Your Guide to Pool Remodeling and Renovation

Your pool is the crown jewel of your backyard. You love it, but you’re noticing that your pool could use a little extra love. Maybe it looks a little outdated, or you’re seeing signs of wear and tear on a vinyl liner you’ve had for many years. Whether it’s for cosmetic reasons or more practical purposes, you may be ready for a pool renovation project.

In this guide, we’ll offer you some helpful tips for planning a pool remodel and point you toward more helpful resources to offer inspiration. Ready to dive into a whole new world of pool possibilities? Let’s get started!

Signs It May be Time for a Renovation

There comes a time in the life of every pool when it’s time for a makeover. Whether you’ve had a pool for many years, or purchased a home with an existing pool, the reasons for a swimming pool renovation span the gamut: Maybe you’ve noticed cracks and leaks and find yourself in a never-ending cycle of constant (and expensive) repairs. Perhaps the surface of an older concrete or gunite pool feels rough on the soles of your feet when you wade in. Or maybe you just want to give your pool a splashier appearance for purely aesthetic reasons.

Lifestyle changes might also prompt you to renovate your pool. Welcoming new kids to the family – as well as older adults or people with mobility issues – might mean upgrading pool safety features. A pool remodel can help make your pool fun and accessible for everyone to use!

Fiberglass Claremont

Photo courtesy of Denscot Pool & Spa, CT

Latham Fiberglass Claremont inground pool

Common Questions on Pool Renovations

In most cases, yes, an existing pool can be modified. However, various factors impact just how drastically it can be altered. Some changes – like swapping out an old vinyl liner for a new one, upgrading your coping, or adding a tanning ledge – are relatively simple and less expensive cosmetic modifications. That said, even simple cosmetic projects still require a good degree of planning and professional assistance. However, there are several online tools you can use, including our Vinyl Liner Visualizer, to help you more clearly see what your pool remodel will look like before you commit to them. 

Other changes, such as replacing an old concrete pool with a new fiberglass shell or adding a hot tub or spillover spa, can be more dramatic and intensive. 

It’s also important to be aware that some upgrades – such as adding water features like bubblers and pool lights – can seem to be simple, but in reality, can be more invasive than you’d initially think. Some of these renovations are best done alongside larger projects, like replacing a vinyl liner or a pool shell, as some require drainage and digging beneath the surface to install features. 

Various factors such as the size of your backyard, the size of the pool itself, location, and time of year can play a role in the ease or complexity of a pool remodeling project. 

Whether you’re looking for a simple vinyl pool renovation or a full fiberglass pool remodel, get in touch with an independent builder who can help you realize your vision.

Another way to modernize your pool is with an automatic safety cover. With the press of a button, an automatic safety cover can add a layer of safety to your pool, instantly! Beyond peace of mind, a pool cover can save you money on your utility bills, make it easier and more convenient to use your pool, and significantly reduce pool maintenance requirements. This means you can spend less time cleaning and maintaining your pool and more time enjoying it with your family!

Whether you bought or inherited a home that has an older pool, or have had the same, trusty swimming pool for over a decade, tastes and needs change and you may want to give it a much-needed makeover.

Depending on the age of your pool, its condition, and your budget, there are tons of ways to modernize your pool. Restoring a swimming pool to its former glory can be as simple as swapping out an old vinyl liner for a new one or changing out the coping or tiling for a new pattern or color. Simple tweaks can go a long way to giving your pool a fresh new look without breaking the bank.

If you have an older concrete pool, restoring a swimming pool to its former glory with a more modern twist is also doable! Homeowners with concrete or gunite pools have taken to removing the old concrete and replacing it with a brand new fiberglass shell. Not only does fiberglass offer durability and longevity, but it’s easier to clean and maintain – not to mention, offers a wealth of color choices to make your pool a truly striking centerpiece of your backyard oasis.

If you add an automatic safety cover to your pool as part of the remodel you’ll immediately see a benefit in utility costs and maintenance requirements. An automatic safety cover can increase your water temperature by 8-10 degrees and when closed can seal your pool when it’s not in use preventing evaporation which contributes to heat loss.  You will also see a reduction in chemical use to keep the pool clean and balanced. Sealing the pool with an automatic safety cover also keeps dirt, debris, and bugs out which will save you time and money on pool maintenance and give you  more time to enjoy your swimming pool.

A pool remodel can add considerable value to your home. Just how much a pool remodel can increase the resale value of your property depends on your geographic area and the renovations to your pool itself. Overall, remodeling a pool can increase your home’s value between 5% and 8%.

Beyond adding monetary value to your home, the renovations you make to your pool can give you years of priceless memories with friends and family. Whether it’s your kids or grandkids splashing around, or you’re having a few drinks with friends at your swim-up bar – or just kicking back with a good book on your deck and enjoying serene, crystal blue waters from the privacy of your own backyard – remodeling your pool can offer you an invaluable return on your investment. 

Get the Pool Makeover of Your Dreams from a Trusted Latham Independent Builder

If you’re planning on remodeling your pool, it’s important to do your homework ahead of time to better understand what you want and the work it entails. However, it’s equally important to have a trusted, knowledgeable pool professional to advise you on the process.  Connect with a licensed independent builder today to get help with bringing your dream pool to life!

Fiberglass Corinthian 16 in Whisper White

Photo courtesy of Gary's Pool & Patio, Texas

Latham Fiberglass Corinthian 16 | Whisper White inground pool