Paint vs resurface vs fibreglass lining
Paint freshens a sound pool. Resurfacing replaces a worn surface. A fibreglass lining turns a concrete pool smooth.
The right one depends on your pool, not on which costs least.
Side by side
| Paint | Resurface | Fibreglass lining | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Best for | Sound pool, tired colour | Rough, stained or worn surface | Concrete pool, want smooth |
| Guide price | From around $5,000 Guide price only, inc GST. Your fixed written price comes after we see your pool. | From around $12,000 (fibreglass) Guide price only, inc GST. Your fixed written price comes after we see your pool. | From around $13,000 Guide price only, inc GST. Your fixed written price comes after we see your pool. |
| Feel underfoot | Smooth | Depends on finish | Smooth |
| Fixes blisters | No | Yes, with grind-out | Concrete pools only |
Choose paint when
- The shell is sound with no blisters or big cracks
- The old surface is mostly holding
- You want the lowest cost way back to blue
Choose resurfacing when
Fibreglass osmosis blisters need grinding out and rebuilding, not just a topcoat.
- The surface is rough, chalky or stained through
- Paint keeps peeling
- A fibreglass pool has osmosis blisters
Choose a fibreglass lining when
- You have a concrete or pebblecrete pool
- You are sick of rough feet and scrubbing
- The shell is sound enough to line
Guide prices
Pool painting
From around $5,000
Guide price only, inc GST. Your fixed written price comes after we see your pool.
Fibreglass resurfacing
From around $12,000
Guide price only, inc GST. Your fixed written price comes after we see your pool.
Concrete-to-fibreglass conversion
From around $13,000
Guide price only, inc GST. Your fixed written price comes after we see your pool.
Questions people ask about this
Paint, resurface or fibreglass line: which one?
Paint suits a sound pool that just looks tired. It's the lowest cost way back to blue.
Resurfacing suits a pool that is rough, stained or worn through, where paint would only hide the problem for a while.
A fibreglass lining suits a concrete pool when you want a smooth finish that feels nice underfoot.
Send us photos and we'll tell you which one your pool actually needs.
How long will the new surface last?
It depends on the surface you choose, how well the old one is prepped and how the water is looked after.
Good prep and balanced water make the biggest difference over the years.
We'll talk you through what to expect for your pool and how to look after it once it's done.
Can I paint now and resurface later?
Yes, if the pool suits paint today.
Just know paint will need removing or prepping before any future surface.
Is fibreglass lining only for concrete pools?
Lining is for concrete and pebblecrete pools.
Fibreglass pools get fibreglass resurfacing instead.
Which is easiest to keep clean?
Smooth surfaces like fibreglass are generally easier to brush and keep clean.