Unable to get quotes to replaster delaminated pool in Houston, TX -- not sure what to do next

[thumy]

I've called and/or emailed 8 or 9 businesses to get quotes for a replaster and only one responded, I think out of obligation because it was personal recommendation. They gave me a verbal quote of $8.75/sq. ft. for 1/4" of plain white plaster (5 year warranty) or $11.25/sq. ft. for quartz (10 year warranty) with a written quote forthcoming. Does this sound like a fair price? I was hoping to be able to comparison shop but I'm pessimistic that anyone else will get back to me -- everyone seems too busy building new pools to do a replaster.

The plaster has delaminated and is chipped at one end of the pool (the hole is currently a few inches across but I can see that the delaminated area is much bigger) and there are small cracks and holes all over so I'm not sure how much time I have to get it fixed to prevent causing more damage. Is this something I can wait until the craziness is over to fix? The pool was last replastered in 2012 according to the paperwork left by the previous owners, who did not maintain the pool very well.

 

[joepaiii]

I've called and/or emailed 8 or 9 businesses to get quotes for a replaster and only one responded, I think out of obligation because it was personal recommendation. They gave me a verbal quote of $8.75/sq. ft. for 1/4" of plain white plaster (5 year warranty) or $11.25/sq. ft. for quartz (10 year warranty) with a written quote forthcoming. Does this sound like a fair price? I was hoping to be able to comparison shop but I'm pessimistic that anyone else will get back to me -- everyone seems too busy building new pools to do a replaster.

The plaster has delaminated and is chipped at one end of the pool (the hole is currently a few inches across but I can see that the delaminated area is much bigger) and there are small cracks and holes all over so I'm not sure how much time I have to get it fixed to prevent causing more damage. Is this something I can wait until the craziness is over to fix? The pool was last replastered in 2012 according to the paperwork left by the previous owners, who did not maintain the pool very well.

Are they calculating sqft of the pool water level area or the whole pool? I never saw quotes per sqft... although that makes sense. I don't have any insight into current pricing although I think you have answered your own question by only having 1 person respond. You could also go to Wetedge and Pebbletec websites and look for licensed/registered installers in your area. That may give you some leads. Also ask people in your area who are building to tell you who actually plastered the pool for them. A lot of pool contractor farm that out and there maybe a few bigger plaster companies in your area that might get back to you quicker than a pool company. Or not... hard telling in this crazy environment.

 

[sktn77a]

Does that include a full chip out of the old plaster?

 

[thumy]

Does that include a full chip out of the old plaster?

I don't know. I'm still waiting for a written quote.

 

[thumy]

Are they calculating sqft of the pool water level area or the whole pool? I never saw quotes per sqft... although that makes sense. I don't have any insight into current pricing although I think you have answered your own question by only having 1 person respond. You could also go to Wetedge and Pebbletec websites and look for licensed/registered installers in your area. That may give you some leads. Also ask people in your area who are building to tell you who actually plastered the pool for them. A lot of pool contractor farm that out and there maybe a few bigger plaster companies in your area that might get back to you quicker than a pool company. Or not... hard telling in this crazy environment.

I think the square foot proce was just to get a ballpark figure. I'm not sure if it's the water level area or the amount of surface that needs to be plastered. I called a few places that specifically do plastering (rather than companies that do new builds but also offer plastering) and have gotten a few more responses, which is a relief, but they are all booked 3-4 weeks out.

The quotes range from $3,500 to $10k+ (for just plain plaster).

 

[Bperry]

I think the square foot proce was just to get a ballpark figure. I'm not sure if it's the water level area or the amount of surface that needs to be plastered. I called a few places that specifically do plastering (rather than companies that do new builds but also offer plastering) and have gotten a few more responses, which is a relief, but they are all booked 3-4 weeks out.

The quotes range from $3,500 to $10k+ (for just plain plaster).

I’m surprised plaster is delaminating after only 9 years. Seems like it wasn’t prepared very well before the replaster.

 

[thumy]

I’m surprised plaster is delaminating after only 9 years. Seems like it wasn’t prepared very well before the replaster.

Yep, that's what the guy who came to give me the quote said, too. The people I bought the house from appeared to have DIYed a lot of stuff around the house (poorly). It makes me wonder if they did the plaster themselves!

 

[joepaiii]

I think the square foot proce was just to get a ballpark figure. I'm not sure if it's the water level area or the amount of surface that needs to be plastered. I called a few places that specifically do plastering (rather than companies that do new builds but also offer plastering) and have gotten a few more responses, which is a relief, but they are all booked 3-4 weeks out.

The quotes range from $3,500 to $10k+ (for just plain plaster).

When I was quoting my replaster job I saw a big variance but that is really large... also most Texas companies don't do full chip outs. Most people on this site would recommend full chip out but as I said that isn't standard here for first replaster job. I guess you could add that to your quote but not sure what it would add. It is quite a bit more work and waste so would expect it to be a couple grand more.

Good luck and 3-4 weeks out sounds pretty reasonable for as busy as construction has been lately.

 

[thumy]

When I was quoting my replaster job I saw a big variance but that is really large... also most Texas companies don't do full chip outs. Most people on this site would recommend full chip out but as I said that isn't standard here for first replaster job. I guess you could add that to your quote but not sure what it would add. It is quite a bit more work and waste so would expect it to be a couple grand more.

Good luck and 3-4 weeks out sounds pretty reasonable for as busy as construction has been lately.

One of the quotes (the $10k+ one) included $3400 for full chip out, which seems high to me. But I think service providers are charging whatever they want because demand is so high!

 

[HermanTX]

I sent you a PM with some recommendations. Also, I would consider a full chip out of your old plaster. $3400 seems high - I recall mine was an extra $1000 but that was 3 years ago.