How Much Do Swimming Pool Refurbishments Cost?

If you have a swimming pool, you know how refreshing it can be to take a dip on a hot summer day. But just like anything else, swimming pools do occasionally need some TLC in terms of refurbishments. When you start looking into a pool remodeling job, you may start to find there are more things associated with it than you imagined. If your pool is in need of some upgrades and you want a better idea of what it will cost to make your pool look new again, here are some factors that come into play with these jobs.

Why You Would Need a Pool Refurbishment

The number one reason most people get their pool refurbished isn’t that they don’t like the color or would like it to look brand new, it’s usually related to the pool being damaged or not working the way it’s supposed to work. Along with just wanting your pool to look new, a swimming pool refurbishment would be needed if you notice cracks in the pool’s surface. Since cracks in tile or plaster will only worsen over time, especially with constant water getting into the cracks, you will need to repair these issues sooner than later. Also, if you see spots of algae sticking to the pool surface or white film that always forms along the sides of your pool, these all indicate your pool needs an upgrade. Though the chemicals you apply to the pool should kill any algae growth, it is possible that the surface of your pool is providing shelter from those chemicals or providing the food that it needs to survive any chemical bombardment you may provide it. For this reason, consider how quickly the algae comes back and where it grows. If it is growing on the surface of the water, then adjusting the chemicals you use may be the answer. However, if it is consistently growing on the edges of your pool, then consider reaching out to an expert for their recommendations.

The Size of the Job

First and most importantly, the cost of refurbishment will be related to the size of the job. For example, if you have a large inground pool that needs extensive renovations, you can expect the job to cost more than if your pool is smaller and only needs a slight upgrade. Also, be aware that if your refurbishment includes upgrading your pool’s plumbing and lights, this will increase the overall cost. Additionally, if you want the refurbishment done over the weekend, then you will likely have to pay for expediting the process. Due to cement drying and seals needing time to dry as well, a weekend job may require additional equipment to speed up the process and thus may cost much more than it’s worth.

Resurfacing is Common

Since almost all pool liners are prone to cracking at some point, resurfacing and replacing the lining are the most common swimming pool refurbishment projects. On average, concrete pools need to be resurfaced about every 15 years, with the cost nationwide averaging almost $7,000, depending on the size. If you have a large lap pool, it may cost more than a small wading pool. One nice thing about resurfacing your pool compared to completely renovating it is that you can typically use your current plumbing system and light system so you only have to pay for the resurfacing and labor associated with the job. However, some companies may bundle packages for new lighting systems or new heating systems that may be worth the upgrade for you so be prepared to get more than you initially considered. Additionally, there may be fees for draining the pool so consider contacting the pool refurbishment company you plan to work with so you can drain the pool yourself if that would save a significant amount of money.

Increasing Pool Size

Oftentimes the size of the pool installed is based on the price of the pool installation and not necessarily the available space of the pool. If you’ve been enjoying your pool but want to increase the size of the pool, then you may want to consider a bit more than a simple refurbishment. This is likely one of the most expensive refurbishments you can do since digging the additional space along with digging through the existing cement around the pool and being careful around the plumbing can be challenging and time-consuming. In addition to the digging, new plumbing will need to be installed and there isn’t a guarantee that they can work with the existing pump, since it may not be strong enough for the added pool length. 

Other Potential Costs

When you decide on a pool refurbishment, you may want to do much more than just a resurfacing job. Along with your pool’s plumbing and lights mentioned earlier, your upgrade may include new fencing which can cost up to $125 per foot, pool step replacement that may cost close to $4,000, and a water slide that can cost as much as $10,000. Additionally, the technology of pool heating systems may have improved since your pool was originally built and the new system may improve the overall efficiency of the heating system and thus save you money in the long run. Oftentimes, pool companies have access to wholesale pricing for different products and may also be able to give you discounts on things like a new pool cover or pool equipment covers that decrease the noise of the filtration system. With that being the case, you may also want to consider taking advantage of their access and purchasing additional accessories that you’ve been holding off on getting due to the cost.

While some pool refurbishments can cost only around $5,000 for a complete job, others on the high-end can exceed $50,000 or more. Depending on your pool, the improvements you want to make, and how much you want to spend, it’s best to hire a contractor who has experience doing just what your pool needs.