How Much Will It Cost to Renovate My Concrete Pool?

Renovating a pool is an exciting project that can revitalize your backyard living space, enhance its aesthetics, and improve functionality. When people ask us how much a pool renovation will cost we tell them the question has a similar answer to “how much does a vehicle cost?” The cost of a renovation can vary widely depending on a lot of factors! Are you looking for a Honda or a Bentley? Understanding these factors can help you plan your budget and make informed decisions.

As with any type of home renovation, you may run into surprise costs that are uncovered once the pool is drained, or during the construction process. These costs can creep into the thousands depending on the issue uncovered and repairs needed. Here’s a comprehensive look at what affects the pricing of a pool renovation.

1. Plaster Surface Options

Types of Plaster

• Standard White Plaster: The most basic and affordable option, providing a smooth and clean finish.
• Aggregate Finishes: Includes options like PebbleTec and Wet Edge, which incorporate pebbles, glass beads, or quartz for a more durable and aesthetically pleasing surface. These are at least double the cost of standard plaster.
• Polished Finishes: Offer a high-end look with a smooth, glossy finish and are priced even higher than most common aggregate finishes.

Cost Impact

In Maryland, white plaster resurfacing, with standard prep including bond kote and installation for AVERAGE sized pools ranges from $8,500-12,000. Aggregate finishes include a much larger range, but can cost between $16,000-$28,000 depending on the brand, product, and color.

Surprise Factor

Plaster sticks to the concrete surface of your pool, or to a bond kote layer between multiple layers of plaster surfaces. This does not always work perfectly, or forever, and so frequently there are small areas of old plaster that has delaminated and must be removed before replastering.

In some cases, larger areas, or even the entire surface of the pool could need to be removed prior to replastering the pool. This is less common, but unfortunately usually cannot be predicted prior to draining the pool. If you see larger cracks in the surface, or if you have had chunks of plaster separate completely from the shell this could be a sign of a bigger problem. Removing a layer of plaster in average sized pools could range from $4,500-$7,000.

2. Tile and Coping Options

Tile Choices

• Ceramic and Porcelain Tiles: Affordable and available in a wide range of colors and designs.
• Glass Tiles: More expensive but offer a luxurious look with vibrant colors and reflective properties.
• Stone Tiles: Provide a natural appearance but can be more costly and require additional maintenance.

Coping Choices

• Concrete Paver Coping: A cost-effective and versatile option.
• Quartz Precast Coping: A manmade option with a custom look especially for freeform pools.
• Natural Stone Coping: Offers a high-end, high quality, elegant look but comes at a higher price.
• Brick Coping: Provides a classic appearance and falls in the mid-range price category.

Cost Impact

The materials chosen for tile and coping significantly impact the overall cost. Higher-end materials like glass and natural stone increase the price but can greatly enhance the pool’s aesthetic appeal. In Maryland, removal and replacement of pool coping and tile for AVERAGE sized pools with typical installation ranges from $110/LF to $160/LF ($10,000-$20,000).

Surprise Factor

When moisture penetrates the pool beam (under coping, behind the tile) for many years, and repeatedly freezes and thaws during our 28-35 degree Maryland winters, the top of the pool beam (shell) itself can crumble or crack. In the pool business we call this beam rot. Small sections of beam repairs up to a few inches can be easily dealt with, but deeper damage can require steel pins or even forms to secure and pour concrete back to rebuild the beam. This “beam damage” is usually not uncovered until the coping and tile have been removed.
These surprise repairs can range from a few hundred to a few thousand dollars. Generally if your pool has been professionally winterized, you have a secure caulk joint, and you make repairs in a timely manner these problems can be minimized. Pools that have been abandoned where water level sits at the tile line for multiple winters without pool maintenance are more susceptible to damage.

3. Changes to Plumbing or Equipment

Upgrading Plumbing Renovating your pool may include updating the plumbing system to improve water flow and efficiency. This can involve replacing old pipes, adding new lines, skimmers, or equipment.

Equipment Upgrades

• Pumps and Filters: High-efficiency models save on energy costs but have a higher upfront cost.
• Heaters: Options range from gas and electric heaters to energy-efficient heat pumps.
• Automation Systems: Adding automation for controlling pool functions remotely adds convenience but increases costs.
• Replacement of Skimmers: Skimmers are one of the most common areas for pool leaks. Old PVC should be evaluated for cracks when renovating a pool.
• Replacement of Underground Plumbing: This can only be done when removing and replacing the patio surrounding the pool.

Cost Impact

Upgrading plumbing and equipment can be a significant expense but is often necessary for improved functionality and efficiency. Pool renovation projects are sometimes a “face lift”only, meaning the surfaces you can see (tile, coping, plaster, caulk), while others involve essentially re-building the majority of the pool, while keeping the shell itself intact. Skimmers, plumbing, and equipment replacement can run into the tens of thousands of dollars.

Surprise Factor

Leaking plumbing is a costly and frustrating annoyance for pool owners whether they are planning a major renovation or not. Leak detection is difficult to find, not necessarily 100% accurate, and often involves invasive repairs. Monitoring your existing pool for a leak before you plan to renovate, and/or pressure testing before work begins is recommended for peace of mind.

4. Lighting

Types of Lighting

• Single LED Larger Lights: Energy-efficient and long-lasting, available in various colors and light shows with programmable options.
• Multiple Smaller LED lights: Multiple smaller LED lights can be added to give better placement and more complete coverage of the pool. New light size and locations are only an option when replacing the entire deck, because the entire underground conduit needs to be replaced.

Cost Impact

Adding or upgrading lighting can enhance the ambiance and safety of your pool area. LED lighting is more cost-effective and energy-efficient in the long run although the fixtures and controllers have a high upfront cost. ($1,200-$2,500)

Surprise Factor

Some older lights are set in a niche that is incompatible with most modern LED light options because of a size difference. Older pools, especially those built by Anthony or Sylvan (who built a LOT of pools in the 90’s that are now being renovated) commonly have a smaller niche size that requires some modification.
An adapter ring can usually be used to secure the new light in the old niche, however this must be done in conjunction with plastering the pool, so that the changes around the edge are less noticeable. This modification could be up to $500 for a single light.

5. Water Features

Types of Water Features

• Waterfalls: Add a tranquil and luxurious touch but can be costly to install. Natural waterfalls can be built using boulders and natural stone.
• Deck Jets and Bubblers: Provide playful water effects without taking up deck space.
• Raised Beam Sheer Descents: Create a sleek, modern look
• Laminars: Solid stream water features can include lights in the water as well, making a big impression at night.

Cost Impact

The addition of water features varies in cost based on their complexity and size. Simple features like bubblers are more affordable, while elaborate waterfalls and fountains can significantly increase the renovation budget. The hidden cost of water features is that many require a dedicated pump and plumbing lines to move the water, and some even require a dedicated filter. These equipment costs add to the overall considerations for adding water features.

Surprise Factor

Adding a water feature is optional, so that reduces surprises for new feature installations. However, existing features are susceptible to the same masonry breakdown or plumbing leaks as other areas of the pool.

6. Hardscape

Types of Hardscape

• Deck/Patio Options: Options range from concrete and pavers to natural stone, affecting both cost and appearance.
• Composite or Wooden Decks: These are less commonly used around pools in Maryland, where it is recommended that a material is used where the joint can be sealed with caulk to prevent water damage behind the coping. Sometimes composite or wood is used when there are elevation factors that make them a good option.
• Outdoor Kitchens and Fire Pits: High-end additions can create a complete outdoor living space and come at a premium price.

Cost Impact

Hardscaping can transform your pool area into an inviting outdoor living space. The choice of materials and the extent of the hardscape features will significantly influence the total renovation cost. From basic concrete to an outdoor living space costs can range from $20,000-$200,000+

Surprise Factor

When replacing or adding hardscape the wildcards to pay attention to are permit restrictions (especially Chesapeake Bay Critical Area), or how the new hardscape affects drainage.

Additional Factors

Design and Proposal

Depending on the scope of your project some companies may charge for the design and proposal. Certain projects may require research into permitting restrictions and requirements, engineering for retaining walls, or stormwater mitigation or reforestation planning to comply with critical area permitting. Planning for large projects with major structural work or hardscaping may go more smoothly with a 3D design and revisions phase to ensure the customer understands what the project entails and that priorities are in order. Some companies charge for these services and others do not.

New Plaster Startup

After applying new plaster, proper startup procedures are essential to ensure its longevity and performance. This involves carefully balancing the water chemistry and brushing the plaster regularly. The cost of Day 1 new plaster startup is typically included in the renovation package but the entire first two weeks, and in fact first few months are critical to how your plaster turns out. Support from contractors varies enormously and should be considered. In Maryland, due to cold water temperatures, the first winter is the most risky for pitting or scaling for new plaster and so chemistry should be managed regularly. Most construction contractors leave this monitoring to the homeowner or recommend a service company.

Customer Support and Warranty

Renovation companies that offer comprehensive customer support and robust warranties on new plaster and equipment provide added value. Warranties can cover defects and issues that arise post-renovation, offering peace of mind and protection for your investment. Companies that provide excellent customer support ensure you have assistance and guidance throughout the renovation process and beyond.

So to answer your question. . . a pool renovation can easily range from $15,000-$250,000. The real question is. . . what is the result you are you looking for?