If you have an in-ground swimming pool, you may have noticed that its walls don’t last forever. Depending on many different factors — environmental, frequency of use, and quality of original surface materials, to name a few — you may need to treat your swimming pool walls after only a few seasons.

When it comes to in-ground pool walls, most pool owners have two options: Paint or plaster. Both have their benefits and drawbacks so the option you choose will depend on your specific situation.

Pool Cleaning Boca Raton — Wear and Tear

Signs that you may need to treat your in-ground pool walls include delaminations, stains, cracks, and a surface that looks dull and lifeless.

Back in the old days, many pool owners would paint their in-ground pools at the start of every new swimming season. But when plaster became available, some opted for this longer-lasting, durable alternative that offered an appealing, clean, and smooth white finish.

Pool Cleaning Boca Raton — Benefits of Plaster

Plaster generally lasts longer than paint. If treated gently and maintained properly, a plaster surface can last between 15 and 20 years, compared to only 2 to 7 years for fresh paint.

Plaster is also about 1/2 inch thick, allowing it to handle more distress than a thin layer of paint.

Pool Cleaning Boca Raton — Benefits of Paint

Paint is easier to put on and far less costly than plaster. When you can find it on sale, you can often get high-quality pool paint for between $50 and $100 per gallon.

Depending on the size of your pool, you may need anywhere from 6 to 10 gallons to cover the typical backyard in-ground pool, although it could obviously be more or less.

Whether you choose paint or plaster, you can improve the appearance, safety, and longevity of your in-ground pool by resurfacing its walls whenever they start to look worn.