How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost in Phoenix? 2026 Price Guide

If you have been calling around for pool resurfacing quotes in Phoenix, you might feel confused by the wide range of numbers you are hearing.

David Resurface was founded with a simple mission: to provide exceptional pool remodeling and resurfacing services that customers can truly rely on.

In our experience, that confusion usually stems from a lack of clarity about what is actually included in the base price versus what gets tacked on later.

A quote for $5,000 often leaves out critical prep work that a $7,000 quote includes as standard.

We want to help you understand the real costs so you can budget accurately for 2026. Whether you’re looking for basic plaster or premium Pebble Tec, our pool resurfacing team provides transparent pricing from day one.

This guide breaks down current market rates in the Valley, explains where your money actually goes, and highlights the specific Phoenix-area factors that influence the final price.

Average Pool Resurfacing Costs in Phoenix (2026)

Prices have adjusted slightly upward this year due to increased labor rates and material costs for cement-based products.

We have compiled these averages based on a standard residential pool size for the area, which is typically between 12,000 and 15,000 gallons (roughly 80-95 perimeter feet).

Finish Type	Price Range (2026)	Average Cost	Durability (Years)
Standard White Plaster	$4,800 - $7,800	$6,100	5 - 9
Quartz Aggregate	$7,500 - $11,500	$9,200	10 - 15
Mini-Pebble (Standard)	$9,800 - $14,000	$11,500	15 - 20+
Premium Pebble (Tec/Sheen)	$12,000 - $17,500	$14,200	20 - 25+

These figures cover standard draining, chipping, bond coat application, and the finish material itself.

Keep in mind that these numbers assume your pool shell is structurally sound.

If significant crack repair or rebar remediation is needed, the costs will naturally move toward the higher end of these ranges.

Factors That Affect Your Price

1. Pool Size (Internal Area)

Contractors in Maricopa County rarely price by gallons alone.

We calculate quotes based on the “Internal Area” (IA), which is the total square footage of the floor and walls.

A deep diving pool (8+ feet) has significantly more surface area than a modern play pool (5 feet max depth), even if their perimeter length is the same.

Play Pool (under 85 ft perimeter): Lower end of pricing.
Diving Pool (deep end): Adds 20-30% more material and labor.
Attached Spa: Resurfacing a spillover spa typically adds $1,500 - $2,500 to the project total due to the intricate hand-troweling required in tight spaces.

2. Current Condition and Prep Work

The most critical step in resurfacing happens before the new material arrives.

Our crews use a technique often called “sounding” or the “drag chain test” to listen for hollow spots where the old plaster has separated from the gunite shell.

If the old surface is delaminating (peeling away), we cannot just plaster over it.

Standard Prep: A simple bond coat application works for healthy surfaces.
Chip-Out: Removing the old layer entirely is necessary for bad delamination. This labor-intensive process adds $1,200 - $2,800 depending on pool size.
Rebar Rust: In older Phoenix pools, metal rebar sometimes oxidizes and bleeds through the plaster. Treating and sealing these spots costs roughly $150 - $300 per spot.

3. Finish Selection Details

Your choice of finish dictates both the aesthetics and the longevity of the renovation.

Standard White Plaster This is the classic, smooth white finish. It is the most affordable option but is susceptible to chemical staining and the harsh Arizona sun.

Quartz Aggregate Manufacturers like NPT or Wet Edge blend crushed quartz into the plaster mix. This adds durability and creates a speckled look that hides minor surface imperfections better than plain plaster.

Pebble Finishes (The Phoenix Standard) We recommend pebble finishes for most local homeowners because they are tough enough to withstand our extreme summer heat and hard water. Brands like Pebble Tec or StoneScapes offer superior stain resistance and often come with longer material warranties.

Pro Tip: Be aware that darker pebble colors can raise your pool water temperature by 3 to 5 degrees in the summer. If your pool already feels like bathwater in August, stick to lighter aesthetic ranges like “White Pearl” or “Cool Blue.”

4. Tile Work and Waterline

The waterline tile is often replaced during resurfacing because the removal of the old plaster creates a seamless opportunity to update it.

Arizona water is incredibly hard, leading to calcium lines that are nearly impossible to remove from 15-year-old tile.

Standard 6x6 Ceramic Tile: $18 - $25 per linear foot installed.
Glass Tile: $35 - $55+ per linear foot.
Deco/Mosaic Trim: Adds $300 - $600 depending on complexity.

Glass tile is beautiful, but it requires specific installation materials to prevent cracking from thermal shock when the desert temperature swings from 115°F to 85°F.

5. Equipment Updates & Rebates

While the pool is empty, it is the perfect time to address aging equipment.

We frequently install variable speed pumps during these renovations.

Local utilities like SRP (Salt River Project) and APS (Arizona Public Service) often offer rebates for upgrading to Energy Star-certified variable speed pumps.

Variable Speed Pump: $1,800 - $2,800 (Potential $100+ utility rebate).
Cartridge Filter: $1,200 - $1,800 (Saves water by eliminating backwashing).
LED Light Upgrade: $600 - $900 per light (Replacing old incandescent bulbs).

Cost Per Square Foot Breakdown

If you want to do a quick calculation for your specific pool dimensions, you can use these unit prices.

Finish	Cost Per Sq Ft (Internal Area)
Basic Plaster	$9 - $13
Quartz Blend	$13 - $19
Mini-Pebble	$16 - $24
Premium Pebble	$19 - $30

You can estimate your Internal Area roughly by taking your pool’s length × width × 1.6 (for rectangular pools with a deep end).

What’s Included in a Quality Quote

A low bid often signals that a contractor is cutting corners on the “invisible” steps.

We provide detailed scopes of work so you know the job is being done right.

Your quote should explicitly list:

Permits: City or county fees if applicable.
Safety Barriers: Temporary fencing if the yard is exposed.
Prep Method: Specifically stating “chip out” or “bond coat.”
Fittings: Replacement of directional eyeballs and suction covers.
Clean-up: Removal of all construction debris (plaster dust is heavy and messy).
Start-Up: The initial chemical balancing process.

Hidden Costs to Watch For

There are specific expenses in the Phoenix market that homeowners often overlook.

The VGB Drain Mandate

Federal law (the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act) requires dual main drains or unblockable drains to prevent entrapment.

If your older pool has a single main drain, we are often required by code to split the drain or install a specialized vent line during resurfacing.

This safety upgrade can add $600 - $1,200 to the project but is non-negotiable for safety and liability.

Water Refill Costs

Refilling a 15,000-gallon pool isn’t free.

Most homeowners use their garden hose, but you need to account for the water bill impact.

In Phoenix, tier-3 water rates apply once you exceed a certain usage.

You should budget an extra $100 - $200 on your next city services bill for the water.

Start-Up Chemicals

New plaster or pebble requires careful chemical management (called the LSI balance) for the first 28 days to cure properly.

Some contractors leave this to the homeowner.

We strongly suggest hiring a pro for the “start-up” month, which usually costs $400 - $600 including all necessary acid and calcium treatments.

Financing Options

Since a full remodel is a capital improvement, you have several ways to structure the payment.

HELOC: Using home equity usually offers the lowest interest rate.
Pool-Specific Lenders: Companies like LightStream or Lyon Financial specialize in swimming pool loans and offer quick approvals for unsecured loans.
Credit Cards: Useful for earning points on the deposit, though interest rates are high for the full balance.

Investing in a higher-quality pebble finish now often costs less per year of life than re-plastering a cheap finish twice over the same period.

Getting Accurate Quotes

To protect yourself and your home, follow this checklist when vetting contractors.

Verify the ROC License: In Arizona, pool contractors must hold a specialized license (typically KA-5 or KA-6). Check the status at the Arizona Registrar of Contractors (AZ ROC) website.
Ask About Insurance: Ensure they carry General Liability and Workers’ Compensation.
Check Physical Samples: Do not pick a color from a website; ask to see physical samples wet with water to see the true color.
Get It in Writing: Verbal promises about warranties do not hold up.

Our Transparent Pricing Approach

At David Resurface, we believe in upfront, honest pricing.

We do not use high-pressure sales tactics or hide necessary prep work fees in the fine print.

Free On-Site Assessments: We inspect your pool shell and equipment pad personally.
Itemized Proposals: You see exactly what you are paying for, line by line.
No Surprise “Change Orders”: Unless we find something completely invisible (like a buried plumbing leak), the price we quote is the price you pay.
Education First: We explain the pros and cons of each material for your specific backyard environment.

As a veteran-owned business, we treat every customer the way we’d want to be treated.

That means transparency from the first phone call through the final fill.

Get Your Free Estimate

Ready to know exactly what your pool resurfacing will cost?

We provide free, detailed estimates with no obligation.

Call (602) 619-1234 or fill out our contact form to schedule your assessment today.