Frequently Asked Questions

Is it ok to remodel my pool during the winter?

Remodeling a swimming pool during the winter has a number of advantages. Obviously, pools are generally not used as much in the winter and your family will not be without the use of the pool during the swim season. Since the pool renovation business is somewhat cyclical it is also easier to obtain desired scheduling when we are not in the summer “busy season”.

How long will it take to remodel my pool?

The length of time a pool will be under construction for renovation is directly related to the extent of the work we are performing. Pools that are being refinished with plaster or Pebble Tec can be operational in 10 days or less. Pools that require tile and coping or are being extensively remodeled require additional construction time. Be assured that when a project commences Gardner will make every effort to consistently move the job along and complete your project in a timely manner.

PebbleTec is more expensive than plaster. What justifies the additional cost?

PebbleTec utilizes naturally tumbled pebbles and specifically formulated cement, which is more expensive and aesthetically pleasing than standard plaster. Installation with PebbleTec is a process that requires each installer be trained, certified, and subject to ongoing continuing education in the field. In the event you choose PebbleTec for your pool you may expect a longer service life and less maintenance required as compared to traditional plaster.

My old plaster looks terrible. Would I be able to paint or acid wash my pool to make it look better instead of incurring the expense of a remodel?

Painting the inner surface of a swimming pool is, at best, a short-term solution to improve the appearance of a pool. Gardner Pool Plastering is frequently asked to remodel pools that were painted by others only a short time previously. Unfortunately, if a pool is painted and the pool owner at a later date desires to install plaster or Pebble Tec additional charges are often necessary due to the difficulty in removing multiple layers of paint. Older pools that are acid washed will initially appear brighter but often become very rough to the touch due to the increased porosity in the plaster caused by the acid.

Can Gardner Pool Plastering handle my entire pool renovation project?

Gardner Pool Plastering has the capability to manage, both by the utilization of its employees, and by the selective use of other contractors, just about every facet of the pool renovation process. We specialize in specific aspects of pool construction and when other areas of expertise are needed we rely on relationships built up over many years to supply the needed services. Gardner’s goal is to establish seamless integration of these services to provide the customer with a swift and professional pool remodel experience.  

Why choose Gardner Pool Plastering?

Gardner Pool Plastering is the largest and oldest pool finishing company in San Diego County. It is the only pool finish company in San Diego County that can do five of the best-known and accepted pool finishes. Our plasterers are experienced and professional which means they take "Pride in Workmanship". Gardner has the resources and the know-how to provide the latest in materials and construction techniques for the upgrade of any pool. Gardner is a leader in the ongoing development of pool renovation technology.

Our project has started but crews do not always arrive first thing in the morning and some days they do not come to the job site at all. Is this normal?

Our crews are trained to perform specific pool remodel functions and it is therefore not unusual for a crew to be scheduled on more than one job in a day. Depending on where the pool is, relative to the schedule, it is quite normal to see people arrive at mid-day or even in the late afternoon. Generally, off days are planned to allow material to fully dry before the next phase of construction or to provide schedule spacing in the event more time is needed for phase completion than anticipated.

Are there any phases of construction which are particularly messy?

While our crews make every attempt to minimize the impact upon the area surrounding your pool, a remodel site can be dusty. We therefore recommend that pool furniture and potted plants be moved away from the pool area while construction is in progress. It is also suggested that windows be kept shut near the pool for the duration of the pool remodel.

Our pool was just prepared for plaster (or PebbleTec). The surface is very uneven with large holes and streaks. Is this ok and can you fill these areas in?

Yes, They will fill in just fine.

We are not sure whether we should use the local water supply to refill our newly remodeled pool. How should we proceed?

The only alternative to your local water supply is the purchase of water by truck. Water fill by truck is generally cost prohibitive and as a result most people utilize either water supplied by their local water district. Special precautions should be taken with water that is soft. We strongly urge you to consult with your pool service professional or contact our office in this situation.

How long will it take to fill our pool?

The length of time required to fill a pool depends on a number of variables such as your local water pressure, the number of hoses being used, and the size of the pool. The average pool takes 24 - 36 hours to fill and it is important to remember that the water should not be turned off until the pool is completely full.