Priced by what's underneath
A skim-over replaster saves a few thousand dollars on day one and fails in five to seven years — then you pay for the whole job again, plus the chip-out you skipped. A proper chip-out replaster costs more once and lasts fifteen to twenty. In a city of 1960s–80s pools like San Jose, that difference is most of what separates quotes.
The ranges below assume it's done right: full chip-out, shell repairs, bond coat and a managed 28-day startup. If a quote is far below them, ask what's missing.
Ranges reflect typical San Jose projects we quote — your lot, access and finish choices set the exact number. Every Creative Edge quote is free and itemized line by line.
Plaster is priced by surface area — a 40-ft diving pool carries more material and crew time than a 28-ft play pool.
Multiple old layers, hollow spots or crack repairs add prep. We assess before quoting, not after draining.
White to pebble roughly doubles the price and roughly doubles the life — we show both math columns.
Tile, light fixtures and coping cost meaningfully less inside a replaster than as separate projects.
Bay Area labor, disposal fees and access realities. The gap is real but smaller than most expect — and we run crews in both regions, which keeps us honest on both.
No — and never leave a plaster pool empty long. Shells can shift or pop without water weight. Drain-to-refill stays under our control for exactly that reason.
Almost never — plaster is considered normal wear. Budget for it like a roof: predictable, deferrable for a while, more expensive the longer you wait.
If the surface is smooth but stained, a wash may buy time. If it's rough, mottled or showing gunite, washing makes it worse. We'll tell you which yours is — free.
Free, itemized quotes. CSLB #1129581 — licensed & insured. Financing available through HFS.
Reviews
5.0 ★★★★★ · 26 Google reviews
"In well done to this team! Remastered my pool, added a play pad, and did some concrete work. Turned out beautifully, in a timely manner. Highly recommended!"
A.L.L GEAR
"Creative edge did a great job on the design of my pool they do great work with custom stone and slate too"
John Bowlin
"Creative edge hands down best in town on prices and built exactly how we imagined couldn't be happier Edgar's a great guy as well brought up great details we didn't think of and made it that much better much appreciated!!!"
Jerome Holloman