Expert Pool Resurfacing in McLean, VA
Restore the brilliance of your backyard oasis. We provide premium replastering and resurfacing services using the most durable and beautiful finishes available today.
When is it Time to Resurface Your Pool?
The interior finish of a concrete pool typically lasts between 10 and 20 years, depending on the material and how well the water chemistry was maintained. If your pool's surface in McLean is rough to the touch, showing "spider cracks," or has stubborn stains that won't come off with an acid wash, it's likely time for a professional resurface.
Beyond aesthetics, an aging pool surface can cause practical problems. A rough surface is uncomfortable for swimmers, scraping feet and snagging swimsuits. It also creates tiny crevices where algae and bacteria can thrive, making it increasingly difficult to keep the water clear and chemically balanced. By resurfacing your pool, you restore both its beauty and its structural integrity.
The Resurfacing Process
Resurfacing a gunite or shotcrete pool is a highly specialized masonry process. It involves far more than simply painting over the old surface. Our comprehensive process includes:
- Draining and Preparation: Safely draining the pool and relieving hydrostatic pressure.
- Chipping and Undercutting: We chip away the old plaster, especially around the tile line, lights, and fittings, to ensure the new finish bonds perfectly and sits flush.
- Bond Coating: Applying a specialized scratch coat or bond coat to give the new plaster something to grip.
- Application: Hand-troweling the new finish to a smooth, even consistency.
- Exposure (for Pebble/Quartz): Using water or light acid to expose the beautiful aggregate hidden within the cement matrix.
- Startup: The critical first few weeks of water chemistry management to ensure the new finish cures without scaling or staining.
Finishes We Specialize In
We offer a curated selection of high-performance finishes to match your style and budget:
- Traditional Plaster: The classic, smooth white finish that gives water a bright blue appearance. It is economical and timeless, though it requires strict chemical maintenance.
- Quartz Finishes: A blend of plaster and hard quartz aggregate for improved durability, color depth, and resistance to chemical fluctuations.
- Pebble Finishes: The ultimate in durability and natural beauty, featuring smooth river stones or manufactured pebbles. These finishes can last 15-20 years or more.
- Glass Bead Blends: Infusing your finish with reflective glass for a sparkling, high-end look that catches the sunlight beautifully.
Learn more about the history and science of pool plaster to help you make the best choice for your renovation.
Why Choose The Pool Sharks?
At The Pool Sharks, we specialize exclusively in concrete swimming pools. We understand the precise requirements of applying and curing new plaster, quartz, and pebble finishes. We don't cut corners during the chipping and prep phase, which is the most common reason new finishes fail prematurely.
While McLean is a primary focus for our replastering projects, The Pool Sharks proudly provides pool resurfacing services to surrounding communities throughout Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Fauquier County, and applicable portions of Prince William County.
Give Your Pool a Brand New Look
Contact The Pool Sharks today to see finish samples and receive a professional quote for your resurfacing project in McLean or the surrounding Northern Virginia area.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pool Resurfacing
How do I know if my pool needs resurfacing?
Signs include a rough texture that snags swimsuits, visible plaster flaking off, stubborn stains that won't brush away, or structural cracks appearing in the shell.
Which pool finish lasts the longest?
Pebble finishes are generally considered the most durable and can last 15-20+ years. Quartz finishes offer a middle ground, while traditional white plaster usually lasts 8-12 years.
Does resurfacing fix leaks?
If the leak is due to a crack in the plaster or gunite shell, the preparation and resurfacing process will seal it. However, if the leak is in the underground plumbing, resurfacing will not fix it.
How long does the resurfacing process take?
The actual prep, application, and filling usually take 1 to 2 weeks, depending on weather. However, the new plaster requires a strict 28-day chemical startup and brushing process to cure properly.
Do you provide resurfacing services outside of McLean?
Yes! While McLean is a primary focus, The Pool Sharks proudly serves surrounding communities throughout Loudoun County, Fairfax County, Fauquier County, and applicable portions of Prince William County.