Pool Renovation vs. Remodeling: What’s the Difference?

You’ve decided your swimming pool needs a change. Maybe the tiles are looking dated, the surface is cracked, or you’re just dreaming of a completely new backyard oasis. As you start searching for professional help, you’ll likely see the terms “pool renovation” and “pool remodeling” used. While they might seem interchangeable, they refer to different types of projects with distinct scopes, timelines, and costs.

Understanding the difference is key to planning your project effectively and communicating your vision clearly to a contractor. A renovation might be all you need to breathe new life into your pool, but a remodel could be the transformative project you’ve been imagining.

This guide will explain the key distinctions between renovating and remodeling your pool. We'll cover what each process involves, which is right for your goals, and how to get started on your project. Knowing this will help you make an informed decision and ensure your backyard transformation is a success.

What is a Pool Renovation?

A pool renovation focuses on restoring or updating your pool's existing structure and features. Think of it as a significant refresh or facelift. The goal is to bring your pool back to its former glory or give it a modern look without changing its fundamental size, shape, or location. Renovations primarily deal with surface-level and equipment upgrades.

If your pool is functional but showing signs of wear and tear, a renovation is likely the right path. It’s a great way to enhance both the aesthetics and the safety of your pool area.

Common Pool Renovation Projects

Projects that fall under the renovation umbrella address wear, damage, or outdated styles. These are some of the most common services homeowners seek when looking for pool renovation in Jacksonville, FL:

Resurfacing: Over time, pool surfaces like plaster, pebble, or aggregate can stain, crack, or become rough. Resurfacing involves chipping away the old material and applying a fresh layer. This not only improves the look of your pool but also creates a smoother, more comfortable swimming experience.
Tile and Coping Replacement: The tiles along your pool's waterline and the coping (the cap around the pool's edge) are highly visible features. Replacing cracked, faded, or simply outdated tiles and coping can dramatically update your pool's appearance.
Deck and Patio Updates: The area around your pool is just as important as the pool itself. A renovation might include pressure washing, staining concrete, replacing pavers, or adding a non-slip coating to the pool deck.
Equipment Upgrades: Technology for pools has advanced significantly. A renovation can include replacing an old, inefficient pump with a modern variable-speed model, installing a salt chlorine generator, or upgrading to an automated control system you can manage from your phone.
Lighting Improvements: Swapping out old halogen lights for energy-efficient LED lighting is a popular renovation. LEDs offer a wide range of colors and light shows, transforming your pool’s ambiance at night while using less energy.

What is a Pool Remodel?

A pool remodel is a more extensive and transformative project. It involves altering the core structure and layout of your swimming pool. If you want to change your pool's shape, size, or depth, you’re moving into remodeling territory. This process is much more complex and requires more significant construction, engineering, and permitting.

A remodel is for homeowners who want a fundamentally different pool than the one they currently have. It’s an opportunity to completely redesign your backyard to better suit your lifestyle, whether that means making it more family-friendly, better for entertaining, or more luxurious.

Common Pool Remodeling Projects

Remodeling goes far beyond cosmetic updates and involves major structural changes. Here are some examples:

Changing Pool Shape and Size: Do you want to convert a rectangular pool into a freeform, lagoon-style oasis? Or maybe you need to expand a small pool to accommodate a growing family. These changes require demolishing parts of the existing pool shell and rebuilding it, which is a hallmark of a remodel.
Altering Pool Depth: Many older pools were built with a deep end designed for diving boards, which are less common today. A popular remodel is to raise the floor of the deep end to create a more uniform depth, making the entire pool more usable for games and socializing.
Adding Structural Features: This is where you can get creative. A remodel allows you to add features that are integrated into the pool's structure, such as:
- Tanning Ledges or Baja Shelves: Large, shallow areas perfect for lounging in a few inches of water.
- Built-in Spas: Integrating a hot tub that spills over into the main pool.
- Water Features: Adding waterfalls, fountains, or deck jets that are built into the pool’s structure and plumbing.
- Swim-Up Bars or Benches: Creating in-pool seating for ultimate relaxation and entertainment.

Renovation vs. Remodel: Which Is Right for You?

Deciding between a renovation and a remodel comes down to three key factors: your goals, your budget, and your timeline.

Consider Your Goals

Choose a RENOVATION if: Your primary goal is to refresh the look and improve the function of your existing pool. You're happy with its size and shape but want it to look new and work better.
Choose a REMODEL if: You are unhappy with the fundamental design of your pool. Your lifestyle has changed, and you need a different layout or new features to get the most out of your backyard.

Factor in Your Budget

Renovation: Generally less expensive. Costs are focused on materials (like new tiles or plaster) and labor for specific tasks.
Remodel: Significantly more expensive. This is due to the need for demolition, heavy construction, engineering plans, and potentially more complex plumbing and electrical work.

Think About Your Timeline

Renovation: Faster to complete. A resurfacing or tile job might take one to two weeks, depending on the scope.
Remodel: A much longer process. A full remodel can take several weeks to months, as it involves multiple stages of construction, inspections, and finishing work.

Find the Right Pool Professional

Whether you’re planning a simple renovation or a complex remodel, choosing the right contractor is the most important step. Look for a company with a proven track record, a strong portfolio of past work, and excellent customer reviews. An experienced team can guide you through the design process, help you select the right materials, and ensure the final result meets your expectations.

For homeowners looking for expert pool renovation in Jacksonville, FL, and the surrounding areas, a qualified contractor can turn your vision into a reality. They will handle everything from the initial design and permitting to the final construction and cleanup, making the process as smooth as possible. Don't hesitate to ask for references and look at their previous projects to find a style that aligns with your own.

Ready to transform your pool? Getting professional advice is the best way to start. A consultation can help clarify your options and provide a clear path forward for your backyard project.

Ready to Dive In?

Understanding the difference between a pool renovation and a remodel is the first step toward creating the backyard of your dreams. A renovation revives and updates your pool, while a remodel completely re-imagines it. By evaluating your goals, budget, and timeline, you can decide which path is right for you.

If you need professional guidance for a pool renovation in Jacksonville, FL, our team is here to help. We can help you explore your options and bring your ideas to life.

Contact All Phase Pool Remodeling today for a free estimate and start planning your perfect pool transformation.