Pool Renovations: What to Do with an Old Pool in Your New Backyard

Imagine the thrill of house-hunting, envisioning your dream home, only to stumble upon an aging, neglected swimming pool in the backyard. Unfortunately, this is a more common scenario than you might think. With over 10 million homes in the United States featuring pools, the maintenance stories vary widely. Now, faced with a home sporting an old, unused pool, the burning question is: What’s the best course of action?

Assessing the State of Your Old Pool

First Scenario: The Pool Is Still Working

Now, for the excellent news. Even though your recently purchased pool may be showing symptoms of age, you might be in luck if its vital parts—such as the surfaces, pumps, and filter systems—are still in good working order. It is comparable to receiving an underappreciated diamond from prior owners. 

You could give it a second lease on life with a little committed work that included pressure cleaning, shock treatment, and maybe some do-it-yourself. However, hiring experts for a thorough examination is a smart idea, particularly for less noticeable components like plumbing and fixtures.

Second Scenario: Mechanical Obstacles

Let’s now address the less-than-ideal situation in which the pool equipment, including the pumps and filters, has seen better days. There may have been some mechanical hitches as a result of prolonged exposure to water and some negligence on the part of the previous owners. Assessing the degree of the damage and looking into possible fixes frequently require the knowledge and experience of a reliable pool repair company. 

But prepare yourself—repairing pool equipment may be very expensive. If plumbing problems arise, you may have to consider making the important choice of whether to replace the pool entirely or just remodel the current one.

Resurfacing Considerations

For pools with concrete or vinyl liners, resurfacing might be on the cards. Concrete pools need a facelift every 10 to 15 years, costing a hefty $10,000 or more. And those neglected concrete pools might need a refresh regardless of their age. Vinyl liners have a lifespan of five to ten years, and replacing them could set you back at least $4,000. 

Fiberglass pools, on the other hand, are like the superheroes of surfaces – durable and rarely needing a refresh. But, hey, even they can end up looking a bit sad after a period of neglect, and bringing them back to life can be a $10,000 affair or more.

Deciding Between Renovation and Replacement

Key Considerations

Alright, now the big decision – do you renovate the old pool or toss it out for a brand new one? Consider these factors:

  • Post-Renovation Suitability: Will the renovated pool fit your needs?
  • Cost Comparison: Is renovating cheaper than replacing?
  • Dream Pool Importance: How crucial is the “perfect pool” to your homeowner’s dreams?

Costs of Replacement

Replacing an old pool can set you back anywhere from $50,000 to $70,000 for concrete pools and $50,000 to $65,000 for vinyl liner pools. Sounds like a lot, but guess what? It’s pretty much on par with installing a fresh pool. There’s digging involved, there’s getting rid of the old stuff – the whole shebang. But here’s the silver lining – it might cost more to renovate a neglected property than to build a new one. Pools follow the same rule.

Seeking Professional Advice

Whether you’re leaning towards renovating or going all out with a replacement, talking to the pros is a must. Pool projects are like a maze, and trying to renovate without a seasoned guide is like navigating that maze blindfolded. Connect with local pool professionals to understand your options and ensure your choice lines up with your expectations and budget.

In Conclusion, Pool Construction in Tampa

Revitalizing a neglected pool or starting fresh – professional advice is gold. Reach out to our network of JJB Pools & Spa installers across Tampa, FL, to turn your backyard into an oasis. Dive into a world-class selection of fiberglass pools, explore our catalog, play around with our cost calculator, or request a custom quote on our website. 

Your pool, no matter its current state, can become a source of joy and relaxation with the right guidance. The unexpected discovery of an old pool can turn into a delightful journey of transformation.