Look for rough patches that snag swimsuits or scrape skin. Check for stains that won’t come out with normal cleaning, especially around the waterline. Visible cracks, chips, or areas where the surface is flaking off are clear signs. If you’re constantly dealing with algae problems or your pool chemicals seem off no matter what you do, the surface might be too porous. Generally, plaster surfaces need resurfacing every 5-8 years in Florida, while other finishes last longer. When in doubt, we offer free inspections to assess your surface condition.