What Does It Cost to Redo a Gunite Pool? Here’s What Texas Homeowners Need to Know
The cost to redo a gunite pool typically falls between $6,000 and $15,000, with most homeowners landing around $11,000 for a standard resurfacing project.
Here’s a quick snapshot of what to expect:
| Finish Type | Cost Per Sq Ft | Typical Total (1,000 sq ft) |
|---|---|---|
| Epoxy Paint | $1 – $4 | $1,500 – $4,000 |
| Plaster | $5 – $6 | $5,500 – $6,500 |
| Aggregate / Pebble | $5 – $12 | $6,500 – $15,000 |
| Tile | $4 – $30 | $4,000 – $30,000+ |
These numbers cover the interior finish only. Add-ons like waterline tile, coping, or deck work will increase the total.
Your gunite pool’s shell is built to last decades. But the finish on the inside? That wears out every 7 to 15 years depending on water chemistry, Texas heat, and how hard the pool gets used. When the surface turns rough, starts staining, or develops visible cracks, it’s time to budget for a redo.
The good news: resurfacing is almost always far cheaper than building new. A full renovation runs $6,000 to $20,000. A brand-new gunite pool starts at $60,000 or more.
I’m Chris Koester, Founder of Elite Construction & Custom Pools, and with hands-on experience managing custom pool builds and renovations from excavation through final finish, I’ve helped many homeowners navigate the real cost to redo a gunite pool without overpaying or cutting corners. Let’s break down exactly what drives the price — and how to make the smartest decision for your backyard.
Understanding the Average Cost to Redo Gunite Pool Surfaces
When we talk about the cost to redo a gunite pool, we are primarily discussing “resurfacing.” Gunite is the rock-hard structural shell made of concrete and sand sprayed over a rebar frame. While that shell can last 50 years or more, the interior finish—the part you actually touch and see—has a shorter shelf life.
On a national level, the average cost of pool renovation sits at approximately $10,112, with most projects ranging from $5,369 to $14,871. However, for a high-quality gunite pool in our service areas like Tomball, Cypress, or The Woodlands, a more realistic budget for a full interior redo is $6,000 to $15,000.
The Price per Square Foot
Most professionals calculate the cost based on the internal surface area of the pool (floor and walls), not just the surface area of the water. For a standard 1,000-square-foot internal surface area, you can expect:
- Basic Replastering: Typically starts around $5,500 to $6,500.
- Average Professional Refinish: Often lands around $11,000 when including minor repairs and startup chemicals.
- High-End Finishes: Can easily exceed $20,000 if you opt for premium glass tiles or imported pebble aggregates.
According to How Much Does a Gunite Pool Cost? [2026 Guide] | Angi, the finishing process is a significant portion of the initial build, and redoing it requires the same level of precision.
Factors Influencing Your Gunite Pool Renovation Budget
No two pools are identical, and several variables will shift your final quote. In our experience working across Harris and Waller Counties, the following factors play the biggest roles:
- Pool Size and Depth: A “cocktail pool” in Houston will obviously cost less to resurface than an Olympic-sized lap pool in Katy. More surface area equals more materials and more man-hours.
- Structural Condition: This is the “hidden” cost. Once we drain the pool, we may find “hollow” spots where the old plaster has delaminated from the gunite. These must be chipped out and repaired before the new finish goes on. If there are structural cracks in the gunite shell itself, repair costs can jump by $500 to $3,000 depending on the severity.
- Site Accessibility: Can we get our equipment into your backyard easily? If we have to navigate a narrow gate or use a crane to lift materials over a fence, labor costs will rise.
- Labor Costs: Labor typically accounts for 45% to 55% of the total project cost. In Texas, skilled pool plasterers are in high demand, and their expertise is what ensures your pool doesn’t start peeling in three years.
While some regions like South Carolina or the San Diego luxury market have their own pricing trends, our local Houston-area market remains competitive but driven by the high cost of premium materials and the specialized labor required for gunite.
Material cost to redo gunite pool finishes
The material you choose is the single biggest “dial” you can turn to control the price.
- Standard White Plaster (Marcite): This is the classic choice. It costs $5 to $6 per square foot. It’s smooth and affordable but prone to staining and typically lasts 7 to 12 years.
- Quartz Aggregate: By mixing crushed quartz with plaster, you get a more durable, stain-resistant finish. This usually costs $5 to $7 per square foot.
- Pebble Finishes: These are the gold standard for longevity. Using small, polished river pebbles, these finishes are incredibly durable and hide imperfections well. Expect to pay $7 to $12 per square foot. While the upfront cost to redo a gunite pool with pebble is higher, it can last 15 to 20+ years, making it cheaper on a “cost-per-year” basis.
- Glass Tile: This is the ultimate luxury. While beautiful and lasting 20+ years, glass tile can cost $30 to $50 per square foot to install. Most homeowners use this for the waterline rather than the entire pool.
- Pool Paint: At $1 to $4 per square foot, epoxy paint is the “cheap” option. However, we rarely recommend it. It only lasts 2 to 5 years and often ends up costing more in the long run due to frequent reapplications.
Timeline and cost to redo gunite pool projects
A standard resurfacing project usually takes 1 to 2 weeks of active on-site work. However, the process isn’t finished when the crew leaves.
- Prep Work (Days 1-2): Draining, cleaning, and chipping away old material.
- Application (Days 3-5): Applying the new finish and allowing it to set.
- Refilling (Days 6-7): Filling the pool can take 24 to 48 hours depending on your water pressure.
- The 28-Day Cure: For cement-based finishes (plaster and aggregate), the first 28 days are critical. You’ll need to brush the pool daily and manage water chemistry meticulously to prevent “plaster burn” or scaling.
Pro Tip: You can often save 10% to 15% by scheduling your redo during the “off-season” (late fall or early winter). Builders are less busy, and you’ll be ready for the first heatwave of spring!
The Step-by-Step Gunite Pool Resurfacing Process
Understanding the process helps you see where your money is going. It’s not just “slapping on a new coat of paint.”
- Draining and Inspection: We use submersible pumps to empty the pool. Once empty, we inspect the shell for cracks or hollow spots.
- Surface Preparation: We use a combination of “chipping” (removing loose plaster), grinding, and acid washing to ensure the gunite shell is clean and porous.
- Bond Coating: A specialized adhesive (bond coat) is applied to the gunite. This acts like “glue” to ensure the new finish sticks permanently to the old shell.
- Finish Application: Our crew hand-trowels the plaster or aggregate onto the walls and floor. This is a highly skilled craft—getting a smooth, even finish in a curved pool is an art form.
- Acid Start-up (for aggregates): If you chose a pebble or quartz finish, we may perform a light acid wash to “expose” the stones and give the pool its final texture.
- Hydration: As soon as the finish is dry enough, we start the water. It is vital that the filling process doesn’t stop until the water reaches the middle of the waterline tile, as stopping can leave a permanent “ring” on the new plaster.
Beyond the Surface: Additional Renovation Costs to Consider
When homeowners ask about the cost to redo a gunite pool, they often realize mid-project that other components look “tired” next to the brand-new finish. Bundling these upgrades during resurfacing can save you up to 20% on labor because the pool is already drained and the crew is already on-site.
- Waterline Tile: If your tile is cracked or outdated, replacing it costs $4 to $30 per linear foot. Most resurfacing projects should include new waterline tile to ensure a watertight seal at the top of the finish.
- Coping Replacement: The “edge” of your pool (coping) can be upgraded to natural stone, travertine, or decorative concrete. This typically costs $30 to $50 per linear foot. In high-end markets like Los Angeles, custom coping is a staple of luxury renovations.
- Deck Resurfacing: If your Kool Deck or concrete patio is cracking, redoing it can cost $5 to $15 per square foot. Regional pricing in places like Northern California or the Inland Empire can be higher, but in Waller and Houston, we offer various decorative overlays that are cost-effective.
- Equipment Upgrades: While the pool is down, it’s the perfect time to switch to a Variable Speed Pump (saving you hundreds in annual energy costs) or a Salt Water System (which is gentler on your new plaster). New LED color-changing lights typically run $450 to $1,700 per fixture.
Frequently Asked Questions about Gunite Pool Costs
How do I know when it is time to resurface my gunite pool?
You don’t always need a pro to tell you it’s time. Look for these “red flags”:
- Rough Texture: If the floor feels like sandpaper and is snagging swimsuits or scraping feet, the plaster has eroded.
- Persistent Staining: Copper, iron, or organic stains that won’t come off with an acid wash usually mean the stain is embedded in the finish.
- “Plaster Burn”: Thinning areas where the grey gunite shell is starting to show through the white plaster.
- Visible Cracks: Small “spiderweb” cracks (crazing) are cosmetic, but larger structural cracks mean water is leaking out and potentially rusting the rebar.
Is it cheaper to renovate or build a new gunite pool?
Renovating is significantly cheaper. A high-end renovation with new plaster, tile, and coping might cost $15,000 to $25,000. Building that same pool from scratch today in the Houston area would likely start at $60,000 to $100,000+. Unless the pool has massive structural failure (like a “floating” shell or a cracked foundation), it almost always makes more sense to renovate.
Does resurfacing a gunite pool increase home value?
Absolutely. According to the National Association of Realtors, a well-maintained pool can increase home value by 5% to 7%. More importantly, an old, stained pool can actually decrease your home’s appeal to buyers who see it as a $15,000 “to-do” list item. A fresh resurface provides that “wow factor” and reassures buyers that the pool is move-in ready.
Plan Smart, Spend Better
Redoing a gunite pool is a real investment, but it is also one of the most effective ways to restore beauty, comfort, and long-term value to your backyard. When you understand finish options, labor factors, and add-on costs ahead of time, it becomes much easier to build a budget that fits your goals.
If your pool is showing age, now is a good time to explore your options and make a plan that lasts. For more details on renovation solutions, visit More info about pool remodeling services.
The cost to redo a gunite pool is an investment in your home’s value and your family’s summer memories. Whether you are in Waller, Cypress, or The Woodlands, choosing the right materials and a meticulous team is the difference between a pool that lasts 7 years and one that lasts 20.
At Elite Construction and Custom Pools, we don’t just “replaster.” We use state-of-the-art 3D design to show you how your new finishes will look before we ever break ground. We pride ourselves on using premium materials and providing the meticulous detail that Texas weather demands.
Ready to transform your backyard? More info about pool remodeling services is just a click away. Let us help you turn that tired old pool into the centerpiece of your home once again.