How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost in Phoenix? (2026 Guide)

How much does pool resurfacing cost in Phoenix?

You know how the Arizona sun is relentless on just about everything? Your pool surface is no exception. We see this every day. The damage starts small, maybe a rough patch on the step or a stain that won’t brush off, but it quickly turns into a surface that tears up swimsuits and hurts feet.

Here is our honest breakdown of pool resurfacing costs in the Phoenix area for 2026.

Quick Cost Overview

For a typical Phoenix pool (12,000 - 15,000 gallons or 400-600 square feet of interior surface), the pricing landscape has shifted slightly this year.

Material	Price Range (2026)	Lifespan in AZ Sun
Standard Plaster	$5,000 - $8,000	5-7 Years
Quartz Aggregate	$7,000 - $11,000	10-12 Years
Pebble Finish (Standard)	$9,000 - $14,000	15-20+ Years
Mini Pebble / Polished	$11,000 - $16,000+	20+ Years

These ranges assume a pool in reasonable condition. Extensive prep work, tile replacement, or significant structural repairs will add to the total.

What Is Included in the Price?

A complete resurfacing quote should never be just a single number on a napkin.

Preparation Phase

• Draining the pool: This includes managing the water discharge safely.
• Surface preparation: We perform either a heavy acid wash or a complete “chip-out” depending on the old surface’s stability.
• Crack and damage repair: Structural staples or hydraulic cement are used for deep cracks.
• Tile bond cleaning: Removing calcium scale from the band under the tile.

Application Phase

• Material application: A crew hand-trowels the new surface.
• Curing process management: This is critical in the Phoenix heat to prevent shrinkage cracks.
• Initial fill supervision: Ensuring the water doesn’t stop running until the pool is full.
• Startup chemistry: We add the initial chemicals to balance the pH and calcium hardness immediately.

Not Usually Included

• Waterline tile replacement: Often $2,000 - $4,000 extra depending on the tile style.
• Equipment repairs: Pumps, filters, and heaters are separate.
• Deck work: Resurfacing the cool deck is a different trade.
• Water Refill Cost: You pay the city for the water.

Make sure you understand exactly what is covered before signing.

Critical Factors That Affect Your Quote

1. The “Chip-Out” Factor

This is the biggest variable for older Phoenix pools.

• Bond Coat ($): If your existing surface is solid, we can apply a bonding agent and put the new surface on top. This saves money.
• Full Chip-Out ($$): If you have multiple layers of old plaster or if the surface is “delaminating” (pulling away from the shell), we must jackhammer it all off. This labor-intensive process typically adds $1,500 - $3,000 to the project.

2. Pool Size & Depth

Larger pools cost more due to material volume.

• Play Pool (300-400 sq ft): Often lower cost, but minimum crew charges still apply.
• Diving Pool (600+ sq ft): These deep pools require significantly more material and scaffolding for the deep end, increasing costs by 20-30%.

3. Access to the Backyard

Can we fit a small machine through your side gate?

• Standard Gate (48”+): We can use a small bobcat for demolition, which keeps labor costs down.
• Narrow Gate: If we have to wheelbarrow all debris out by hand, labor costs rise.

4. Additional Work & Features

Common add-ons homeowners choose during resurfacing:

• Waterline Tile: $15 - $35 per linear foot installed.
• Rolled Bond Beam: Converting the edge to a smooth, rounded finish costs $1,500+.
• Baja Shelf Addition: Adding a shallow lounging area requires structural steel work, often starting at $2,500.
• LED Light Upgrade: Replacing old incandescent bulbs with color LED is about $600-$900 per light.

5. Season and Timing

Pool contractors in the Valley are busiest from March through July. You may find better availability and slightly better pricing in:

• Late Fall (October-November): The weather is perfect for curing.
• Winter (December-February): Slower season, though cold snaps can delay plastering.

Hidden Cost Alert: Water Refill Rates (2026)

Don’t forget the cost to put the water back in. The City of Phoenix increased water rates by 13% in March 2025.

• High Season (Jun-Sep): You will pay a premium rate for water in the summer.
• Sewer Fee Tip: If you fill your pool in winter (Jan-Mar), the city calculates your sewer fee based on water usage. You must call the Water Services Department to request a “pool fill adjustment” so your monthly sewer bill doesn’t skyrocket for the next year.

Red Flags in Quotes

Be cautious of quotes that seem too good to be true.

The “Permit in Your Name” Scam

The Red Flag: A contractor asks you to pull the building permit yourself. The Reality: This transfers all liability for worker injuries and code violations to you. In Arizona, a licensed contractor should always pull the permit.

Missing ROC License

The Red Flag: No license number on the truck or quote. The Reality: Arizona law requires a license for projects over $1,000. Check their status at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (ROC) website. If they are unlicensed, you have no recourse if they take your deposit and vanish.

Vague Material Descriptions

The Red Flag: Listing “White Plaster” or “Pebble” without a brand name. The Reality: There are generic aggregates that fade quickly. Ask for specific brands like PebbleTec, Wet Edge, or NPT so you can verify the warranty.

How to Get the Best Value

Get Multiple Quotes

We recommend at least 3 quotes from licensed contractors. Compare:

• Scope of Prep: Is a chip-out included or potential extra?
• Cleanup: Will they haul away the debris?
• Startup: Who handles the chemicals for the first 7 days?

Consider Total Cost of Ownership

A $12,000 Pebble finish that lasts 20 years costs $600/year. A $6,000 plaster job that lasts 6 years costs $1,000/year.

In the harsh Phoenix sun, the “premium” pebble option is almost always cheaper in the long run.

Ask the Right Questions

• “Do you use your own crew or subcontractors?”
• “How many days will the pool be empty?” (Crucial in summer to prevent shell cracking).
• “What specific brand of pebble do you use?”
• “Can you provide your ROC license number right now?”

Our Transparent Pricing Approach

At David Resurface, we believe in clarity from day one.

• Free On-Site Assessments: We need to measure your pool and check the old plaster depth.
• Itemized Quotes: You will see separate lines for prep, material, and tile.
• No Surprise Add-Ons: If we suspect a chip-out is needed, we put it in the quote upfront.
• Written Warranty: Our work is backed by a clear guarantee on both labor and materials.

Ready for an accurate quote? Call (602) 619-1234 to schedule your free assessment. We’ll give you honest pricing and help you understand your options.