Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General FAQs

The average cost for resurfacing a backyard pool is around $15,000-$20,000 for plaster and $25,000-$30,000 for INTER-GLASS®.

If the pool appears as though it hasn’t been used for a while an aquatic consultant will do a thorough inspection of the pool and its equipment providing you with a detailed summary of the scope of work you can anticipate needing. We can inspect and provide quotes for obvious pool work that needs to be done, but we do recommend hiring a leak location company to pressure test the plumbing equipment and ensure the pool can hold water.

We only offer permanent style solutions providing full removal and replacement of tiles, coping, etc. If the pool is losing tile or coping is loose it will likely continue to happen around the perimeter.

A “vinyl liner conversion” entails removing the liner, pouring a concrete bottom, and placing INTER-GLASS® on the entire surface of the pool. Plaster does not offer the same strength and durability for a project such as this. A ballpark for this type of project is around $50,000+ for a typical backyard pool.

Mid-America only uses the best products on the market offering long-term resurfacing solutions that we can back with a warranty for pool owners. Unfortunately, pool paint needs to be applied annually and is not a product we use, supply, or recommend to pool owners.

Typically, we stick only to renovations of existing pools. Structural modifications including complete redesigns of existing pools are one of our unique abilities.  On rare occasions during a larger project, we will build specialized custom pools.

If you have a pool cover be sure to have it removed and the pool drained if you have draining capabilities. Your service company could help you out with this, if need be. Any deck furniture, plants, or any other items around the deck and pool area should be moved out of the way.

Maintenance FAQs

The first recommended test to perform to determine whether there is a leak is called the bucket test. Take a bucket and fill it most of the way with water then place it on your top pool step. Mark the water line of the water inside the bucket and the waterline of the pool water out side of the bucket. By then end of the day, if the water levels in the pool has decreased faster than the water level of the bucket water, then you probably have a leak. If a leak is determined, then look at the list below for tips on how to fix a pool leak.

  1. One rule of thumb is to turn the equipment off and let the water drain until it stops. Where it the waterline stops may indicate where the leak may be.  If it the waterline stops below the skimmers you may have a bad skimmer. If it stops below the return lines, there may be a leak in the return. If it stops right below the pool lights, you could have a conduit that needs to be sealed. If the water drains to the bottom or empties the pool completely, it could be in your main drain line, sump, or hydro-static relief valve.
  2. You could have structural cracks in your pool, causing the pool to lose water.
  3. If you have expansion joints in your pool those could need new sealant (caulking).

To help you pinpoint where the leak is/are, its best to reach out to a Leak Detector who can perform a pressure test on your system.  A Leak Detection can cost $500-$2,000, depending on the size of the pool and circulation system used.

It is never recommended to leave a pool empty for any extended period of time unless it was engineered to be left empty. Pools left empty are at a higher risk of cracking from the underground water pressure and can “pop up” out of the ground.

First things first, we need to look at the water chemistry. The most common causes for these symptoms tend to be high chlorine content, unbalanced pH, alkalinity, or phosphates.

To get a better idea of what is happening we must get a water sample to test the water in the pool. If you are located in the Kansas City area, we will send a representative to collect a water sample and test it for impurities. If you are located outside of the Kansas City area, we ask that you collect a water sample, go to a local pool retail store to test the sample and sending the results to Mid-America.

One of the biggest risks when draining a pool is that the water level in the surrounding ground will be high enough to create a buoyancy effect on the pool shell. Believe it or not concrete pool shells have ‘floated’ from this effect resulting in the pool popping out of the ground and damaging the pool structure, plumbing, and deck.

A hydro-stat is a one-way valve designed to let underground water come in from under and around the pool shell.  When the pool is full, the weight of the water keeps the valve closed.  When a pool is empty and the ground water level is high (typically a result of rainfall) the hydro-static valve will open to allow that water to equalize inside the pool.  If a pool is going to be sitting empty for any significant period, it is recommended that these valves are removed as a precautionary measure.

Just like any deck, whether its concrete or wood, grime will build up over time. The most efficient way to clean the surface is by power washing it. Alternatively, it can be cleaned with by a hose with an adjustable pressure/spray nozzle.

INTER-GLASS® Surfaces

Mid-America has been installing composite surfaces since 1991, first as licensed installers of Fibre-Tech and shortly after became installers of American Chem Tech’s INTER-GLASS® product which led to the acquisition of the rights and trademark to INTER-GLASS® in 2000. Mid-America Pool Renovation has been installing the premium surface for over twenty years since, gaining its reputation as the best long-term solution for resurfacing swimming pool interiors.

There is no wait time for the INTER-GLASS® surface to cure and you are free to start up your salt cell as INTER-GLASS® is unaffected by the salt, unlike plaster.

INTER-GLASS® has a curing period of 3-5 days depending on the pool setting. Once we have instructed you to fill your pool, it can be filled and used, or filled and winterized.  It does not have to cure for 28 days like cement-based surfaces and is unaffected by pool chemicals.

In order to treat a stain, we must determine whether it is organic or inorganic in nature.

  1. An organic stain would be coming from leaves, trees, or other natural debris. Stains of this nature can be treated using a chlorine wash.
  2. An inorganic stain could possibly originate from the corrosion of metal equipment being used in or around the pool. For inorganic stains we recommend using 50/50 acid wash.

If you are unsure, we recommend Jack’s Magic Stain ID kit. This kit is a line of product samples for various types of stains and can address any problem areas while keeping the pool full.

TLC is an extra strength product by GLB that is to be used only on the pool when it is empty or the area is not submersed in water.

For full details see our INTER-GLASS® Limited Warranty 

In general, the INTER-GLASS® Limited Warranty Covers the following:

  1. Shrinkage, cracking, tearing, flaking and leaking as identified through the installed INTER-GLASS® surface, subject to following the INTER-GLASS® Care and Maintenance Instructions as well as the conditions, limitations and exclusions below.
  2. This warranty applies as long as the vessel remains structurally sound and intact, full of water, with a functioning hydrostatic relief plug (s), and off-season closing (winterization) levels according to APSP guidelines.

In general, the INTER-GLASS® Limited Warranty Does Not Cover the following:

  1. Any work done to the INTER-GLASS® System by entities other than Mid-America Pool Renovation, Inc.
  2. Cutting, grinding, removal or disturbance of any portion of the INTER-GLASS® installation
  3. Any abuses whatsoever, including, but not limited to, accidental or deliberate acts, or abusive use of chemicals
  4. Loss of water through plumbing or re-circulation system lines, equipment or fixtures not directly associated with or directly associated with the INTER-GLASS® installed surface
  5. Damage to the pool surface caused by, but not limited to: vandalism, floods, ground water seepage or pressure resulting from closing or plugging off the hydro-static relief valve, or shifting, expansion, or settling of soil
  6. Draining the pool for longer than 5 days without notice to the Manufacturer

Yes, through written request and the following qualifications:

  1. Onsite Inspection prior to sale completion
  2. Written report provided by Mid-America after inspection
  3. Providing INTER-GLASS® Care & Maintenance Instructions, copy of Limited Warranty, and other reports on the pool over to new owner
  4. Obtaining signature receipt of all materials in #3 from the new owner.
  5. Payment of $500.00 Warranty Transfer Fee

Plaster and Cement-Based Surfaces

  1. Fill the pool with water completely. If you have a salt system, it should not be used until after the curing period is over to ensure the smoothest and longer lasting finished surface.
  2. Cement-based pool surfaces take a full 28 days to fully cure. During this curing period, the pool filtration systems need to be active with the pool running at full capacity.
  3. The pool should be vacuumed and brushed with a nylon brush twice daily for the first 14 days, and vacuumed as needed to remove any plaster dust. Failure to remove this residue causes the residue settling to the bottom of the pool, adhering to the surface and resulting in an extremely rough pool surface. It is normal for the pool to have a slightly cloudy appearance during this process. Regularly changing the filtration pads may help minimize cloudiness.
  4. There are no restrictions on swimming during this period.
  5. Using a pool heater during the curing period is not recommended as it causes the water chemistry to be more volatile, making it harder to maintain its proper chemical balance.

For full details see our Cement-Based Surfaces Limited Warranty

In general, the Cement -Based Surfaces Limited Warranty Covers the following:

  1. Any flaking, peeling, popping-off or excessive color change providing the pool is maintained chemically balanced, and full of water (with proper winterization included as per The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Basic Pool & Spa Guidelines).

In general, the Cement -Based Surfaces Limited Warranty Does Not Cover the following:

  1. Defects in the structure including structural or hairline cracking
  2. Vandalism, intentional, or accidental abuse
  3. Improper acid washes
  4. Stains or discoloration due to, but not limited to: the improper use of chemicals, improperly maintained water chemistry, or any introduction of metals or metal ions into the water
  5. Improper winterization
  6. Hydro-static water pressure
  7. Repairs, alterations, or modifications made by persons or entities other than Mid-America Pool Renovation, Inc. are not covered under this warranty
  8. Any other occurrences outside of normal everyday use that the Manufacturer or Installer, Mid-America Pool, cannot control or reasonably be expected to be able to control.

Yes, through written request request and the following qualifications:

  1. Onsite Inspection prior to sale completion
  2. Written report provided by MAPR after inspection
  3. Handing over the PLASTER INFORMATION SCHEDULE, Guidelines for proper Pool Surface Care, a copy of issued Limited Warranty, and any other pertinent reports on the pool to the new owner
  4. Obtaining signature receipt of all materials from #3 from the new owner.
  5. Payment of $500.00 for Warranty Transfer Fee

If your pool was resurfaced with plaster the surface must cure for a full 28 days prior to starting up salt cell. During this period most pool owners temporarily use chlorine to sanitize their pools.

In order to treat a stain, we must determine whether it is organic or inorganic in nature.

  1. An organic stain would be coming from leaves, trees, or other natural debris. Stains of this nature can be treated using a chlorine wash.
  2. An inorganic stain could possibly originate from the corrosion of metal equipment being used in or around the pool. For inorganic stains we recommend using 50/50 acid wash.

If you are unsure, we recommend Jack’s Magic Stain ID kit. This kit is a line of product samples for various types of stains and can address any problem areas while keeping the pool full.

Winter Maintenance is a very important step in preventing any stains. If your pool is uncovered, adding sanitizer and algaecide into the pool is highly recommend. This should be done monthly until a proper routine is established and water chemistry can be monitored. Typically, a pool service company can perform this work if that is preferred.

Additional Warranty FAQs

Once an area of concern has been identified, reach out to Mid-America Pool  Renovation, Inc. at your earliest convenience to speak to a representative. We will promptly schedule a time to inspect the area(s) to help address your concern(s) as soon as possible.

Toll Free: 800-253-7349

Manufacturers for tile and/or coping generally warranty their products for 1-year. We typically do not exceed manufacturers warranties.  Our experience is that tile and coping materials last in excess of ten years providing there isn’t structural damage, purposeful destruction of the materials, or failure to lower the water level (lack of proper winterization) during the off season.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

General FAQs

The average cost for resurfacing a backyard pool is around $15,000-$20,000 for plaster and $25,000-$30,000 for INTER-GLASS®.

If the pool appears as though it hasn’t been used for a while an aquatic consultant will do a thorough inspection of the pool and its equipment providing you with a detailed summary of the scope of work you can anticipate needing. We can inspect and provide quotes for obvious pool work that needs to be done, but we do recommend hiring a leak location company to pressure test the plumbing equipment and ensure the pool can hold water.

We only offer permanent style solutions providing full removal and replacement of tiles, coping, etc. If the pool is losing tile or coping is loose it will likely continue to happen around the perimeter.

A “vinyl liner conversion” entails removing the liner, pouring a concrete bottom, and placing INTER-GLASS® on the entire surface of the pool. Plaster does not offer the same strength and durability for a project such as this. A ballpark for this type of project is around $50,000+ for a typical backyard pool.

Mid-America only uses the best products on the market offering long-term resurfacing solutions that we can back with a warranty for pool owners. Unfortunately, pool paint needs to be applied annually and is not a product we use, supply, or recommend to pool owners.

Typically, we stick only to renovations of existing pools. Structural modifications including complete redesigns of existing pools are one of our unique abilities.  On rare occasions during a larger project, we will build specialized custom pools.

If you have a pool cover be sure to have it removed and the pool drained if you have draining capabilities. Your service company could help you out with this, if need be. Any deck furniture, plants, or any other items around the deck and pool area should be moved out of the way.

Maintenance FAQs

The first recommended test to perform to determine whether there is a leak is called the bucket test. Take a bucket and fill it most of the way with water then place it on your top pool step. Mark the water line of the water inside the bucket and the waterline of the pool water out side of the bucket. By then end of the day, if the water levels in the pool has decreased faster than the water level of the bucket water, then you probably have a leak. If a leak is determined, then look at the list below for tips on how to fix a pool leak.

  1. One rule of thumb is to turn the equipment off and let the water drain until it stops. Where it the waterline stops may indicate where the leak may be.  If it the waterline stops below the skimmers you may have a bad skimmer. If it stops below the return lines, there may be a leak in the return. If it stops right below the pool lights, you could have a conduit that needs to be sealed. If the water drains to the bottom or empties the pool completely, it could be in your main drain line, sump, or hydro-static relief valve.
  2. You could have structural cracks in your pool, causing the pool to lose water.
  3. If you have expansion joints in your pool those could need new sealant (caulking).

To help you pinpoint where the leak is/are, its best to reach out to a Leak Detector who can perform a pressure test on your system.  A Leak Detection can cost $500-$2,000, depending on the size of the pool and circulation system used.

It is never recommended to leave a pool empty for any extended period of time unless it was engineered to be left empty. Pools left empty are at a higher risk of cracking from the underground water pressure and can “pop up” out of the ground.

First things first, we need to look at the water chemistry. The most common causes for these symptoms tend to be high chlorine content, unbalanced pH, alkalinity, or phosphates.

To get a better idea of what is happening we must get a water sample to test the water in the pool. If you are located in the Kansas City area, we will send a representative to collect a water sample and test it for impurities. If you are located outside of the Kansas City area, we ask that you collect a water sample, go to a local pool retail store to test the sample and sending the results to Mid-America.

Visit the link below for a quick troubleshooting guide to understanding your pools chemistry.

One of the biggest risks when draining a pool is that the water level in the surrounding ground will be high enough to create a buoyancy effect on the pool shell. Believe it or not concrete pool shells have ‘floated’ from this effect resulting in the pool popping out of the ground and damaging the pool structure, plumbing, and deck.

A hydro-stat is a one-way valve designed to let underground water come in from under and around the pool shell.  When the pool is full, the weight of the water keeps the valve closed.  When a pool is empty and the ground water level is high (typically a result of rainfall) the hydro-static valve will open to allow that water to equalize inside the pool.  If a pool is going to be sitting empty for any significant period, it is recommended that these valves are removed as a precautionary measure.

Just like any deck, whether its concrete or wood, grime will build up over time. The most efficient way to clean the surface is by power washing it. Alternatively, it can be cleaned with by a hose with an adjustable pressure/spray nozzle.

INTER-GLASS® Surfaces

Mid-America has been installing composite surfaces since 1991, first as licensed installers of Fibre-Tech and shortly after became installers of American Chem Tech’s INTER-GLASS® product which led to the acquisition of the rights and trademark to INTER-GLASS® in 2000. Mid-America Pool Renovation has been installing the premium surface for over twenty years since, gaining its reputation as the best long-term solution for resurfacing swimming pool interiors.

There is no wait time for the INTER-GLASS® surface to cure and you are free to start up your salt cell as INTER-GLASS® is unaffected by the salt, unlike plaster.

INTER-GLASS® has a curing period of 3-5 days depending on the pool setting. Once we have instructed you to fill your pool, it can be filled and used, or filled and winterized.  It does not have to cure for 28 days like cement-based surfaces and is unaffected by pool chemicals.

In order to treat a stain, we must determine whether it is organic or inorganic in nature.

  1. An organic stain would be coming from leaves, trees, or other natural debris. Stains of this nature can be treated using a chlorine wash.
  2. An inorganic stain could possibly originate from the corrosion of metal equipment being used in or around the pool. For inorganic stains we recommend using 50/50 acid wash.

If you are unsure, we recommend Jack’s Magic Stain ID kit. This kit is a line of product samples for various types of stains and can address any problem areas while keeping the pool full.

TLC is an extra strength product by GLB that is to be used only on the pool when it is empty or the area is not submersed in water.

For full details see our INTER-GLASS® Limited Warranty 

In general, the INTER-GLASS® Limited Warranty Covers the following:

  1. Shrinkage, cracking, tearing, flaking and leaking as identified through the installed INTER-GLASS® surface, subject to following the INTER-GLASS® Care and Maintenance Instructions as well as the conditions, limitations and exclusions below.
  2. This warranty applies as long as the vessel remains structurally sound and intact, full of water, with a functioning hydrostatic relief plug (s), and off-season closing (winterization) levels according to APSP guidelines.

In general, the INTER-GLASS® Limited Warranty Does Not Cover the following:

  1. Any work done to the INTER-GLASS® System by entities other than Mid-America Pool Renovation, Inc.
  2. Cutting, grinding, removal or disturbance of any portion of the INTER-GLASS® installation
  3. Any abuses whatsoever, including, but not limited to, accidental or deliberate acts, or abusive use of chemicals
  4. Loss of water through plumbing or re-circulation system lines, equipment or fixtures not directly associated with or directly associated with the INTER-GLASS® installed surface
  5. Damage to the pool surface caused by, but not limited to: vandalism, floods, ground water seepage or pressure resulting from closing or plugging off the hydro-static relief valve, or shifting, expansion, or settling of soil
  6. Draining the pool for longer than 5 days without notice to the Manufacturer

Yes, through written request and the following qualifications:

  1. Onsite Inspection prior to sale completion
  2. Written report provided by Mid-America after inspection
  3. Providing INTER-GLASS® Care & Maintenance Instructions, copy of Limited Warranty, and other reports on the pool over to new owner
  4. Obtaining signature receipt of all materials in #3 from the new owner.
  5. Payment of $500.00 Warranty Transfer Fee

Plaster and Cement-Based Surfaces

  1. Fill the pool with water completely. If you have a salt system, it should not be used until after the curing period is over to ensure the smoothest and longer lasting finished surface.
  2. Cement-based pool surfaces take a full 28 days to fully cure. During this curing period, the pool filtration systems need to be active with the pool running at full capacity.
  3. The pool should be vacuumed and brushed with a nylon brush twice daily for the first 14 days, and vacuumed as needed to remove any plaster dust. Failure to remove this residue causes the residue settling to the bottom of the pool, adhering to the surface and resulting in an extremely rough pool surface. It is normal for the pool to have a slightly cloudy appearance during this process. Regularly changing the filtration pads may help minimize cloudiness.
  4. There are no restrictions on swimming during this period.
  5. Using a pool heater during the curing period is not recommended as it causes the water chemistry to be more volatile, making it harder to maintain its proper chemical balance.

For full details see our Cement-Based Surfaces Limited Warranty

In general, the Cement -Based Surfaces Limited Warranty Covers the following:

  1. Any flaking, peeling, popping-off or excessive color change providing the pool is maintained chemically balanced, and full of water (with proper winterization included as per The Association of Pool and Spa Professionals Basic Pool & Spa Guidelines).

In general, the Cement -Based Surfaces Limited Warranty Does Not Cover the following:

  1. Defects in the structure including structural or hairline cracking
  2. Vandalism, intentional, or accidental abuse
  3. Improper acid washes
  4. Stains or discoloration due to, but not limited to: the improper use of chemicals, improperly maintained water chemistry, or any introduction of metals or metal ions into the water
  5. Improper winterization
  6. Hydro-static water pressure
  7. Repairs, alterations, or modifications made by persons or entities other than Mid-America Pool Renovation, Inc. are not covered under this warranty
  8. Any other occurrences outside of normal everyday use that the Manufacturer or Installer, Mid-America Pool, cannot control or reasonably be expected to be able to control.

Yes, through written request request and the following qualifications:

  1. Onsite Inspection prior to sale completion
  2. Written report provided by MAPR after inspection
  3. Handing over the PLASTER INFORMATION SCHEDULE, Guidelines for proper Pool Surface Care, a copy of issued Limited Warranty, and any other pertinent reports on the pool to the new owner
  4. Obtaining signature receipt of all materials from #3 from the new owner.
  5. Payment of $500.00 for Warranty Transfer Fee

If your pool was resurfaced with plaster the surface must cure for a full 28 days prior to starting up salt cell. During this period most pool owners temporarily use chlorine to sanitize their pools.

In order to treat a stain, we must determine whether it is organic or inorganic in nature.

  1. An organic stain would be coming from leaves, trees, or other natural debris. Stains of this nature can be treated using a chlorine wash.
  2. An inorganic stain could possibly originate from the corrosion of metal equipment being used in or around the pool. For inorganic stains we recommend using 50/50 acid wash.

If you are unsure, we recommend Jack’s Magic Stain ID kit. This kit is a line of product samples for various types of stains and can address any problem areas while keeping the pool full.

Winter Maintenance is a very important step in preventing any stains. If your pool is uncovered, adding sanitizer and algaecide into the pool is highly recommend. This should be done monthly until a proper routine is established and water chemistry can be monitored. Typically, a pool service company can perform this work if that is preferred.

Additional Warranty FAQs

Once an area of concern has been identified, reach out to Mid-America Pool  Renovation, Inc. at your earliest convenience to speak to a representative. We will promptly schedule a time to inspect the area(s) to help address your concern(s) as soon as possible.

Toll Free: 800-253-7349

Manufacturers for tile and/or coping generally warranty their products for 1-year. We typically do not exceed manufacturers warranties.  Our experience is that tile and coping materials last in excess of ten years providing there isn’t structural damage, purposeful destruction of the materials, or failure to lower the water level (lack of proper winterization) during the off season.