📍 Serving Lexington, Columbia & surrounding areas • (803) 394-0765

Pool Surface Rough, Stained, or Cracking? Get an Honest Assessment First.

Pool Surface Rough, Stained, or Cracking? Get an Honest Assessment First.

Expert plaster, gunite, and tile surface assessment and trusted resurfacing referrals in Lexington & Richland Counties, SC. We tell you what your surface actually needs — repair or full resurfacing — before anyone picks up a trowel.

✅ CPO Certified

✅ Fully Insured & Licensed

✅ Family-Owned & Locally Operated

What Lexington Homeowners Are Saying

What Lexington Homeowners Are Saying

"This has to be the friendliest and best pool service out there"
★★★★★
"This has to be the friendliest and best pool service out there. I called several places that wouldn’t even service my above ground pool. When I called Mike, he said no problem. My pool has been crystal clear and clean all summer long. In this day and age you can’t be too careful who you trust to do service at your house. Mike and his crew have gone above and beyond as far as kind impeccable quality service. as long as I own my pool Palmetto pool solutions are the only people I will use for my pool!"

- Jenn S., Lexington, SC

"Great service and transparency!"
★★★★★
"
Great service and transparency! Mike gave me a quote, showed up on time and communicated with me through the process of replacing our pool pump! Great experience and great guy - folks that serve with integrity are hard to find sometimes.....I will use Mike and Palmetto Pool Solutions again!"

- Sherri O., Lexington, SC

"OMG Mike is wonderful!!"
★★★★★
"
OMG Mike is wonderful!! I called him about our pool and even though he was swamped he found a way to fit us in. His communication was amazing and he made sure to follow up to make sure all was good. I strongly recommend him for any pool concerns you might have!!"

- Traci W., Lexington, SC

Expert Assessment. Unbiased Recommendations. Trusted Referrals.

What Is Specialized Pool Cleaning?

What Is Specialized Pool Cleaning?

Expert Assessment. Unbiased Recommendations. Trusted Referrals.

Pool surfaces — plaster, gunite, pebble, and tile — take a beating from South Carolina's heat, UV, and chemical exposure. Over time that shows up as roughness, staining, cracking, and eventually structural damage that can compromise the entire pool shell.

Here's what makes our approach different: we don't perform resurfacing ourselves. That means our assessment is completely unbiased — we have no financial incentive to recommend resurfacing unless you actually need it. We tell you what your surface requires, and if a specialist is needed, we connect you with vetted professionals we trust and coordinate the entire process.

What We Handle:

✔ Professional on-site surface inspection

✔ Chemistry assessment to identify the root cause

✔ Honest repair vs. resurfacing recommendation

✔ Referrals to trusted resurfacing specialists

✔ Coordination of quotes and scheduling

✔ Startup chemistry management after resurfacing

✔ Ongoing weekly maintenance to protect the new surface

Why "We Refer" Is Better For You:

✔ No incentive to push resurfacing you don't need

✔ CPO certified chemistry expertise — we find the real cause, not just the symptom

✔ We already know your pool's chemical history and equipment

✔ Vetted specialists who deliver quality at fair prices

✔ We stay involved — you're not handed off and forgotten

✔ Critical startup care after resurfacing protects your investment

Common Pool Surface Problems We Assess

Salt Cell Cleaning — Protecting the Heart of Your Saltwater System

Salt Cell Cleaning — Protecting the Heart of Your Saltwater System

Common Pool Surface Problems We Assess

Surface problems are often misdiagnosed — what looks like a structural crack may be a chemistry issue, and what looks like a stain may be calcium or metal deposits. Our CPO certified assessment identifies the real cause before any specialist is called.

Rough or Sandpaper Plaster

Surface feels abrasive underfoot or against skin. Often caused by chemical erosion, low pH, high chlorine over time, or aged plaster nearing end of life.

We assess whether chemistry treatment can restore smoothness or whether resurfacing is needed.

Visible Cracks

Hairline cracks, spider cracks, or larger structural fractures in the shell. Can be cosmetic or indicate structural movement, settling, or freeze damage.

We determine crack type and depth — a critical distinction before any repair work begins.

Staining & Discoloration

Brown, green, black, rust, or copper-colored stains that resist brushing. Can be organic (algae, tannins) or metal-based (iron, copper, manganese).

We test water chemistry and identify stain type — many surface stains are treatable without resurfacing.

Calcium & Scale Buildup

White, crusty deposits on the waterline, steps, or surface. Caused by high calcium hardness, high pH, or high alkalinity — especially common in SC's hot summers.

We assess whether chemical treatment and brushing can remove scale or if etching and resurfacing is required.

Tile Falling Off or Grout Failing

Loose tiles, missing grout, or crumbling grout joints — often caused by freeze-thaw cycles, improper installation, or bond failure behind the tile.

We evaluate extent of tile failure and coordinate with specialists for targeted tile repair or full replacement.

Spalling or Delaminating Surface

Plaster flaking, chipping, or separating from the shell. Often signals the surface has exceeded its useful life or was applied over an incompatible substrate.

Spalling is typically a resurfacing indicator — we confirm and connect you with the right specialist.

Pool Surface Finish Options

Pool Surface Finish Options

Why Weekly Service Matters in the Lexington, SC Climate

When resurfacing is the right call, you have several finish options at different price points and durability levels. We help you understand the tradeoffs so you can choose a surface that looks great and performs well in South Carolina's climate.

Marcite / White Plaster

The classic, most affordable pool surface. Smooth white finish, typically lasts 7–12 years. Shows stains and algae more readily — requires consistent water chemistry management.

Best for: Budget-conscious replacements; pools with excellent ongoing maintenance.

Quartz Aggregate

Plaster mixed with colored quartz for improved durability and appearance. More stain and chemical resistant than standard plaster. Typically lasts 12–20 years.

Best for: Homeowners wanting better longevity and a decorative finish without premium pricing.

Pebble / Exposed Aggregate

Premium finish with a natural stone look and feel. Excellent durability (20–25+ years), highly resistant to staining and algae, and hides debris and imperfections well.

Best for: Long-term investment pools; homeowners who want the best combination of looks and durability.

Tile (Full or Waterline)

Ceramic, glass, or stone tile offers the most distinctive look and longest lifespan when properly installed. Waterline tile is also a practical upgrade on any resurfacing project.

Best for: Premium renovations, waterline accent upgrades, and pools where aesthetics are a priority.

For Lexington and Richland County pools, we typically recommend quartz aggregate or pebble finishes — both hold up better under SC's intense UV and heat than standard white plaster.

Why Pool Surfaces Wear Faster in South Carolina

Why Pool Surfaces Wear Faster in South Carolina

Lexington's climate is harder on pool surfaces than most homeowners realize. Understanding the local factors helps you choose the right surface and maintain it properly.

Intense UV & Heat

Prolonged direct sun exposure bleaches and degrades plaster faster than in cooler climates. UV also accelerates chemical breakdown in the surface layer, leading to roughness and erosion over time.

Chemical Demand

SC's heat drives up chlorine consumption and causes chemistry to shift more rapidly between visits. Periods of low pH or high chlorine — even brief ones — etch plaster and accelerate surface wear.

Occasional Freeze Events

Short but sharp winter freezes cause water trapped in surface pores and cracks to expand, widening existing fractures and loosening tile grout. Even one bad freeze can accelerate surface damage significantly.

Weekly professional maintenance is the single most effective protection for your pool surface — consistent chemistry prevents the erosion and staining that lead to premature resurfacing.

Not Sure What Your Pool Surface Needs?

Not Sure What Your Pool Surface Needs?

Surface problems are easy to misdiagnose. Let us assess what's actually happening — chemistry issue, cosmetic problem, or something structural — before you spend a dollar on repairs.

How the Surface Assessment & Repair Process Works

How the Surface Assessment & Repair Process Works

Even though we don't resurface pools ourselves, we manage the front and back end of the process so you have one trusted point of contact from first inspection to a finished, properly maintained surface.

1 - On-Site Assessment

We visit your pool, inspect the surface, test your water chemistry, and photograph problem areas. You receive an honest recommendation — chemistry treatment, targeted repair, or resurfacing — with a clear explanation of why.

2 - Specialist Referral & Quote

We connect you with vetted surface and gunite specialists, share your pool details, and coordinate their visit. The specialist evaluates the surface, discusses finish options, and provides a written quote and timeline.

3 - Resurfacing, Startup & Ongoing Care

Your specialist completes the work. We then manage the critical startup chemistry — a new surface requires precise chemical balance in the first 30 days to cure properly and achieve maximum longevity. We continue weekly maintenance and monitor surface condition long-term.

Critical note: The first 30 days after resurfacing are the most important for surface longevity. Improper startup chemistry is one of the leading causes of premature surface failure. This is where our chemistry expertise protects your investment.

Pool Surface & Gunite Repair FAQs

Pool Surface & Gunite Repair FAQs

How do I know if my pool needs resurfacing or just a repair?

It depends on the type, extent, and age of the damage. Isolated cracks, minor staining, and mild roughness on a younger surface may be treatable without resurfacing. Widespread roughness, multiple cracks, spalling, or a surface over 15–20 years old usually indicate it's time to resurface. Our on-site assessment gives you a clear, honest answer before you commit to anything.

Can pool stains be removed without resurfacing?

Often, yes — depending on the stain type. Organic stains (algae, leaves, tannins) and many metal-based stains (iron, copper) can frequently be treated with targeted chemical treatments. Stains that are deeply embedded in old or eroded plaster may require resurfacing. We identify the stain type during assessment so you know which approach makes sense.

What causes rough pool plaster?

Rough plaster is most commonly caused by chemical erosion over time — particularly periods of low pH, high chlorine, or aggressive water chemistry. It can also result from plaster that's simply reached the end of its service life (typically 10–15 years for standard plaster). Our assessment determines the cause so you don't resurface prematurely.

How long does pool resurfacing take?

Most residential pool resurfacing projects take 5–10 days from draining to refilling, depending on pool size, surface type, and any needed structural repairs. The pool then requires a careful 30-day startup period before returning to normal use.

How long does a resurfaced pool surface last?

It depends on the finish. Standard plaster typically lasts 7–12 years. Quartz aggregate lasts 12–20 years. Pebble and exposed aggregate finishes can last 20–25+ years with proper maintenance. Startup chemistry management and consistent professional maintenance are the biggest factors in achieving maximum longevity.

Do you install or repair pool surfaces yourselves?

We don't perform resurfacing or structural crack repairs. Instead, we provide an expert, unbiased assessment and connect you with vetted specialists who focus exclusively on quality surface work. Our role is assessment, referral, coordination, and critically — startup and ongoing chemistry management after the work is done.

What is gunite and how is it different from plaster?

Gunite is the structural concrete shell of the pool — it's what holds the water in. Plaster, quartz, or pebble surfaces are applied over the gunite shell as the interior finish. Gunite cracks are structural issues; surface roughness or staining is a finish issue. The distinction matters significantly for both the repair approach and cost.

How much does pool resurfacing cost in Lexington, SC?

Pool resurfacing costs vary based on pool size, surface type, and any structural repairs needed. Standard plaster typically runs $5,000–$10,000 for an average residential pool. Quartz aggregate ranges from $8,000–$15,000+. Pebble finishes run $12,000–$20,000+. We coordinate quotes from trusted local specialists so you can compare options fairly.

Why is the startup period after resurfacing so important?

A new plaster, quartz, or pebble surface cures through contact with pool water. If water chemistry is off during the first 30 days — particularly pH and calcium hardness — the surface can develop permanent staining, roughness, or etching before it's fully cured. Proper startup chemistry management is critical and is one of the key services we provide after every resurfacing referral.

Surface Problems Only Get More Expensive. Let's Find Out What You're Dealing With.

Surface Problems Only Get More Expensive. Let's Find Out What You're Dealing With.

Call or text (803) 394-0765 for an honest, no-pressure surface assessment anywhere in Lexington or Richland County. We'll tell you what your surface actually needs — and what it will cost to fix it properly.

CPO Certified · Fully Insured · Licensed · Family-Owned · Serving Lexington & Richland Counties, SC

You Might Also Need

You Might Also Need

Weekly Pool Maintenance

The best protection for any pool surface — consistent chemistry prevents the erosion, staining, and scaling that lead to premature resurfacing.

Pool Liner Repair & Replacement

Have a vinyl liner pool? We assess liner condition and connect you with trusted installation specialists — same honest, unbiased approach.

Pump & Filter Repair

Poor circulation and filtration accelerate surface staining and scale buildup. We diagnose and fix equipment issues fast.

Complete Pool Care Services

From weekly pool maintenance to emergency repairs, Palmetto Pool Solutions provides full-service residential pool care throughout Lexington and Richland Counties, SC.

Weekly Pool Maintenance

Preventative care that keeps your water clear, comfortable, and swim-ready. We handle skimming, brushing, vacuuming, chemical balancing, equipment checks, and more—so you never have to think about pool maintenance.

  • Priority repair scheduling

  • Discounted seasonal services (Open/Closing)

  • Consistent monthly payment

  • Total peace of mind

Green to Clean Pool Recovery

Came back to a green swamp? We specialize in algae removal and full pool recovery with a very success rate —without draining your pool and risking damage to the structure.

  • Light algae: 1–2 days

  • Heavy algae: up to 1 week or more

  • Water clarity and safety restored

Specialized Pool Cleaning Services

Extend equipment life and improve efficiency with professional cleaning for salt cells, cartridge filters, and more. Preventative maintenance today prevents costly repairs tomorrow.

  • Salt cell cleaning (twice yearly & dummy cell in winter)

  • Cartridge filter cleaning (every 90 days)

  • System efficiency and energy savings

Pump & Filter Services

Fast, honest diagnosis and professional repair or replacement for pool pumps and filters. We keep your circulation system running reliably and efficiently.

  • Pump motor replacement
  • Filter repairs and replacements
  • Multi-port valve replacement
  • PVC plumbing repairs

Pool Equipment Upgrades

Modernize your pool and start saving money with new, energy-efficient equipment and smart upgrades that pay for themselves over time.

  • Variable-speed pumps: save $300–$800+ annually
  • Saltwater conversions: softer water, no chlorine purchases

Liner Repair & Replacement

We assess the condition of your vinyl liner and connect you with trusted liner specialists when repair or replacement is needed, so you get lasting results and honest guidance.

Pool Surface & Gunite Repair

We provide professional assessments of surface damage and refer you to trusted resurfacing specialists. Our expert technicians will help you decide when repair or full resurfacing makes the most sense.

Palmetto Pool Solutions, LLC

Lexington & Richland Counties, SC

CPO Certified • Fully Insured • Licensed
Family-Owned & Locally Operated

Service Areas

Hours & Contact

Office Hours:
Mon–Fri: 8:00 AM – 5:00 PM
Saturday: Closed
Sunday: Closed

We answer our phone!

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