6 Signs Your Pool Needs Resurfacing (And What Happens If You Ignore Them)

Why Pool Resurfacing Matters

Your pool’s surface takes a beating — from chemicals, UV rays, freezing temperatures, and regular wear. Over time, this can lead to cracks, stains, and a rough texture that’s not only unsightly, but potentially dangerous.

At Inception Custom Pools, we help homeowners across Columbus, Cincinnati, and surrounding Ohio areas know when it’s time to act — and resurface before minor issues turn into major repairs.

1. 🕳️ Cracks or Chips in the Surface

Small hairline cracks might seem harmless at first, but they can quickly widen, deepen, and lead to serious leaks. Chips in plaster or concrete are also a red flag — they allow water to seep underneath and erode the pool shell over time.

2. 🧼 Stains That Won’t Go Away

Some staining is normal, especially from minerals or organic matter. But if your pool is covered in blotchy, discolored spots that won’t scrub off, resurfacing may be your best option for a clean slate.

3. 🧊 Rough or Sandpaper-Like Texture

Pool surfaces should feel smooth underfoot. If your pool feels rough, abrasive, or gritty, it’s likely that the finish is deteriorating — which can be uncomfortable, especially for kids and swimmers with sensitive skin.

4. 💧 Constant Water Loss

Are you refilling your pool more than usual? You might have a slow leak. Surface cracks and worn finishes can let water escape — costing you money in both water bills and chemical imbalance.

5. 🌀 Trouble Keeping Water Clean

Worn pool surfaces can become porous, giving algae a place to grip and hide — making your pool harder to clean and keep balanced. If your pool constantly looks cloudy or green despite your best efforts, the surface may be the issue.

6. ⌛ Your Pool Is 10–15+ Years Old

Even with perfect maintenance, most pool surfaces have a lifespan of 10–15 years. If yours is older — especially in Ohio's freeze/thaw climate — resurfacing is likely due.

🛠️ What Happens If You Wait Too Long?

Putting off resurfacing can lead to:

• Structural damage beneath the surface
• Increased algae and bacteria growth
• Higher maintenance costs
• Sharp edges or hazards for swimmers
• A major drop in your pool’s value and usability

Resurfacing might seem like a big job, but in the long run, it’s far more affordable than letting problems snowball.

🧱 We Resurface Pools That Last

At Inception Custom Pools, we don’t just cover the cracks — we restore your entire surface with durable, modern materials like pebble, quartz, or polished finishes that look stunning and stand the test of time.

📩 Think your pool might be due? Reach out to us at info@inceptionpools.net or visit InceptionPools.com to schedule an evaluation.

From subtle refreshes to complete makeovers, we’ve got you covered from Columbus to Cincinnati.