Renovating your ageing pool: modern upgrades for old concrete inground pools

Written by

06 August 2024

•

4 min read

The pool renovation project began with an existing pool that was becoming troublesome with leaks and ongoing maintenance issues. The homeowner had recently renovated their 1970s home, and the outdoor living area was in need of a revamp also. It was decided to remove the existing liner pool and install a shotcrete pool within the same footprint. The existing 'kidney' shaped pool was 'squared up' and the pool surrounds were replaced along with pool fencing replaced and a brand new, modern pool area was achieved, all within the same footprint. This project won Gold for the Pool Renovation Category at the SPASA NZ Awards of Excellence 2022.

Renew your ageing pool and transform your pool area with a comprehensive upgrade.

Renewing a pool involves much more than plastering over cracks and repainting. Transforming your pool area into a sparkling pool oasis requires assessing and upgrading the concrete surface, surrounds, coping, waterline tiles, pool plant and equipment.

To understand the process of upgrading a pool, we spoke to Auckland Inground Pools’ Donna Richmond who shares how to get another 25 years out of your existing inground concrete pool.

First steps to renovating an ageing concrete inground pool

Before a pool upgrade can take place, it’s important to get an accurate picture of what state the pool is in and the scope of what is required. Expert assessment is crucial to understanding the parameters of the renovation, so it’s important to engage a company that is experienced in the construction and renovation of concrete swimming pools.

“Call and discuss the process and what your wishes may be; arrange a site meeting/inspection, then be open to what the salesperson may identify and recommend,” shares Donna. “Discuss the site logistics, and ask how it will all come together and what the timeline could be – especially if it is part of a greater home or landscape renovation.”

Your pool renovation expert will be able to check any compliance requirements (particularly if renewing pool fencing) to see if you need to obtain consent.

“If you are obtaining proposals from multiple contractors, be aware that each proposal is not likely to be apples for apples,” warns Donna. “Choose your contractor, then establish a timeline and prepare for the renovation works.”

St Johns Pool - Before renovation an existing kidney shaped pool with a problematic/leaky vinyl liner.

The existing pool liner & walls were removed. The pool was boxed & formed and some hand digging required to create the new modern rectangular shape that was desired.

Upgrade choices for ageing pools

“Replastering your pool is just one aspect of pool renovation. Renewing the pool surrounds, coping, waterline tiles and perhaps renewing old pool plant and equipment, sanitation etcetera will modify and renew your pool and make it look brand new again,” shares Donna. “You should expect to get another 20-25 years from your new-look pool, as long as the pool water balance is well-maintained in that time.”

Aside from these standard upgrades, you can also use your pool renovation as an opportunity to add the ‘wow’ factor.

“You can update the aesthetic of your pool to create a more contemporary look by retrofitting with LED pool lighting, adding water features, new pool surrounds/decking, pool covers, and pool automation technology.”

Aside from adding bling, you can change the entire aesthetic of the pool area with simple design moves.

“Glass mosaic tiles in both 25mm or 50mm format are everlasting with their popularity – typically to complement the pool plaster, rather than become the feature itself; the pool water should really be regarded as the feature.”

Fully tiling pools and spas is now becoming more popular, however, keep in mind that it can become cost prohibitive as the process is very labour intensive. Instead, opt for waterline tiles that give the same effect without the additional cost.

Advancements in pool filtration systems mean you also have more options than ever before on the performance and longevity of your pool.

“Variable speed pool pumps are energy efficient – you can adjust the pool filtration rate to match the pool’s needs, which reduces energy consumption costs,” shares Donna. “Mineral salt chlorination is also very popular, and pool automation with auto-dosing systems are very convenient, meaning pool heating, lighting, filtration, and water balance can be monitored from anywhere in the world from a smartphone.”

The newly renovated pool area by Auckland Inground Pools complements the existing garden area well.

Modernising your pool surrounds with porcelain coping and pavers add both the wow factor and have a very practical place around a pool.

To reduce the environmental impact of your pool, it’s important to have energy-efficiency and water loss assessed at the outset, as part of the brief of the pool renovation.

“Auckland Inground Pools are Climate Care Certified (CCC), which means we can assist with ensuring a pool renovation will meet the CCC criteria to ensure homeowners can significantly reduce the environmental impact a pool can have,” shares Donna. “This could include installation of a thermal pool blanket or solar cover (heat retention) reducing energy costs, installation of eco-friendly variable speed pool pumps, automation, 40mm overhang of copings to reduce water splash out, 50mm PVC fittings etcetera”

Switching to an energy-efficient pool pump and heater during the renovation is key to reducing energy use.

“Energy consumption leads to a savings in energy bills as well as improved performance, extended swimming season, and quieter and less clunky operations.”

Assessing aesthetic, performance and energy efficiency are all crucial to a successful pool renovation, and to achieve these things it’s important to engage a reputable and experienced pool renovation expert.

“The cheapest price should not be the main factor for choosing a company to undertake a concrete pool renovation; choosing the right company with good reviews means project management is taken care of, and you’ll experience good communication and have a good pool renovation experience.”

Explore stunning pool renovation projects by Auckland Inground Pools

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