid-range material may make more sense.
How labor rates and location changes pool replacement costs?
What you'll pay also depends on where you live. Labor rates in your area could be anywhere from $50 to $150 per hour.
In a high cost-of-living area, prices can be 20-30% above national averages. Towns with few pool contractors are the same. Labor might be cheaper in rural areas. However, the drive out to you may end up on the bill.
The time of year matters as well. Specifically, off-season renovations usually cost less than work done during peak summer.
How accessibility and site conditions makes a difference in pool costs?
If the pool is hard to get to, it typically adds $1,000 to $5,000 to your renovation.
Crews still have to get the equipment and materials back there. A narrow side gate or a steep slope slows that down, and so can rocky soil.
Say your pool sits behind the house with a tight side yard and landscaping all around it. Expect to pay more for delivery and getting the equipment set up.
How add-ons like lighting or fencing add to greater pool project costs?
If you want LED lights added, plan on $500 to $1,000. Although, a fiber-optic system runs more like $2,000 to $4,500.
Pool fencing can be anywhere from $1,500 to $10,000 depending on the material and how big the pool is. Automatic safety covers are $12,000 to $17,000. A bigger pool will be near the top end.
Every add-on is more material and labor. So pick the ones you really want first.
Some homeowners also redo their landscaping during the remodel since our crews are already back there. The price really depends on how much of the yard you want to change.
Explore Arizona Landscaping Costs for 2025
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What are the Cost Ranges to Replace Different Pool Features?
Pool renovation pricing typically falls into three primary categories. Each one has its own cost range and scope. Know which one a quote falls into before you compare it.
“Yeah, well, it's, it's a challenge to try to drain a pool and not, and if you're not resurfacing to replace the tile because the, the interior finish goes up against the existing waterline tile. So to to, to hammer that waterline tile off and not disrupt the finish beneath it, it's, it's extra work and risky. And on an older pool, there are, you know, like in a plaster pool, you couldn't do it. It would need to be a pebble pool if you wanted to attempt to just to change the tile out.” — Herschel Holder, Sales Manager, Remodeling Division
What is the Average Cost Range for Tile, Deck, and Interior Finish?
Pool tile replacement averages around $15,000, but the range is wide. Small sections start at $1,500, while complete pool retiling can reach $80,000.
Deck work depends on your approach. Resurfacing existing decks averages $3,000. A new deck costs closer to $7,500. It depends on if your current deck can be saved. Some need to be fully replaced.
Interior finishes typically cost $6,000 to $15,000. The material is the biggest reason for that spread.
Tile prices swing quite a bit as well. Ceramic tile can be anywhere from $1 to $35 per square foot. Premium glass or mosaic jumps to $35 to $100 per square foot. Lifespans vary just as much. Standard plaster lasts 8-10 years. An aggregate finish can go 25 years.
What are the Pool Costs Per Square Foot vs. Total Project Cost?
A price per square foot is useful for a first estimate. Although, the total usually comes in higher.
To resurface a pool, you are looking at about $5.50 per square foot. So an 800-square-foot pool would cost you roughly $4,400 to resurface. However, that number only covers the materials and basic labor.
Labor is typically 50% of what tile installation costs. That works out to roughly $4 to $32 per square foot. Unexpected issues can add another $250 to $1,200 on top. So a square foot estimate often comes in low.
When is Pool Replacement Better Than Resurfacing?
Sometimes patching and resurfacing won't cut it. Complete replacement makes sense when:
- The pool shell beneath the tile needs resurfacing
- Structural issues exist beneath the tile
- Tile damage goes all the way around the pool instead of just one area
- Your finish and tile are near the end of their life anyway
- You've looked and can't find matching tiles for a partial repair
- You just want a whole new look
Minor cosmetic updates are usually in the $5,000-$15,000 range. For a moderate remodel, you're looking at $15,000-$35,000. Full-scale renovations start at $35,000 and can exceed $75,000.
A bigger budget upfront can save you money over time. Particularly on an older pool.
After you have a rough price, the next question is when to schedule the work. Timing can make a big difference in Arizona. Most Valley homeowners don’t realize how much it matters. Read up on the seasonal advantages before you pick a start date.
Our guide on remodel timing is here: The Best Time to Remodel a Pool in Arizona
Is It Time to Renovate Your Pool?
Where you land in these price ranges mostly comes down to how much of the pool you update and the materials you choose.
A small cosmetic refresh might be all you need. Although, some pools are ready for a full update that protects your investment for the next 15 to 20 years. Please don’t skip the waterline tile if you’re resurfacing, that’s the regret we hear about most.
We walk the pool with you and point out what’s worth saving. After that, we go over which materials hold up best in Arizona heat for your budget.
Before you call, the Shasta Pools Renovation Pricing Tool is a good place to start. It asks about your pool and what you want to upgrade. In about 5 minutes it gives you a personalized, line-by-line estimate, so you see a price range before a consultation. We’ve remodeled Arizona pools for more than 60 years. If you’d like a second set of eyes on yours, give us a call.
Key Takeaways
- Tile is $1-$100 per square foot. A full replacement can run anywhere from $1,500 to $80,000.
- A whole new deck averages $5,400-$13,500, but resurfacing one that's still solid is about half at $3-$12 per square foot.
- Plaster is the cheapest at $3,500-$6,500. Plan on redoing it in 5-10 years though, compared to 15-20 years for a $6,000-$15,000 aggregate finish.
- Bundled upgrades cost less in labor.
- Compare three professional quotes before you sign.
- Premium materials cost more, but you replace them less often.
If you plan it right the first time, you won’t pay for the same work twice.
FAQs
Q1. What is the average cost to replace pool tiles? Most pool tile jobs cost $1,500 to $10,800. The size of the pool and the tile you pick make the difference. Waterline tile is usually $25 to $30 per linear foot. On a standard 10×20-foot pool, that comes to about $1,500 to $2,500.
Q2. How much does it cost to resurface a pool deck? Pool deck resurfacing costs vary based on the material used. On average, you can expect to pay between $3 and $12 per square foot for concrete overlays. The total cost for resurfacing a typical pool deck ranges from $3,000 to $7,000, depending on the size and chosen finish.
Q3. What factors influence the cost of pool renovations? Pool size and shape are big ones. So are your materials and local labor rates. Backyard access matters too. So do add-ons like lighting or fencing. In general, a custom-shaped pool or premium materials will cost more. If the pool area is hard to get to, that alone can add $1,000 to $5,000.
Q4. How much does it cost to replace a pool's interior finish? The material you choose makes most of the difference. Standard white plaster is the cheapest at $3,500 to $6,500. Quartz plaster or an aggregate finish can range from $6,000 to $15,000. Pebble and tile interiors cost more. Premium options can go up to $30,000.
Q5. How can I save money on my pool renovation project? To save on pool renovation costs, bundle upgrades together to reduce labor expenses and get multiple quotes from reputable contractors. Long-lasting materials also tend to cost less over time. You can also tackle simple tasks like pressure washing the deck yourself. However, anything structural should go to a professional.
References
Angi.com How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost?
Homeguide.com How much does it cost to resurface a pool deck?
SGM.cc Colored Quartz vs. Pebble vs. Plaster: Which Pool Finish Is Right for You?
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