Pool contractors claim that their high-quality pools will last for decades, but there’s always a catch. Sure, a well-built pool’s structure may last for decades, but the chances of you going years without having to renovate or repair parts of the pool are slim to none. Pool renovation, in the long run, every pool will require some work, whether for practical or purely cosmetic reasons. Here are some common reasons for thinking about remodeling:

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• Pool materials (decking, liners, etc.) are deteriorating and require replacement. • Older systems (plumbing, filter, pump) must be renovated to meet current standards.
• The design doesn’t meet the current owners’ needs, either because they purchased the home with the pool already built or because their circumstances have changed.
• The out-of-date pool has simply become dull, and it requires new features to spruce things up.

Most of the time, it’s a combination of factors. One or two pool elements may truly require replacement, but other, less vital upgrades are tacked on to cover more bases, making the pool more enticing. When it comes to a pool renovation undertaking, it’s either go big or go home, right?

Typical Renovation Jobs

There are numerous approaches to a pool renovation project. Here are some of the more popular things people have done:

• Resurfacing of decks
• Coping replacement
• Interior resurfacing/liner replacement
• The installation of an automatic safety pool cover
• Including water features such as scuppers, bubblers, waterfalls, and so on.
• Adding or removing a water slide or diving board
• Installing an attached spa
• Change of pool depth (for example, making it shallower and better for lap swimming)
• Conversion to a salt water system
• The addition of miscellaneous features such as swim-up bars or tanning ledges

How Much Does Pool Renovation Cost?

With so many options to decide on, it is easy to see how the cost of renovation varies greatly. Minor changes may be affordable enough to charge to a credit card. In another case, it could cost as much as a new pool – or even more.

When you think about it, it is not surprising. A significant change is similar to installing a new pool, but with the added cost of removing the old pool.

A lot of the advice for installing a new pool also applies to renovating one. For example, if you have a choice between three companies to complete your pool renovation and you liked the people you chose to build your pool the first time, wouldn’t you want to go with the people you know will do a good job?

Tips on Saving Money

The first step toward keeping your costs under control is to limit the amount spent on the project. This can be difficult, especially if the contractor is arguing for more renovations. The argument goes that if you are already going to tear up the pool, you need to make the most of the opportunity to make all of the necessary updates. If the pool truly requires other upgrades, this can be a compelling argument, but it will also increase your costs.

The cost of pool renovation may also be affected by the timing of the project. Pool companies are often busier during the spring and summer seasons, so you may be able to get a better deal if you plan on remodeling in the fall or winter, when they are looking for new customers. On the other hand, it most likely does not pay to wait too long – after all, the cost of materials is constantly rising.

Of course, the most cost-effective option is to DIY. Though not everyone can remodel their own pool, minor repairs are more easily accomplished. Another factor is making the time and having the patience to finish the job. Remember that if you have to call someone to finish work you made worse or started but did not finish, it will cost you more.

The Costs of NOT Renovating Your Pool

Sticker shock is a popular problem for pool owners who are planning a major renovation. A pool that is more than ten years old might not be worth renovating because it would cost more to add special features than it did when you first purchased it. Prices in the pool industry are constantly increasing, but is a full pool renovation worth it given the state of your pool? Is it better to pay more for maintenance or for the entire renovation?

While it is more difficult to quantify, safety is another factor to consider. If your backyard pool was built to less strict standards, or if the safeguards have simply deteriorated over time, proceeding with a renovation could be dangerous.

Pools do not just degrade over time. If you’re thinking long term, you’ll want to know that renovations may be a part of pool ownership. There will be times when you will have to make minor repairs. Making plans now and saving money is a good idea because you never know when something will take place.