How much does it cost to remodel a swimming pool?

Having a swimming pool can be a great source of fun and recreation for you and your family. But pools require a lot of work and maintenance to keep them at their best. Sometimes even this is not enough, however, and your pool needs more serious remodeling. Remodeling your pool usually encompasses different areas of repair or replacement at once, or it involves a more serious change regarding the type, shape, or nature of the pool.

The average homeowner with a concrete pool will spend around $8,000 on retiling their pool and redoing the concrete patio surrounding it. Keep in mind, however, that there are many ways to remodel a pool, all of which impact your total costs.

Repairs

Repairs themselves may not lead to a full remodel of the pool. But if the need for repair is extensive enough, it may be considered a remodel. Repairs may also be combined with a larger remodel of the pool.

Average repairs that may be carried out during a pool remodel include:

Replacements

If an area of the pool cannot be repaired, it may need to be replaced. Replacements can be minor or a major undertaking if they represent a large portion of the pool. It is common for some minor replacements to be done during a larger renovation:

Additions

Remodeling is also a good time to add or make changes to the pool that were not part of the original structure:

Converting a chlorine pool to a saltwater pool

Saltwater pools are an alternative to basic chlorine ⁸ pools. They convert chlorine ⁸ to salt, keeping the pool balanced with less maintenance and fewer chemicals. Many people prefer the feel of the salt water on their skin and the lower cost of yearly chemical maintenance. Converting an existing pool to a saltwater pool is fairly straightforward and involves the addition of a salt chlorine ⁸ generator, which costs between $400 and $1,800. If you have a stone pool deck ³, you will need to replace this because saltwater can harm the stone. A new concrete deck starts at $3,000.

Change size and shape of pool

In some instances, it is possible to change the size and shape of your existing pool. This involves completely removing the existing pool shell or material, digging a new hole, backfilling any used space, and installing the new pool. Costs are similar to that of a new pool installation ($37,000 for vinyl ³, $50,000 for fiberglass, $60,000 to $70,000 for concrete). There may be additional charges involved in the demolition as well as the disposal of the old pool. It is not uncommon for costs to go as high as $90,000 when changing the size or shape of an existing pool.

Pool painting

If you have a concrete pool, one way to finish the interior is with paint. Pools may be painted with either acrylic or epoxy-based paints. Costs for the average paint job are around $500 to $700 on average, which is significantly less than other finishes. Paint jobs last around 5 to 7 years on average before needing to be painted again.

Additional considerations and costs

• Homeowners who want to make their pool more energy-efficient may want to look into solar heaters or solar covers as well as into solar deck lighting.
• Concrete pools need to be resurfaced every 10 to 15 years to eliminate cracks. Vinyl and fiberglass also need to be resurfaced, closer to every 7 years.
• Depending on the scope of work you undertake, you may need a permit to remodel. Check with your local municipality to be sure.
• Having a swimming pool on your property raises your liability insurance, and, therefore, your insurance premiums. Call your insurance agency to find out what your rate will be.

Remodeling Terms Cheat Sheet

¹ Grout: A fluid form of cement used to seal the joints between tiles. It also makes the surface stronger because it bonds the tiles together

² Liner: A covering, usually made of vinyl, for the walls and floor of a swimming pool, used to keep the water in and protect the pool's surface.

³ Pool deck: Decorative border or edging around a swimming pool, often including a fence

⁴ Vinyl: A synthetic plastic made from ethylene and chlorine. Vinyl has many applications in the construction industry and it is widely used in sidings, window frames, roofing and gutters, among others

⁵ Fiberglass: Plastic that is reinforced with glass fibers. The fibers may be mixed randomly throughout the plastic, or come in the form of a flat sheet, or be woven into a fabric

⁶ Pump: A device used to move air, liquid, or gas by mechanical means

⁷ Leading: A naturally occurring heavy metal that is highly toxic to humans, and has been used in paint, gasoline, piping, and other applications