How to Choose a Pool Resurfacing Company in Florida (10 Questions to Ask)
Not all pool resurfacing contractors are equal. Here are 10 questions every Florida homeowner should ask before hiring anyone — and the red flags that should make you walk away.
How to Choose a Pool Resurfacing Company in Florida (10 Questions to Ask)
Pool resurfacing is a significant investment — typically $5,000 to $15,000 depending on your pool size and the surface type you choose. Done right, it restores your pool to like-new condition for 15–20 years. Done wrong, it fails within 2–3 years and leaves you paying twice.
Florida has no shortage of pool contractors, but the gap between a great company and a bad one is enormous. This guide gives you 10 specific questions to ask any contractor before signing a contract — along with the red flags that should make you walk away.
10 Questions to Ask Before Hiring a Pool Resurfacing Contractor
1. Are you licensed and insured in Florida?
Florida requires pool contractors to be licensed through the Florida Department of Business and Professional Regulation (DBPR). Ask for their license number and verify it at myfloridalicense.com. Unlicensed contractors are not just a legal risk — they often lack the training to do quality work. Also confirm they carry general liability insurance and workers' compensation.
2. What specific product will you be using?
This is the most important question. Do not accept "high-quality pool finish" or "premium resurfacing compound" as answers. Ask for the brand name and product line. Common options include:
- ecoFINISH aquaBRIGHT — thermoplastic acrylic polymer, 10-year manufacturer warranty
- Pebble Tec / Pebble Sheen — aggregate finish, 10–15 years
- Quartz plaster — enhanced durability over standard marcite
- Epoxy paint — budget option, typically lasts 6–18 months, no manufacturer warranty
If a contractor proposes epoxy without clearly disclosing its limitations, consider it a red flag.
3. What warranty do you offer, and who backs it?
There is an important distinction between a workmanship warranty and a manufacturer warranty:
- A workmanship warranty covers the contractor's labor only — if the company goes out of business (which happens frequently in the pool industry), the warranty disappears with them
- A manufacturer warranty is backed by the product maker directly, regardless of which contractor applied it
ecoFINISH carries a 10-year manufacturer warranty. Epoxy products typically offer only a 6–12 month workmanship warranty. Always ask who backs the warranty and get it in writing.
4. How many years have you been applying this specific product?
Application quality matters enormously with specialty coatings. ecoFINISH, for example, requires certified spray equipment and technique — an undertrained applicator can produce a finish that peels within a year. Ask for proof of manufacturer certification and how many projects they have completed with that product in Florida.
5. Can you provide references from local Florida projects?
Ask for 3–5 references from projects within the past 18 months in your specific county or region. Florida's climate (UV exposure, salt air in coastal areas, hard water inland) is different from other states — a contractor with experience only in Arizona or the Northeast may not account for local conditions. Call the references and ask:
- Did the project finish on time?
- Have there been any issues since completion?
- Was the price consistent with the written quote?
6. What does your prep work process look like?
Surface preparation is where most resurfacing failures originate. Quality prep includes:
- Acid washing or pressure washing the existing surface
- Grinding and repairing structural cracks before coating
- Treating bond-breaking contaminants (oils, calcium deposits)
A contractor who skips prep to save time is setting you up for premature failure. Ask specifically what they do between draining and applying the new finish.
7. How long will the project take, and when can I use my pool?
A typical residential pool resurface in Florida takes 3–7 days from drain to refill, plus another 7–14 days before the surface is fully cured for swimming. Be cautious of contractors who promise you can swim in 48 hours — this is a sign that proper curing time is being skipped.
8. What happens if I find issues after the job is done?
Ask for their process for handling post-completion problems. A reputable contractor will have a clear, written process: who to call, what timeline for response, and how disputes are resolved. If a contractor becomes vague or defensive at this question, it is a significant warning sign.
9. Is your written quote itemized?
Your quote should list line items for: drain and clean, structural repairs (or a separate cost if required), surface application, refill, and startup chemicals. An all-in-one number with no breakdown makes it impossible to compare bids or understand what you are paying for. If a contractor refuses to itemize, walk away.
10. Do you have reviews on Google Maps for your local office?
Florida has many out-of-state or roving pool contractors who show up after storms or during busy seasons and disappear when problems arise. A locally established company with consistent Google reviews, a physical address, and a verifiable track record is far less likely to vanish when you need warranty support.
Red Flags to Watch For
- Extremely low bids (more than 30% below other quotes) without explanation
- Pressure to sign same-day or "this price is only valid today"
- Large cash deposit required upfront (more than 30%)
- No written contract or vague contract language
- Unable to provide DBPR license number
- No local references within the past 12 months
- Pushes epoxy without disclosing its limitations compared to other options
What a Legitimate Resurfacing Quote Should Include
When you receive a written quote, it should specify:
- Exact product and brand being applied
- Pool dimensions measured and confirmed on-site
- Scope of prep work (acid wash, crack repair, etc.)
- Timeline from start to swim-ready
- Warranty terms in writing (type and duration)
- Payment schedule (never pay 100% upfront)
- Contractor license number and insurance carrier
Why We Recommend ecoFINISH for Florida Pools
After years of working with different resurfacing products across Florida, we recommend ecoFINISH aquaBRIGHT for most residential pools. It is not the cheapest option, but it delivers:
- 10-year manufacturer warranty backed directly by ecoFINISH, LLC
- Superior algae and chemical resistance versus plaster in Florida's hard-water environments
- A wider color range than any plaster or epoxy product
- Better long-term value than any option requiring resurface every 5–8 years
Ready for a Resurfacing Estimate?
Cool Pool of Florida is a licensed, insured, and ecoFINISH-certified applicator serving all major Florida markets. We provide itemized written quotes with no pressure, respond within 24 hours, and back our work with the full ecoFINISH 10-year manufacturer warranty.
