We are all dreaming of the warm summer days laying by the pool. What makes it even sweeter is when you are enjoying your custom pool that is everything you dreamed it would be.
Has your swimming pool seen better days? Or have you seen some great pool upgrades that you want to incorporate into your backyard?
If the answer to either of these questions is yes, then it’s time to start thinking about an update. Not sure what to expect when it comes to pool remodeling? We’ve got you covered!
Signs It’s Time to Remodel
There are a plethora of reasons you may want to talk to a contractor about remodeling your swimming pool. There may be features you want to add to your pool. Or maybe the features need updating.
Not sure if you’re ready for a remodel? Upgrading our pool might seem like a big undertaking, but it’s easier than you might think and can really enhance your life.
Some of the biggest signs that it’s time to remodel are:
- You have a leak.
- Your pump, filter, and/or plumbing are outdated.
- Your pool style is outdated.
- Your decking, tiles, or lights are worn out.
- You have a bigger budget and want luxury features.
- Your pool isn’t big enough for entertaining.
Some of the other common pool remodeling renovations details that you can add to your swimming pool are:
- Adding a spa area
- Creating a fun and unique shape to your pool
- Customizing the floor of the pool with mosaic tiles
- Adding lighting to the pool
- Creating a waterfall or water feature
- Putting in a slide to the pool
Any of these features can add so much to your pool and truly enhance your experience of your swimming pool.
It is always in your best interest to maintain the pool and replace any materials that may have gotten old. You will help save yourself bigger renovations down the road. You can also do a lot to ensure that your pool stays in the best shape even when you are not remodeling it.
If any of these apply to you, don’t despair. A simple remodel can fix your problems and give you the pool of your dreams!
Most Common Types of Remodel
There are many different types of remodels to consider. While your pool design should be custom to your needs, we suggest browsing through lots of pictures for some inspiration.
Changing the shape of your pool can make it much more attractive, and the options are virtually limitless. You can also customize the bottom by adding mosaic tiles to create an interesting design.
You may also consider adding upgrades like a:
- Spa area
- Water features
- Fire pits
- Waterfall
- Sun shelf
- Pool slide
Adding color-changing LED lighting can also make a major difference for extending your backyard entertainment time into the night. While you’re creating your new pool design, you may also consider updating the decking and adding some gorgeous new pool landscaping.
Things To Keep In Mind:
A concrete swimming pool is the only kind of pool that is going to be a permanent, freestanding structure. It is also great for construction. You can build the pool even on a side of the hill or virtually anywhere.
There is a higher cost of installation as well as a longer installation time.
Concrete pools can use a lot of TLC. When thinking about remodeling, start thinking about maintenance such as refinishing, acid washing, and updating the energy and chemical appliances.
The cost can be a big factor when remodeling your pool. What does it actually cost?
The Remodeling Process
The first thing you’ll need to do is find a great pool contractor. This is the one decision that can make the difference between a stressful remodel and one that is smooth and easy.
Your contractor will help turn your ideas into reality and ensure that the project disrupts your life as little as possible. They’ll map out exactly what the project will look like, give you an estimated start and completion date and provide an accurate estimate.
A lot of companies offer free quotes. Give the company your wishlist and they tell you what everything will cost.
It is in your best interest to talk to as many contractors as possible to ensure that you are getting the best bank for your buck. Compare the quotes and see what company is giving you the best offer.
Money is not the only consideration when looking at the quotes. Make sure that you are looking at the contractor’s previous work. You want to ensure the esthetic and quality is up to par.
Something else to consider is if all of the work is done in house, the timeframe of the project, and the overall repore you have with the company.
Once the project starts, it will typically follow these steps.
1. Drain the Pool
The first step is to drain the pool by placing a submersible pump at the bottom. The water will run out into the street, and you can usually expect the pool to be empty within six to twelve hours.
2. Chipping and Priming
Next, the contractors will take care of chipping the pool’s surface and priming it.
This process is usually the most disruptive, as it’s quite noisy. Luckily, it usually only takes about half a day, and the contractors will thoroughly clean up after themselves when they’re done.
3. Tiling
Once the surface is all primed and ready, it’s time for the contractors to add the new tiling you’ve picked out and apply the grout. Depending on the number of tiles and the size of your pool, this usually takes a day or two.
If you’ve decided on a plaster finish, then, on the last day of the plastering process, they’ll add tile trim to the steps.
4. Surface Application
When it’s time to apply the surface, the contractors will usually bring in trucks holding the plaster or pebble mixture. It’s then pumped into the pool using large hoses and hand-troweled. This process usually takes about four to six hours from start to finish.
Once the pebble application is completed, the surface is finished with an acid wash. This usually takes a few hours.
If you’ve decided on a pool with colored plaster, you’ll want to be home at the beginning of this stage so you can confirm that the color is right before the contractors begin pumping it into the pool. It’s likely that the shade will be perfect, but it’s always better to be safe than sorry.
5. Adding Water
Now, it’s time to add the water! It’s important that you’re home during this process. If the water is turned off too soon, water lines can form inside your new pool.
Depending on the size of your pool, it may take anywhere between 12 and 48 hours to fill completely.
6. Chemical Start-Up
Lastly, you’ll need to add the chemicals to your water, so it’s pH-balanced and safe for swimming. If you have a pebble-based pool, then this process should only take a few hours. Since plaster is more sensitive, you can expect it to take longer – in many cases, at least a few days.
You may want to consider hiring a professional pool maintenance company to routinely check your pool’s water chemistry and make adjustments as needed. If you prefer to DIY, make sure you have test kits or strips available right away so you can monitor your chemistry.
Once your pool has been running for a while, it should stabilize, but you may need to be more active early on. You’ll have a much better experience if you keep up with this.
Pool Remodeling At Its Finest
California Pools is here to turn your pool area into your new favorite “room” in the house!
When it comes to choosing the company that is going to be remodeling your pool, seeing is believing. The gallery of our previous work is available for your viewing pleasure.
You will be able to see that we value giving our customers confidence in our experienced workers and expertise in the pool remodeling industry.We service a wide area making sure we can help as many people nationwide as possible. If you are ready to jump in and remodel your pool, find one of our locations!
