Pool surfaces don't fail overnight. They wear gradually, and the signs are easy to overlook until a small problem becomes an expensive one. In the Tri-Cities, hot summer sun and freezing winters put extra stress on pool finishes, so it pays to know what to watch for. Here are five signs your pool is ready for resurfacing, and what waiting too long can cost you.

1. Rough Patches That Scrape Feet and Snag Swimsuits

As plaster ages, the smooth top layer wears away and exposes a coarse texture underneath. If kids come out of the pool with scraped toes, or swimsuits are pilling and snagging, the surface has likely worn past the point where cleaning will help.

Rough surfaces also give algae more places to grip, which makes the pool harder to keep clean.

2. Stains That Won't Scrub Out

Some stains lift with brushing and water balancing. Others are embedded in a porous, worn surface and keep coming back no matter what you try. Persistent metal stains, organic stains and widespread discoloration are signs the finish itself has broken down.

3. Chalky or Cloudy Water

When plaster deteriorates, it can release fine particles into the water, leaving a chalky residue on your hands and making the water look dull even when your chemistry tests look normal. That dust also loads up filters and forces your equipment to work harder.

4. Cracks, Delamination and Exposed Aggregate

Small surface cracks, hollow-sounding spots where the finish has separated from the shell, and exposed aggregate are signs the surface is failing. In Eastern Washington, water that works into these cracks can freeze and expand over the winter, widening the damage year after year. Catching it early helps protect the structure underneath.

5. Climbing Chemical Costs

A worn, porous surface harbors algae and bacteria, which increases chlorine demand and makes the water harder to balance. If you're spending more on chemicals every season without a clear reason, the surface may be part of the problem.

What Waiting Too Long Actually Costs

Resurfacing is a planned expense. Structural repair is not. When a failing surface is left too long, water can reach the shell, freeze-thaw cycles can widen cracks, and a straightforward resurfacing job can turn into a larger renovation. In the meantime, you're also paying more for chemicals, filter cleaning and equipment wear.

Why We Resurface With EcoFinish

When we resurface a pool, our go-to finish is EcoFinish, a coating with real advantages over traditional plaster:

• Soft to the touch: A smooth, non-abrasive finish that's comfortable on feet and swimsuits.

• Lower chemical use: Can reduce chemical demand by up to 40%.

• Easier to clean: Resists staining and algae growth.

• Many colors: A range of options to refresh the look of your pool.

• 10-year manufacturer warranty: Long-term protection that typical plaster refinishes rarely match.

The Best Time to Resurface in the Tri-Cities

Resurfacing requires draining the pool and suitable weather for application and curing. Most homeowners schedule the work in spring so the pool is ready for summer, or in early fall after the swim season winds down. Booking ahead helps you avoid the pre-summer rush.

Not Sure If Your Pool Needs Resurfacing?

Radiant Builders inspects pools across Kennewick and the Tri-Cities, Grandview and the Lower Yakima Valley, and Walla Walla. We'll tell you honestly whether your pool needs resurfacing, a repair or just better water balance, and give you a clear quote before any work begins.

Get in Touch

• Phone: (509) 788-5620

• Email: josh@radiantbuilders.com