Is Your Pool Showing Its Age?

An aging pool doesn’t necessarily need to be replaced. In fact, many pools can be significantly updated without changing their basic structure or shape.

“The good news is 99 percent of pools can be renovated,” says Danielle Krawczyk, vice president of Superior Pools of Southwest Florida.

That can be welcome news for homeowners looking at faded finishes, dated tile, worn decking or aging equipment and wondering just how extensive a renovation needs to be.

“You can complete a pool remodel without starting over,” Krawczyk says. “You can update the interior finish, plaster and tile, along with the coping, decking, cage and equipment, without having to demolish or cut into the pool itself.”

Before selecting new tile or imagining a tanning ledge,  the first step should be understanding the condition of what is already there.

A thorough inspection looks beyond the visible surfaces to the pool’s shell, tile, coping, decking and equipment. The pool’s age, previous renovations and repair history can also help identify issues that should be addressed before cosmetic improvements begin.

Once the condition of the pool is understood, homeowners can begin considering how they want the space to look — and how they want to use it.

Resurfacing can give a worn interior a fresh appearance, while new waterline tile, coping and decking can dramatically change the overall design. Depending on the existing structure, renovations may also incorporate features such as waterfalls, integrated spas, larger entry steps, tanning ledges, bench seating or updated lighting.

The area surrounding the pool deserves consideration as well. Updating decking and hardscape materials can help connect an older pool with the rest of the home’s outdoor living space.

Some of the most important improvements, however, may be the ones homeowners never see.

Older pumps, heaters and filtration systems can often be replaced with newer technology designed for greater efficiency and easier operation. Variable-speed pumps, smart controls and saltwater chlorine systems are among the options homeowners may consider as part of a renovation.

The key is to look at the pool as a complete system rather than approaching each improvement separately. A licensed and insured pool remodeling professional should evaluate the existing structure and equipment before work begins so homeowners understand what needs to be addressed, what can remain and where their renovation dollars will make the greatest difference.

For Superior Pools, a successful renovation ultimately comes down to something simple: When the project is finished, the pool shouldn’t look remodeled. It should simply look like it belongs there.