When a new finish — such as plaster, quartz, or pebble — begins to bubble, it’s almost always related to one of three root causes: trapped moisture, improper curing, or chemical imbalance.
Let’s look at the main culprits in more detail.
1. Trapped Moisture Beneath the Surface
During resurfacing, if moisture is sealed inside the plaster or gunite layer, it can later heat up under Florida’s sun and expand. This expansion pushes tiny air pockets upward, creating visible bubbles or blisters.
Local Tip: In Port Charlotte and Punta Gorda, high humidity and afternoon rainstorms can make moisture control during resurfacing more challenging — especially in summer.
2. Improper Curing or Application
If the resurfacing team didn’t allow each layer to cure properly, or if the mix ratios (water, cement, bonding agent) were slightly off, delamination (separation between layers) can occur. This often shows up as bubbles or soft spots.
3. Chemical Imbalance During Start-Up
After refilling the pool, water chemistry plays a huge role. Overly acidic or alkaline water can attack the new finish, weakening the surface bond and causing blistering.
4. Subsurface Pressure or Groundwater
In some Charlotte County neighborhoods — especially low-lying or canal-adjacent areas — hydrostatic pressure from groundwater beneath the pool shell can push upward. This may lead to bubbling or even peeling if not properly relieved through drain valves.
🔍 How to Tell If Bubbling Is “Normal”
Not all bubbling means you have a major issue. During the first few days after resurfacing, minor surface imperfections can appear as the plaster cures and water chemistry stabilizes.
Here’s how to tell what’s normal vs. not:
| Condition | Likely Normal? | Action |
|---|---|---|
| Tiny surface air pockets that vanish after brushing | ✅ Yes | Monitor 3–5 days |
| Few scattered pinhead-size bubbles | ✅ Yes | Normal curing |
| Bubbles forming clusters or soft spots | ⚠️ No | Contact installer |
| Blisters growing or popping open | ❌ No | Immediate inspection |
If bubbles persist beyond 10 days, spread across multiple sections, or feel spongy, that’s not typical.
🧪 How to Fix Pool Surface Bubbling
Once you confirm bubbling isn’t just part of normal curing, there are several solutions — depending on the severity.
1. Surface Sanding or Spot Repair
For small areas, the affected spots can often be sanded and re-sealed before they spread. A technician can remove delaminated plaster and patch with a compatible finish mix.
2. Partial Re-plaster or Acid Wash
If chemical imbalance caused the damage, an acid wash can remove the uppermost soft layer and restore adhesion.
3. Pressure Relief & Drain Inspection
For pools in Rotonda or North Port where groundwater pressure is high, inspecting hydrostatic relief valves can prevent future bubbling by balancing underground pressure.
4. Full Resurface (Severe Cases)
In rare cases — usually when improper prep or materials were used — the finish must be redone entirely.
⚠️ Important: Always hire a licensed Florida pool contractor familiar with local soil conditions and curing humidity.
You can explore vetted professionals through Florida Detail’s service directory, which lists trusted pool specialists in Charlotte County and nearby regions.
💧 How to Prevent Bubbling After a New Resurface
✅ Before the Job:
- Choose an experienced local contractor who understands Florida’s high humidity challenges.
- Request moisture testing before applying any topcoat.
- Make sure the old surface is properly acid-etched and cleaned.
✅ During the Job:
- Ensure each plaster or pebble layer is allowed to cure before the next.
- Avoid resurfacing during rainy or excessively humid days (a common mistake).
✅ After Filling the Pool:
- Balance water chemistry immediately:
- pH: 7.2–7.6
- Alkalinity: 80–120 ppm
- Calcium hardness: 200–400 ppm
- Brush the surface daily for the first week.
- Avoid vacuuming or adding heavy loads for at least 10 days.
🏝 Real-World Example: Punta Gorda Pool Owner’s Experience
A Punta Gorda homeowner recently resurfaced their backyard pool using a quartz finish. Within a week, they noticed quarter-inch bubbles forming near the shallow end.
After calling a local professional listed on Florida Detail, technicians identified improper curing caused by unexpected rain during the final day of application. They sanded the affected spots, re-sealed the area, and corrected the start-up chemistry — preventing full delamination.
This small, early intervention saved the homeowner from an expensive full resurfacing.
🌦 Why Bubbling Happens More Often in Southwest Florida
Residents of Port Charlotte, North Port, and Rotonda know how unpredictable Florida weather can be. Between high UV exposure, fluctuating humidity, and salt air, pools here face tougher conditions than most regions.
In Charlotte County, afternoon rainstorms can disrupt curing times, while the constant heat accelerates chemical reactions inside fresh plaster. This combination makes professional oversight essential.
If you notice early bubbling, don’t panic — but don’t ignore it either. Getting help from a local pool expert can make all the difference between a minor patch and a complete resurfacing redo.
💡 Additional Resources
For readers who want to learn more about pool care and maintenance:
- Read our Pool Leak Detection Guide
- Explore Florida Detail Services for ongoing maintenance options.
- Visit UnlimitedManiac.com to learn how local pool companies use smart SEO and marketing to reach Charlotte County homeowners.
- Compare insights from nearby pool care companies like PortCharlottePoolServices.com or NorthPortPoolCompany.com.
✅ Final Thoughts
So, is pool surface bubbling after resurfacing normal? Sometimes — but only briefly. Persistent bubbling points to deeper bonding, moisture, or chemistry issues that need prompt attention.
By understanding the causes, monitoring early signs, and working with experienced Charlotte County pool resurfacing professionals, you can extend the lifespan of your investment and keep your water sparkling smooth for years to come.
👉 Next Step: Visit Florida Detail or go directly to https://FloridaDetail.com to connect with certified local pool service providers near you.
Whether you’re in Punta Gorda, Port Charlotte, North Port, or Rotonda, our directory makes it simple to find trusted help fast.
