As part of my work designing landscaping I helped quite a few people with their pool remodels.
Above is an example of a pool in need of a facelift. The remodel will include a new waterfall spill wall at the back, an added spa area, new plaster, coping and pool deck.
Usually the discussion begins as a pool ages and needs work- new plaster, leaking bond seal, cracking or pop off tiles, rough surfaces or cracking pool deck. Some of these things can just be repaired but when the overall pool needs updating then the discussion of whether to do the work or just fill it in comes up.
I have been involved in both scenarios and it usually depends on what fits the family. In terms of resale value it is not really a selling point to have a pool as many buyers won’t want it where as others will.
If you have a pool or have had one then you know that they are a lot of maintenance and cost in electricity to run the filters- heating adds onto this cost. Water evaporation is another cost as well as chemicals and algae control. If your family does not use the pool and you need more general area in the yard for garden or patio then filling it in is a good option.
The process varies with different cities specs., access and pool type. This type of work is done by an excavating contractor or landscape contractor. As a landscape designer I gave options and a plan for what will be in place of the old pool.
Pool remodels can revamp a dated pool and give it a more modern look. Many of the pools I have worked on take advantage of the new pool interior finishes i.e. pebbletec or pebblesheen which give the pool a more natural look “more like a pond” than a pool.
A great website where you can see pool finishes and tile is the National Pool Tile website which allows you too insert different samples into a pool template to see different looks.
Often new coping and pool deck are all that is needed. In our old pool we had exposed aggregate concrete as the pool deck which was awful as it was rough and very hard on the feet- not slippery though! New pool decks can take advantages of the more recently introduced stamped concrete or interlocking pavers, that have a much more elegant look and are easy on the feet. Glare can also be reduced with a more neutral pool deck color and interior finish color.
Some folks add an interior or exterior spa to the pool. Most likely you need an equipment update if the pool needs a remodel. The equipment needs to be changed to handle an additional spa usually.
We have discussed with customers making the pool smaller but to do this the whole pool is actually rebuilt to allow for the correct compaction and framing of the pool walls so that all comes with a hefty price tag.
Another option is to add a waterfall or water spill wall to the pool. This can be both beautiful and not hugely expensive. its worth looking at some examples.
The planted area around the pool can get quite worn looking and redoing those planting areas can really improve the look without a huge budget. With good soil prep., automatic watering and plants that fit the areas, the whole backdrop of the view of the pool is improved.
Check current costs with Pool building companies that do pool remodels.
Interested in laying out a new look for your garden after the pool is gone or dressing up the existing pool to be more appealing? Check out my landscape design course offered through this website. Information on drawing plans, design elements and choosing materials, making good choices and getting a good start on the installation. Valuable information for any homeowner.
