Living in Western Australia means enjoying some of the best weather in the country: long, hot summers, plenty of sunshine, and that classic outdoor lifestyle. But that same climate – intense UV rays, extreme heat, occasional wild storms, and mineral-rich bore water, and salty coastal air – can be brutal on swimming pools. When your pool starts looking tired, cracked, or faded, the big question is: should you simply paint it, or go for a full resurface? Let’s break down the real-world differences for WA conditions so you can make the best decision that saves you money and headaches in the long run.
Option 1: Painting Your Pool
(Quick, cheap… but usually short-lived in WA)Pool paint (usually chlorinated rubber or epoxy-based) is the budget-friendly option that many homeowners consider first.
Pros
- Lowest upfront cost – often $3,000–$7,000 for an average residential pool
- Fast application (2–4 days)
- Wide range of colours available
- Good for pools in reasonable condition with no major cracks or structural issues
Cons – Why paint struggles in Western Australia
- Intense UV exposure breaks down paint quickly – expect fading and chalking within 2–5 years (sometimes less in Perth’s northern suburbs or the Pilbara)
- Doesn’t handle temperature swings well – WA summers can see pool water hit 35°C+ while winter nights drop low; paint peels and blisters
- Bore water (common in Perth and regional WA) is often high in minerals and iron – paint stains easily and is hard to clean
- Saltwater pools (huge in coastal areas from Geraldton to Esperance) accelerate paint breakdown
- Provides zero waterproofing or structural repair – if your marcite/plaster is already drummy or cracked, paint just covers the problem
Real talk: In Perth’s northern and eastern suburbs where bore water reigns supreme, we regularly see painted pools needing repainting every 3–4 years. That “cheap” job suddenly becomes very expensive over a decade.
Option 2: Full Pool Resurfacing
(The premium, long-term solution built for Australian conditions)Modern pool interiors such as quartz, pebble (e.g. JewelScapes, BeadCrete, Hydrazzo) or fully-tiled finishes are what most reputable WA pool builders and renovators recommend now.
Pros
- Lifespan of 15–25+ years with proper care
- Extremely UV-resistant – colours stay vibrant for a decade or more
- Highly resistant to staining from bore water minerals, iron, and salt
- Adds structural integrity – new render bonds to the shell and stops leaks
- Huge range of luxury finishes (think sparkling quartz or natural pebble looks)
- Increases property value far more than paint ever will
- Much easier to clean and maintain – less algae adhesion
Cons
- Higher upfront cost – typically $12,000–$25,000+ depending on size and finish
- Longer project time (7–14 days)
The WA Climate Reality Check
Here’s what actually happens in real Western Australian pools:
- Perth metro & coastal strip: Salt + UV + heat = paint fails fast
- Northern suburbs (Joondalup to Yanchep): Bore water staining destroys light-coloured paint in 1–2 seasons
- Hills & wheatbelt: Massive day/night temperature swings cause paint to peel
- Regional WA (Kalgoorlie, Geraldton, Broome): Extreme heat and dust shorten paint life dramatically
We’ve ripped out more failed paint jobs in the last five years than we can count – usually on pools that were painted “just 3 years ago” and now look 20 years old.
Cost Comparison Over 15 Years (Average 10x5m Pool in Perth)
| Option | Upfront Cost | Expected Life | Total Cost Over 15 Years | Real Cost Per Year |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Paint (3 times) | $6,000 x 3 = $18,000 | 4–5 years each | ~$20,000+ (including prep) | ~$1,333+ |
| Premium Quartz/Pebble | $18,000–$22,000 | 15–25 years | $18–22,000 | ~$1,000–$1,200 |
Suddenly the “expensive” resurface looks like the bargain.
So Which Is Actually Better in Western Australia?
99% of the time: Resurfacing wins – hands down.
The only time we recommend painting is:
- You’re selling the house within 2–3 years and just want it to look good for sale
- The existing plaster/render is in perfect condition (rare)
- Budget absolutely won’t stretch to a proper resurface
For everyone else investing in their forever home or wanting a pool that still looks amazing in 2035 and beyond – a modern quartz or pebble interior is the clear winner in WA’s harsh conditions.
Ready to Give Your Pool the Upgrade It Deserves?
At All Star Pools Refurbishing, we’ve been transforming tired WA pools into stunning backyard features for over 15 years. We only use premium Australian-made products designed specifically for our climate – no cheap imports that fail in two summers.Call us today on 1300 775 274 or visit https://allstarpoolsrefurbishing.com.au/ for a free onsite assessment and quote.Don’t waste another summer looking at a faded, stained pool – let’s make it the dream pool you deserve.All Star Pools Refurbishing
Perth’s Trusted Pool Resurfacing Specialists
Phone: 0426860112
Website: https://allstarpoolsrefurbishing.com.au/