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When Is It Time to Resurface or Remodel Your Pool?

  • Writer: Heather Pieczonka
    Heather Pieczonka
  • Dec 17, 2025
  • 3 min read

Arizona’s sunny weather means your pool gets plenty of use - and plenty of wear. Over time, even the best-built pools start showing signs of age: fading, rough plaster, cracked tile, or outdated features.


If your pool no longer looks or feels inviting, it might be time for a resurface or remodel your pool. Here’s how to tell when your pool needs a refresh, what your options are, and how a simple update can make your backyard feel brand-new again.


The Interior Is Fading or Deteriorating


The most obvious sign your pool needs resurfacing is when the interior finish looks worn or rough. Over years of chlorine, chemicals, and Arizona heat, a pool surface can start to:


  • Fade or discolor unevenly

  • Feel rough on your feet

  • Show stains, cracks, or flaking

pool bottom needs resurfacing.
after resurfacing an arizona pool, it looks new.

A pool resurfacing removes the damaged layer and replaces it with a fresh finish such as Pebble Tec, mini-pebble, or quartz aggregate - materials that look great and last longer in our desert climate.


Cracking Tile or Loose Coping


The bond beam is the top portion of your pool wall that supports your tile and coping - and it plays a crucial role in your pool’s structural integrity.


When this area begins to crack, chip, or shift, it’s more than a cosmetic issue. A deteriorating bond beam can cause tiles to loosen, coping to lift, and even allow water to seep into the surrounding structure.


chip out step of resurfacing an in ground pool.

When it’s time to resurface, one of the most important steps is the chip-out - the process of removing the old, worn-out plaster before applying the new finish.


Over years of use, your pool’s surface can develop:


  • Rough patches that scrape skin

  • Discoloration or staining

  • Exposed gunite beneath thin plaster layers


A proper chip-out ensures the new surface adheres evenly and lasts for many years. Think of it as your pool’s deep reset - stripping away damage and giving your finish a fresh start.


At Sunset Pool Care, we perform bond beam conversions to repair this damage and restore stability. It’s one of those behind-the-scenes fixes that prevents expensive structural problems later and keeps your pool looking and functioning like new.


Why it matters:


  • Rough surfaces lead to algae growth and skin irritation

  • Damaged plaster increases maintenance and chemical costs

  • A smooth new finish means years of worry-free swimming



The Pool Deck or Tile Is Outdated


pool decking is cracked and needs a remodel.

Styles change - and so do materials. Many Arizona pools still have older concrete decks, faded tiles, or dated color palettes from decades past. Updating your pool deck and tile can instantly modernize your backyard.


Consider replacing:


  • Old tile with sleek, modern glass or stone designs

  • Concrete decking with cool-deck, travertine, or textured pavers

  • Rustic rock waterfalls with a simple sheer-descent or modern water feature


Small aesthetic changes can make your entire backyard feel new.



You’re Constantly Repairing or Adjusting Equipment


pool equipment gets an upgrade with automation.

Sometimes it’s not the surface - it’s what’s underneath. If you find yourself scheduling frequent repairs, your pool may need more than cosmetic updates.


A remodel is the perfect time to upgrade:


  • Old pool pumps to energy-efficient variable speed pumps

  • Outdated lighting to LED or color-changing smart lights

  • Manual systems to automated pool controls that run from your phone


Modern equipment is quieter, more efficient, and saves money over time.



It’s Been More Than 10–15 Years Since Your Last Resurface


Even if your pool looks okay, resurfacing every 10–15 years helps prevent leaks, maintain durability, and keep water chemistry balanced.


The plaster beneath your water is porous - over time, it absorbs minerals and weakens. A fresh surface not only looks better but also protects your pool structure for the long term.



Remodeling Your Pool With Sunset Pool Care


At Sunset Pool Care, we specialize in transforming outdated or damaged pools into beautiful, modern spaces. We can:


  • Resurface with Pebble Tec or other premium finishes

  • Replace tile, decking, or coping

  • Remove old rock features and install new, modern designs

  • Upgrade pumps, lighting, and automation


Whether your pool just needs a new surface or a complete design makeover, we’ll help you bring your vision to life.



 
 
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