Why Is My Pool Surface Rough?
A free referral service connecting Pinellas homeowners with licensed pool contractors.
Here are three common causes of a rough finish, how to tell them apart, and when it means a resurface.
Three common causes of a rough pool finish
Scale
Minerals or metals come out of the water and stick to the finish, leaving stains and roughness, per the National Plasterers Council.
Etching
Visible pitting of the finish from chemical or physical causes. Low pH water can etch pool surfaces.
Wear and age
Plaster wearing thin, or breaking down from water that's out of balance, says Bob Vila.
Balance the water first
Water balance drives both scale and etching. The National Plasterers Council links scale to high pH, alkalinity or calcium hardness, and etching to low levels.
- Keep pH between 7.2 and 7.8.
- Keep calcium hardness between 200 and 400 ppm.
- Soft, low-calcium water is aggressive and can pull calcium out of plaster.
Your tap water depends on your utility. Pinellas County Utilities water averaged 217 ppm total hardness in 2025, and St. Petersburg's 158 mg/L. Test the pool water itself. More on Pinellas water.
When rough means it's time to resurface
Pebble Tec lists rough or pitted surfaces, discoloration and cracks as signs any finish needs replacing. Bob Vila's test: if the surface is uncomfortable to walk or sit on, it's time.
Stains and deposits first?
For some stains and deposits, pros use an acid wash. The National Plasterers Council describes it as a diluted acid that removes certain stains with little, if any, damage to the surface. Ask whether it fits your pool.
Questions about rough pool surfaces
Does a rough pool surface mean I need to resurface?
It can be. Pebble Tec lists rough or pitted surfaces, discoloration and cracks as signs a finish needs replacing. Bob Vila puts it simply: if the surface is uncomfortable to walk or sit on, it's time to resurface.
What pH should my pool water be?
The National Plasterers Council says to keep pH between 7.2 and 7.8. Below 7.2 the water is aggressive. Above 7.8 it tends to cause scaling or staining.
Smooth it out: get a resurfacing quote
Tell us about your pool. Your request comes to us. We refer it to a Florida-licensed pool contractor.
Sources
- Pinellas County Utilities, 2025 Water Quality Report
- City of St. Petersburg, 2025 Water Quality Report
- National Plasterers Council, Glossary
- Pebble Tec, How Long Does a Pebble Pool Finish Last?
- Bob Vila, How Much Does Pool Resurfacing Cost? (July 26, 2022)
- National Plasterers Council, Water Chemistry
- National Plasterers Council, The Importance of Water Testing (white paper)