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Pool Resurfacing SOW & Workmanship Standards

Pool resurfacing is a technical job with real tolerances — and most disputes come from workmanship standards that were never written down. This template, based on APSP 2013 guidelines and proven post-surfacing chemistry, turns your contract into a binding exhibit with measurable tolerances: plaster smoothness, tile leveling, coping slope, deck drainage, leak testing, and the critical 30-day startup chemistry. It's written for Cape Coral homeowners working with local Cape Coral FL pool contractors — complete every bracketed field before signing, and both you and the contractor know exactly what "done right" means.

1. Project Parties & Administrative Information

This document constitutes a binding Scope of Work (SOW) agreement for pool resurfacing, tile, coping, and deck repairs between the following parties:

• Property Owner Name: [Your Name]
• Property Location Address: [Insert Cape Coral, FL Property Address]
• Contracting Company Name: [Insert Contractor Company Name]
• FL State Contractor License #: [Insert FL License #, e.g., CPC or equivalent]
• Commercial Liability Insurance: [Insert Carrier & Policy — Min 1,000,000 Liability]
• Start / Substantial Completion Dates: [Insert Dates]

2. Chosen Pool Finish Material & Surface Standards

• Substrate soundness: contractor must inspect the shell for hollow spots, active leaks/weepers, and impurities; all gunite rebound removed, never covered over.
• Mix ratio: 1 part Type 1 Portland cement to 2 parts aggregate by weight; admixtures within manufacturer limits.
• Calcium chloride: never exceeds 2% of cement weight; fully dissolved and added before cement.
• Thickness: plaster must fully cover the shell — concrete show-through is a contractor deficiency.
• Smoothness: hand-troweled no rougher than very fine 220-grit sandpaper.
• Trowel burn: minor shade variations normal; excessive burns buffed or sanded; checking/washouts/rain damage are contractor responsibilities.
• Nighttime evaluation: variations visible only under nighttime pool lights shall not be considered poor workmanship.

3. Waterline Tile & Grout Specifications

• Leveling: tile level within ±1/4 inch (6 mm) around the perimeter (APSP 2013).
• Joint alignment: joints straight, level, and plumb; variances not visible from 10 feet (3 m) straight-on.
• Grout: solid watertight bond; loose/flaking/missing grout replaced once at no charge.
• Water intrusion: owner maintains positive yard drainage away from the shell; soil-shift tile/grout damage excluded.
• Frost-proof tile required in freeze-prone areas unless the owner explicitly requests otherwise in writing.

4. Coping Specifications

• Level: within ±1/4 inch (6 mm) around the perimeter.
• Corners: clean uniform cuts, congruent within ±1/8 inch (3 mm) joint tolerance.
• Drainage slope: minimum 1/8 inch per foot away from the pool.
• Grout joints: uniform depth/width within ±1/16 inch (2 mm); minor variation OK for natural stone or curves.
• Safety: slip-resistant surface; chips larger than 3/8 inch (10 mm) repaired; sharp edges power-sanded.

5. Concrete Decking & Drainage Specifications

• Standing water: no deeper than 1/8 inch (3 mm) after 20 minutes (two stacked quarters test).
• Crack separations: at designed joints ≤1/16 inch (2 mm); vertical steps ≤1/4 inch (6 mm); excess ground flat / sealed with polysulfide.
• Spalling from improper finishing or bad design mix repaired by the contractor.
• Sub-base properly prepared; owner maintains equal soil moisture and prevents water logging under the deck.
• Steps/risers: consistent heights, level, slight slope for drainage.

6. Watertightness & Leak Testing

• The 1/4-inch daily limit: a standard inground concrete shell must not lose more than 1/4 inch (6 mm) of water per day.
• Environmental exclusions: high winds, active heating, heavy use, waterfalls/jets can explain higher loss.
• Bucket test: 24-hour Bucket Test (G-0716) with auto-fill off confirms an active leak; the contractor is responsible for locating and repairing leaks in their scope.

7. Filling, Post-Resurfacing Startup & Water Chemistry

The first 30 days of curing are critical to the lifespan of the plaster. Both parties split startup responsibilities:

• Continuous fill: once filling begins, do not interrupt until water reaches mid-tile or skimmer mouth — interruption causes a permanent bathtub-ring stain.
• Hose protection: wrap hose ends in clean rags, place in the deep end; never stream water down dry plaster walls.
• Source water: test before filling; use sequestering agents if heavy metals or high calcium are present.
• Brushing: brush walls and floor several times daily to prevent plaster dust adhering.
• Pump: run 24/7 while cloudy; clean the filter as pressure rises.
• No roller-head vacuums for the first 30 days — brush-vacuum attachments only.
• No metal-based chemicals (copper algaecides) until fully cured.

8. Warranties, Exclusions, and Contractor Disputes

• Default 12-month warranty on all labor and workmanship if no specific duration is stated.
• Substantial completion = pool completely filled + circulation/sanitation fully operational; warranties are non-cumulative.
• Disputes: written complaint → contractor responds within 14 days and has the Right to Repair.
• Owner delay penalty: delayed deficiency notification can transfer corrective cost burden to the owner.
• Standard exclusions: third-party materials, maintenance neglect (chemistry/brushing), owner's drainage failure, water over 104°F, acts of God.

Download the Fillable Template

Download the complete template as a Word document — fill in the bracketed fields, print two copies, and both parties sign.

📄 Download the Cape Coral Pool Resurfacing SOW Template (.docx)

Educational reference based on APSP 2013 guidelines. Not legal advice — have your contract reviewed by an attorney before signing.

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