Even the old and the famous need a facelift at some point—swimming pools, not people! For example, in 2016, the Swim Gym at Beverly Hills High School received a new retractable floor. Made famous by Hollywood—the dance scene in It’s a Wonderful Life was filmed there—after 80 years, the pool/basketball court still functions.
While the average swimming pool won’t serve as a movie set, a pool remodel can make it look Hollywood-worthy.
How do you know when it’s time for an update? Here we break down the six signs you need a pool renovation.
You Can See Cracks
Over time, if you don’t maintain your pool’s structure, you may end up with multiple problems. What are the signs of a structural issue? Look for cracks or peeling of the interior surface of the pool.
Cracks, areas where you can’t remove stains, or spots on the surface of the pool wall and floor all suggest you need an inground pool remodel. It’s also possible you may only need to have the pool re-tiled, which is a component of many pool renovation projects.
If you have a relatively new swimming pool and you notice cracks, it could indicate structural weakness. Cracks can also be nothing more than a cosmetic issue with a simple fix.
To help you determine whether you need a total pool overhaul, call a qualified swimming pool contractor and sit down with them for a consultation.
Feels Rough on Your Feet
When you run your hands or feet over the pool interior, does it feel too rough? Sometimes maintaining an unbalanced pH level can cause the surface to wear down. The more common culprit is time.
Over time, the surface of a swimming pool can wear down. When that happens, your pool may look aged and dirty. Depending on the type of pool surface you have, you can typically expect it to last between 5-15 years.
The remedy for a worn-out pool surface is resurfacing. It’s a bit like going to the dermatologist and having microdermabrasion. The pool repair specialists remove any damaged material, and then they apply the new finish followed by an acid wash.
After a professional resurfacing, you’ll feel like you have a brand new swimming pool.
Your Pool Is Not Energy Efficient
Age causes a variety of issues with inground pools. If you’re swimming in a pool built more than ten years ago, you likely waste a lot of energy heating the water and running the pump.
The equipment in older pools can impact energy usage. For example, an older pump uses significantly more energy than it’s modern cousins.
A simple change to your pool pump can significantly improve energy efficiency. Today’s pumps may use 30-45% less energy than the older models.
Another way to improve energy efficiency is to update your heater. If you have a gas heater, you can save energy by replacing it with a modern version. In some climates, a heat pump or solar pool heater is a better solution.
By modernizing your pool equipment, you can offset your pool remodel cost in energy savings.
Plumbing Problems Could Lead to a Pool Remodel
While most of the time, people renovate swimming pools for aesthetic reasons, dealing with too many plumbing issues is another reason to remodel. Age and climate both play a role in how well pool plumbing systems perform over time.
Common plumbing problems include:
- Water Leaks
- Cracked Pipes
- Clogged Pipes
Although pools may lose water due to plumbing issues, you’re more likely to notice water leaking around fittings and from the pool pump and other equipment.
A remodel provides the ideal opportunity to revamp the pool plumbing system. The need for a plumbing fix is often the tipping point that justifies the expense of pool renovations.
You Have a Vintage Swimming Pool
The iconic swimming pool featured in It’s a Wonderful Life was built in 1939. By today’s standards, it’s considered an antique.
As charming as a vintage pool may be, does it fit your taste? Maybe you’ve never cared for the design of the pool. A pool remodel lets you exchange the outdated design for something fresh and modern that reflects your personality.
Older swimming pools often need more than a facelift. During your pool consultation, your contractor may recommend new plaster, tile coping, and a plumbing update.
Another way you can bring the luster back to an older is with a pool deck remodel.
Pool Decks Get Old Too
Since most of the fun takes place in the pool rather than on the pool deck, it’s easy to take the area surrounding your pool for granted. Look for the signs your pool deck could benefit from a renovation, including:
- Algae and Mold Growth
- Chipped Paint
- Fading Color
- Cracks
- Chemical Stains
Also, like the swimming pool itself, age affects your pool deck. A wood deck may have areas of rot. Concrete decks develop cracks that won’t stop growing.
If you decide to revitalize the deck, it’s an excellent time to add more deck area, install a hot tub, or build a fire pit.
Talk with your pool design specialists, and exchange pool remodel ideas. Working together, you can come up with a renovation for your pool deck that will give your entire swimming pool a new look.
Ready for a Stunning New Pool?
You may not have a pool as unique as the one at Beverly Hills High School, but you can still make it famous with friends and family. A pool remodel gives your outdoor living space a whole new face. Who knows, you might even have your fifteen minutes of fame in a pool remodel before and after photoshoot.
If you’re considering an update to your swimming pool, contact us today and let our talented team help you get your pool remodeling project started.
We’ve designed and remodeled pools in your area for over 50 years. We’d love to help you put your special touch on your pool.
