Pool Remodeling: Should You Take the Plunge?

Summer may be over, but now is the perfect time to start thinking about remodeling your pool. Whether you plan to put your home on the market, have moved into a home with a dated pool or just want to give yours a refresh, a remodel can completely transform the look of an existing swimming pool. But, just like adding a swimming pool, remodeling one doesn’t always yield a good return on investment. Should you take the plunge with pool remodeling?

Reasons to remodel

Repairs: If your swimming pool has cracks, you need to repair it anyway. Why not spend a little extra money to give it a facelift? For example, instead of simply replastering the sides, consider adding a pebble finish. Or, replace broken pool lights with colorful LED ones. Damaged tiles? Don’t just replace the individual tiles. Take the opportunity to replace them all with new tiles.

Necessary makeover: Some swimming pools are a yawn. If yours is and you’re considering a move soon, a remodel can turn your ho-hum pool into a selling point. Replace Kool Deck with travertine pavers or, in cooler climates, marble. Turn a plain rectangular pool into one with an infinity edge. Maybe even add a feature, like a fountain or fire feature.

Update: Does your swimming pool look like it was ripped out of the 1980s? Bring your pool into this century with a makeover. Popular trends include adding a swim-up bar or ledges, using darker interior pool finishes and installing smart lighting. Again, this especially makes sense if you intend to sell soon.

Size: Remodel to expand your swimming pool to fit your growing family. Or, downsize your pool to increase outdoor living space. Small plunge pools are trendy right now, and because of their decreased size, they are usually easier to maintain.

How much will it cost?

The typical pool remodel costs between $5,000 and $13,000, depending on where you live and the extent of your remodel, according to Home Advisor. This includes labor, which averages $65 per hour or $875 to $1,750 per remodel.

Here are some of the most common costs associated with remodeling:

  • Repairing cracks: $65 per foot
  • Waterline tiles: $3,000-$60,000
  • Pool lights: $450-$1,700
  • Water feature: $350-$10,000
  • Slide: $1,000-$1,500
  • Re-plastering: $2,000-$100,000

What to remodel

Depending on what you hope to achieve, the options for a pool remodel range from simply replacing your lights to adding a waterfall. There’s no definitive answer when it comes to what you should remodel, but these are some of the most popular changes you can make.

New plaster: Replastering your pool can make a big impact by addressing cracks, chips, color changes and other signs of deterioration. The cost will depend on how big your pool is and whether you stick to traditional plaster or decide to upgrade with pebbles or other materials.

Waterline tile: One of the more expensive upgrades, waterline tiles come in a dazzling number of colors, from blue marble to iridescent glass. However, adding new tiles or replacing existing ones makes a noticeable difference. Tiles generally start at $3,000 but can cost tens of thousands depending on the size of your pool and the materials you choose.

Mosaics: If your remodel includes replastering your pool, consider adding mosaics. These ceramic pieces—usually depicting sea creatures and nautical themes—make a playful impression when placed on steps, on ledges or at the bottom of the pool. However, custom designs, such as monograms, may not resonate with potential buyers should you sell later on. Mosaics range in price from $15 for a small piece to over $1,000 for larger, more intricate designs.

LED lights: This easy addition can have a big impact on the way your pool looks and feels at night. Set them to a static color for the evening or program them to flash set colors for the holidays or special events. Most systems also allow you to adjust the light’s intensity. Inexpensive LED lights start at $100, but you can pay $1,500 or more for lights with all the options.

Water feature: Whether you add deck-based water jets, a waterfall or a fountain, water features jazz up your pool and create a resort-style ambiance. Cost and feasibility will depend on the configuration of your pool and access to waterlines, but you can pay as little as $300 for a pre-made option you simply plug in. For a high-quality installation, expect to pay up to $5,000.

Slide or diving board: A slide or diving board can add a fun element to any pool. For either option, you’ll need enough space to incorporate them, and the pool needs to meet certain depth requirements to accommodate a diving pool. Both cost about $1,000 to $1,500.

Ledges: Raised platforms where kids can play in less than a foot of water or where you can work on your tan have become a popular addition to today’s pools. While ledges can be costly, many pool owners find they increase the amount of time they spend in the water. Their cost depends on the size of the ledge, the materials you are using and crew costs. $5,000 would not be out of line for a large ledge.

New decking: Replacing the chipped, worn or dated decking around a pool can have a huge impact. The cost will depend on the size of the deck and the material you choose to use, but budget $5 to $10 per square foot.

What to expect

Once you’ve committed to remodeling your pool, most projects begin with draining it. This entails placing a submersible pump at the bottom of your pool with a hose that leads to the street. Draining can take anywhere from 6 to 12 hours depending on the size of your pool.

If you plan to change your pool’s size, shape or features, a crew will dig and back-fill as necessary to create the desired look. Jobs requiring replastering begin with chipping and priming the pool, a loud process that usually takes several hours. The crew then pumps a plaster mixture through large hoses onto the pool’s surfaces and hand trowels it smooth.

While the mosaic is added as part of the replastering process, trim details such as tiling or replacing the coping (the edge around the pool) follow. The crew next focuses on water features, LED lights, slides and other enhancements. Depending on how much remodeling you want, this can take a few hours or several days.

When the work is complete, the crew adds the water. This step can take anywhere from 12 to 48 hours. And, during it, you need to be present the entire time to monitor the water flow. If you turn the water off early and restart the flow, a water line can form. If you don’t turn it off in time, it can overflow. The water should come halfway up the tile or the skimmer opening.

Finally, the crew will add chemicals to get the water to the right pH level. If you have a pebble pool, this can take a few hours. However, with plaster pools, it can take several days.

Should you move instead?

Sometimes, rather than make costly renovations, moving might be a less stressful, less time-consuming and less costly solution. Remodeling your pool is expensive and can be inconvenient. Your pool could be out of commission for several weeks. Plus, you may have to take time off work to monitor the job.

Of course, moving can also be expensive and inconvenient, but, in the end, you’ll have the home and swimming pool of your dreams. Take some of the work and stress out of a potential move by hiring a professional moving company. Our extensive network of reputable and reliable movers can pack and move your entire home. With their help, you’ll be lounging in your dream home with your dream pool in no time.