There comes a time when even the most well-maintained pools require some upgrades. Perhaps it’s because your pool tiles feel rough on your feet as you wade through the water, or maybe you want to add a cascading fountain to elevate the look of your backyard.

Equipment upgrades can make maintenance easier and your swimming experience more enjoyable. Energy-efficient heaters and smart systems are a few options to consider. For professional help, call Swimming Pool Renovations The Woodlands.

There comes a time when your swimming pool needs some TLC, whether it’s for aesthetic or practical reasons. Perhaps the water is murky and green from algae build-up or you’ve noticed cracks in your cement or gunite surface that require frequent repairs. Perhaps it’s time to consider a renovation to make your pool more energy efficient and easier to maintain.

If you’re considering a renovation, it’s important to find a professional with experience working on pool remodels. This ensures your project stays within budget and doesn’t end up costing you more money down the road because of a mistake or miscalculation. Labor costs 45% of the total cost of pool remodels, so you want to ensure the pro you hire has a lot of experience with the particular type of work you’re having done.

A backyard pool renovation is an opportunity to create a completely new outdoor oasis that fits your lifestyle and tastes. For example, Michigan landscape designers Zaremba Company transformed this freeform backyard pool into a rectangular design that creates majestic symmetry in this yard seen on Brother vs Brother. They also added a spa at the head of the pool, creating a perfect place for family and friends to gather.

Equipment

Swimming pool renovations also include upgrades to equipment like the filtration system, water pump and other components that help keep water clean and safe for swimmers. These upgrades can reduce operating costs as well as improve the functionality and usability of the pool. For example, adding a new solar heating system can lower energy bills and make your pool more enjoyable all year round.

Many older pools have a plaster surface that can be replaced during a renovation with pavers, stone and other stylish materials that give the pool a modern or classic look. This is an opportunity to fix cracks and other irregularities in the surface as well.

During a remodeling project, it’s also possible to replace the in-ground plumbing and equipment. This may be necessary due to aging or damage that cannot be repaired without replacing the damaged parts. This can include the pump, skimmer baskets, ladder, diving board and light as well as the chemistry control box.

A renovation may also be the time to install a spa. This can be done in a few different ways; the simplest and most cost-effective is to add an in-ground concrete spa to an existing pool. This is a phased construction process that requires excavation, steel, plumbing and shotcrete along with the installation of the spa itself.

Another common addition is the installation of a swimming pool heater. This can save money on pool maintenance and increase the swimming season for the entire family or guests. The best way to determine which type of heater is right for your pool is to have a professional inspect your current system and recommend the best upgrade options for you.

In addition to upgrading the equipment, this is an ideal time to make cosmetic changes to the pool. For example, if the tiling is starting to show signs of age this is a great opportunity to consider an upgraded finish that will last a couple decades and look much better. The same goes for the fencing – a new or upgraded pool fence will guarantee compliance with local safety regulations and enhance security as well as aesthetics. A remodeling project can also include an update to the lighting system, from traditional incandescent lights to an advanced LED system that offers mood setting and vibrant colors.

Lighting

A pool renovation is the perfect time to replace dated lighting with more contemporary options. You can choose to keep your existing fixtures and simply replace the halogen bulbs with energy-efficient LEDs (which are less expensive than halogen). For more of a splash, consider specialized color-changing LED lights that can wash your pool water with a soft glow in multiple colors. They can also be set to change colors at predetermined times of day or night for a festive mood. Think red for Valentine’s Day, or blue for a martini party!

If you’re looking for something a little more high-tech, there are even pool lights that can be controlled by your smart home devices. Just install a compatible AquaLink system and you’ll be able to turn lights ON/OFF, set lighting timers, change colors and manage your entire pool’s operational system with the touch of a finger!

Before making a decision on light fixtures, take into account the color of your pool finish. Light- to medium-colored finishes reflect pool lights and allow you to choose colored or white lights, while darker finishes absorb them and can create a murky effect.

Another consideration is whether to go with a niche or a nicheless fixture. Niched lights are more noticeable and require a notch to be carved into the wall finish during installation. However, they offer a more consistent illumination than a nicheless light.

Regardless of the type of lights you choose, be sure to place them in an area that’s easy to access and safe for swimmers. It’s a good idea to put them in the footwells of benches, or at least several inches below the edge, so that swimmers don’t rest their back against the light and block it.

Another option is to add a waterfall or fountain, which can elevate the look of your pool and double as a tranquil, relaxing water feature. If you’re considering this option, be sure to work with a professional who can incorporate it into your overall design plan and make it look like it’s been in the space all along.

Maintenance

Some people renovate their pools to fix the damage or wear that can occur over time. They may want to update the materials used in their pool deck or change from plaster surfacing to tile, for example. Some also upgrade their landscaping around their swimming pool to increase privacy and make it more inviting to spend time outside in the pool.

Other pool renovations are designed to improve water quality and energy efficiency. This could include re-plumbing or upgrading to energy-efficient equipment like solar heating or automated covers.

When the renovation process begins, it’s important to decide what exactly you want to accomplish. Having a clear understanding of your goals will help you communicate them clearly to your pool professional when asking for a quote. It’ll also help you work within your budget and timeline.

Some common reasons for a swimming pool renovation are worn or damaged surfaces, cracks in the structure of the pool and outdated pool equipment. It’s also not uncommon for homeowners to simply want to upgrade their swimming pool to add more enjoyment and value to their property.

One of the most popular pool renovations is a complete resurfacing of the entire pool. This can be done for cosmetic reasons, as a way to remove calcium build-up or because of structural cracks in the structure of the pool. This type of renovation is typically best suited for larger pools because it involves replacing the existing pool liner, adding a new fiberglass surface and installing new coping.

Resurfacing a pool also can be an opportunity to add a decorative interior finish that brightens and beautifies the pool. Options for this include ceramic tiles, quartz or glass.

In addition to resurfacing, this type of renovation can include the installation of new lighting or water features. The installation of a waterfall from the spa can elevate your landscaping as well as provide a great spot for relaxing and enjoying the beautiful surroundings surrounding your pool.