Pool plaster doesn't fail overnight. It wears slowly under the Florida sun, hard water, and years of chemicals, and the signs build up until one day the pool just doesn't feel right. Knowing what to look for helps you plan a replaster on your schedule instead of in an emergency.
The first sign is usually texture. If the floor or steps feel rough enough to scrape feet, or swimsuits are pilling, the smooth top layer of plaster has worn away. Next come stains: blotchy, gray, or brown patches that stay no matter how much you brush or balance the water.
Chalky water and a surface that leaves residue on your hand mean the plaster is breaking down. Flaking and small chips, especially on steps and benches, are a sign the finish is losing its bond. And if you tap the surface and hear a hollow sound, the plaster has separated from the shell underneath, which is called delamination.
One or two of these signs can often wait a season. Several at once usually means it's time. A free on-site inspection will tell you honestly which situation you're in, and what a new finish would cost for your pool's size.