Red flags when getting pool resurfacing quotes

The five biggest red flags

1. The quote is 30%+ lower than competitors

If three contractors quote $9,000, $9,500, and $10,000 — and a fourth comes in at $6,000 — the cheap quote isn't a deal. It's almost always missing scope: no hollow-spot allowance, no crack stitching, no cure-period chemistry, or a cheaper material than the others quoted.

What to do: ask for a line-itemed quote with the same scope as the others. The price will usually equalize.

2. No written scope, just a number

"Resurface pool: $8,500" is not a quote. It's a number on letterhead. Without written scope, the contractor can add anything they want at the end and call it "discovery work."

What to do: ask for a line-itemed proposal. If they refuse or stall, walk away.

3. Pressure to decide today

Good contractors are booked 4–8 weeks out. They don't need your decision on the spot, and they don't offer "today only" pricing. If a contractor tells you the quote expires when they leave your driveway, that's a sales tactic, not a real timeline.

What to do: tell them you'll get back to them this week. Watch what happens.

4. Cash-only or significant cash discount

Either a tax-avoidance signal (contractor isn't reporting income, which means they're also not paying workers' comp or carrying insurance), or a refusal to provide proper documentation. Both are reasons to walk.

What to do: a small discount for paying by check vs. credit card is normal (3% to cover processing fees). A 10%+ discount for cash is a red flag.

5. License and insurance documents "available later"

Either the contractor is currently licensed and insured (in which case they can produce documents within an hour) or they aren't. There's no middle ground.

What to do: ask for the documents before signing anything. Verify the license number at secure.utah.gov/llv. Get a Certificate of Insurance (COI) issued in your name.

Quote language to watch out for

• "Standard resurfacing" — not specific enough. You want material brand, color, and method.
• "Up to X for repairs" with no defined cap or change-order process — could become unbounded.
• "Owner responsible for water disposal" — fine if cheaper, but make sure you know what's involved.
• "Workmanship warranty" with no specified duration — useless. Should be 1 year minimum, in writing.
• "As-needed" or "if required" for prep work — vague language that lets the contractor decide later.
• 50%+ deposit — industry standard is 10–25% down with milestone payments.

What good signs actually look like

Just as important: knowing what a quality contractor looks like up front.

• In-person walk before quoting. They schedule a 30-minute visit, tap-test the existing plaster, check coping and tile, ask about your goals.
• Line-itemed proposal. Pool dimensions, surface removal method, included repairs, finish brand and color, payment schedule, start window, warranty.
• Written change-order process. If they find extra work mid-job, they document it and get your signature before doing it.
• Confident on questions. When you ask about hollow-spot allowances, crack stitching, or cure chemistry, they answer specifically — not vaguely.
• Recent local references. They can give you 3–5 St. George customers from the past 12 months, and you can call them.
• No pressure on timing. They tell you their next available start window and don't push you to commit beyond your comfort level.

How to handle a problematic quote

If a quote has one red flag, you can sometimes negotiate it away. If it has two or more, walk.

• If pricing seems too low: ask for a line-itemed scope matching the others. See if the price comes up.
• If scope is vague: ask for specifics in writing. If they refuse, that's your answer.
• If they pressure you: say you'll get back to them by [end of week]. Note the response.
• If they refuse to provide documents: end the conversation politely. There are plenty of other contractors.

Frequently asked questions