Short answer: resurfacing an in-ground pool usually costs about $6,000 to $15,000, with a national average around $11,000. Standard plaster is the cheapest lasting finish; pebble costs more but lasts much longer.
Cost by finish
| Finish | Per sq ft | Typical total | Lasts about |
|---|---|---|---|
| Paint / epoxy | $1 – $2 | $1,500 – $5,000 | 5 – 7 years |
| White plaster (marcite) | $6 – $8 | $5,000 – $10,000 | 7 – 12 years |
| Quartz plaster | $7 – $10 | $7,000 – $15,000 | 10 – 15 years |
| Pebble aggregate | $7 – $15 | $9,000 – $20,000+ | 15 – 25 years |
| Tile (full) | $8 – $30+ | $20,000 – $50,000+ | Decades |
Per sq ft figures from HomeGuide; totals and lifespans from HomeGuide and Swimply (2026). These are national ranges. We couldn't find a reliable Arizona-only survey, so treat them as a starting point and get local quotes.
Extra costs to ask about
- Tile line: replacing the waterline tile at the same time often adds $2,000 – $5,000 or more.
- Crack and surface repairs: priced separately, often per linear foot.
- Draining, cleaning and refilling: refilling with a hose is cheap ($40 – $400 in water); trucked water costs much more.
- Start-up chemicals and brushing: new plaster needs careful water balancing for the first few weeks. Ask whether start-up is included.
- Permits: some cities require one, especially if you're also changing equipment, plumbing or decking.
Arizona tips
- Hard water and sun are tough on pool finishes. Keeping your water balanced (calcium, pH) helps any finish last longer.
- Timing: the pool is empty for several days, and new plaster cures best out of extreme heat. Many owners book for fall through spring, so schedule early.
- Draining: ask how the crew will drain the pool. Many Arizona cities limit where pool water can go (for example, not into the street or storm drain). Check your city's rules.
- Hydrostatic pressure: an empty pool can shift if groundwater is high. A good contractor knows when to use a relief valve.
How to compare quotes
- Compare the same finish and brand (plaster, quartz or pebble), priced for your pool's actual surface area.
- Ask what's included: chipping out the old surface, tile, repairs, start-up and refill.
- Get the warranty in writing, and ask what voids it (usually water chemistry).
- Use an ROC-licensed pool contractor (pool licenses include B-5, KA-5, R-6, CR-6 and C-6) for jobs of $1,000 or more. How to hire a pool company →
Find licensed pool companies by city
More Arizona cost guides
Sources
- HomeGuide: Pool resurfacing cost
- Swimply: Pool resurfacing cost, 2026 guide (Feb 2026)
- Arizona Registrar of Contractors
Prices last checked Nov 7, 2026. These are published ranges, not quotes. Your price depends on your yard, materials and contractor, so get 2–3 written quotes.