It’s Time For A Refresh
There’s nothing scenic about looking out a window with a view of your pool that has lost its sparkle, sports multiple cracks and chips in the decking, and has a hard water ring around the tile. Like your kitchen and bathroom, your swimming pool may need a facelift. A common time to remodel is when a pool reaches 20 to 25 years or more. Another popular time to remodel is when a new homeowner wants the pool to reflect their lifestyle.
Michael Sandavol of Above and Beyond Pool Repair says that current trends for pool remodeling include:
- Automating pools and their systems. With the newest technologies, it is possible to control your pool’s valves, pumps, water features, spa heaters, lights, sound system, etc with an app on your smart phone. This is great as you can get the spa warm and have the music playing when you walk in the door at the end of the day! It also works well for those who own rental and vacation homes.
- Conversion from a diving pool to a play pool.
- Baha steps- these are the wide steps in the shallow end that allow sunbathers to be wet and stay cool. They have a great look and give the pool a resort-like feel.
- Paver decking has gained popularity as kool decks have aged. If the pool has a salt system, paver decking won’t wear well, and better choices are concrete, kool deck, or artistic pavers.
Sandavol says there are many components of a pool remodel. The refresh can be done in steps or all at once. Working with a professional to make a long-term plan for your backyard space is a great idea. Here are some common signs that your pool needs to be updated:
1 | Pool’s Plaster Coating Starts Chipping Off
Pools with thin plaster surfaces that are cracked, discolored, and flaking off the concrete surface inside the pool are signs of aging. Once the plaster starts deteriorating, it loses its protective ‘cream’. This creates endless maintenance as it increases algae growth and creates problems that make it difficult to keep a pool clean. “If a public pool at a hotel or motel reaches that stage in Maricopa County, the health department would probably shut it down,” says Michael Sandoval of Above & Beyond Pools in Gilbert.
He says Many homeowners must use more chemicals to keep the pool sanitary. And when the plaster chips off, you’ll likely scuff up your toes and heels on the surface. The old surface must be jackhammered off the concrete before the new surface can be installed.
Homeowners can choose to renew plaster or upgrade to tile or pebble finishes.
2 | Pool Decking is Cracked, Crumbling or Delaminating
Decking around a pool can deteriorate, too. That means you can hurt your feet on the surface, of course. Removing all the decking and replacing it or even enlarging it can be expensive. Concrete pavers or travertine tiles can sometimes be placed on the old deck. Replacing Kool Deck is still an option. Sandavol recommends artistic pavers manufactured in Casa Grande.
3 | Pool Waterline Tiles Develop Heavy Calcium Buildup or Start Falling Off
Most swimming pools have tile around the top edge of the pool for a few inches of depth. Sometimes, there could be 12 inches or more of decorative tile. If your pool is 20 years old or more, and those tiles are in bad shape, pool companies will decline to replace them separately. Tile replacement is included in the cost of replastering the pool. If your pool needs a new surface, it is more efficient to have the tile done at the same time.
4 | Your Pools Cleaning System No Longer Keeps The Pool Clean
- Pump– If your pool pump needs to be replaced, Arizona Title 44 requires it to be a variable-speed pump. The new pumps can save 70 percent of the energy cost for your pool. Rosie likes these as they are quieter as well! They are more expensive than the old-style pump, so you may want to wait to replace a newer pump that is running well.
- Sand filters– The original pool filters were sand filters; water was pushed through the sand by backwashing to clean it and remove particles. Sand filters are being phased out and replaced with cartridge filters. The cartridge filters are about the same price and filtrate twice as much as the sand units (down to about 6-10 microns of filtration).
- In-floor cleaning systems-these systems move the dirt around and guide it to the filter system. This works well on places that are hard to get to for the automatic vacuum unit, like steps and benches.
A brush and automatic vacuum are effective on the rest of the pool. The vacuum is a must if you don’t have teens in the house!
5 | You Want To Improve The Ambiance of Your Back Yard
You want to improve the ambiance of your back yard, consider adding one of these:
- Waterfall features can be custom-designed to add beauty and the sound of running water.
- Lighting adds extra hours to enjoy your pool. A lighted pool area is a great place to hang out.
6 | Outdoor Living Is In Your Future
The addition of an outdoor kitchen and BBQ sets the stage for true outdoor living and entertaining for young and old alike. Cooling off in the pool and dining outside help desert dwellers to enjoy the long hot days of summer.
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Content Partner | Above & Beyond Pool Remodeling
We are a local, family and Veteran owned company with 50 combined years of experience in swimming pool construction and renovation. We are “hands on” and take pride in providing you with the “big business professionalism” you seek and the “small business personalization” you deserve. Our highly professional staff will guide you and make sure you get exactly what you want for your swimming pool and backyard needs.
PODCAST
Above & Beyond Pool’s owner Michael Sandoval’s focus is remodeling pools. Updating with water features, baja beds/steps and splash pads. Added features like automation, LED lighting, variable speed pool pumps and you get a pool that adds value and pleasure to your home. As a former Marine, Michael discusses how he gives back to Veterans.
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