If your Jacksonville home was built between 1990 and 2005, there's a good chance your backyard pool looks a bit stuck in time. You might have the classic white coping, the fading blue waterline tile, and a concrete deck that cracks more every summer. While these pools were the height of luxury decades ago, they often lack the efficiency and style modern homeowners want.
Pool remodeling in Jacksonville, FL isn't just about aesthetics; it's about fixing underlying issues that cost you money. From Ponte Vedra to Mandarin, we see thousands of pools with inefficient single-speed pumps and surfaces that feel like sandpaper on your feet. Updating these features improves your swim experience and lowers your monthly JEA bill.
At All Phase Pool Remodeling, we understand the unique challenges of Florida's climate. The harsh UV rays and salt air take a toll on older equipment and surfaces. We're here to help you navigate your options and bring your outdoor oasis into the modern era with smart, durable upgrades.
What Are the Most Common Issues with 90s Pools?
Pools built in Jacksonville during the 90s and early 2000s often suffer from failing marcite surfaces and inefficient plumbing layouts. We typically see cracks in the waterline tile, outdated filtration systems, and single-speed pumps that drive up electricity bills unnecessarily. The lack of modern safety features, such as vacuum release systems or proper main drain covers, is also a frequent concern for families moving into these older homes.
Outdated Designs and Finishes
The "kidney bean" shape was iconic in the 90s, but the materials used back then haven't held up well against three decades of Florida heat. The standard white marcite finish (a mix of cement and marble dust) generally lasts about 10 to 15 years. If your pool hasn't been resurfaced since the early 2000s, you're likely seeing pitting, staining, or rough spots that snag swimsuits and scrape toes.
We also see a lot of acrylic "cool deck" topping that has started to peel or flake off. While this was a popular choice in neighborhoods like Deerwood and Marsh Landing, once it starts to delaminate, it creates an eyesore that's difficult to patch seamlessly.
Inefficient Equipment
The biggest money pit in an older pool is usually the equipment pad. Builders in the 90s almost exclusively installed single-speed pumps. These units run at full power 100% of the time, regardless of whether you're vacuuming the pool or just circulating water. This is incredibly wasteful. Old sand filters and gas heaters from that era are also likely nearing the end of their operational life, operating at much lower efficiency ratings than today's standards.
Safety Concerns
Safety codes have changed significantly in the last 20 years [1]. Older pools may lack compliant drain covers that prevent entrapment (required by the Virginia Graeme Baker Act). Additionally, many older designs feature deep ends with steep slopes that limit the usable play area for volleyball or lounging, which is a major downside for modern families who prefer shallow "play pools."
How Much Does Pool Remodeling in Jacksonville, FL Cost?
A basic resurfacing project in Jacksonville usually costs between $6,500 and $9,000 depending on the aggregate finish you choose. For a comprehensive remodel including new pavers, tile, and energy-efficient equipment, homeowners should budget between $25,000 and $45,000. While this varies based on pool size and access, most complete renovations in our area fall within this range.
Cost Breakdown by Project
To help you plan, here are some general price ranges we see for specific upgrades in the Jacksonville market:
- Resurfacing (Quartz/Aggregate): $6,000 – $10,000. This depends heavily on the size of your pool and the quality of the finish.
- New Waterline Tile: $2,500 – $4,500. Glass tile will be on the higher end, while ceramic is more affordable.
- Paver Decking (Overlay): $8,000 – $15,000. Installing travertine or brick pavers over existing concrete is a cost-effective way to modernize the look.
- Equipment Package: $3,000 – $6,000. This typically includes a variable speed pump, a new filter, and a salt chlorination system.
- LED Lighting: $800 – $1,500 per light.
Factors That Affect Your Budget
The biggest variable is usually demolition. If your existing deck has severe structural cracks or tree root damage—common in established neighborhoods with big oak trees like San Jose—we may need to remove the old concrete entirely rather than paving over it. This labor-intensive process adds to the timeline and the cost.
Access is another factor. If you live in a dense community where machinery can't easily reach the backyard, crews have to do more work by hand, which increases labor costs.
Which Surface Upgrades Are Best for Florida Homes?
For Jacksonville homes, exposed aggregate finishes like PebbleTec or Wet Edge are superior to traditional marcite because they resist chemical erosion and staining far better. These finishes use small pebbles mixed with cement, creating a harder, more durable surface that often comes with a warranty ranging from 15 years to a lifetime.
Resurfacing Options
- Quartz: A step up from standard marcite. It adds crushed quartz to the mix, making it harder and adding a bit of sparkle. It lasts roughly 10-15 years.
- Pebble Finishes: The gold standard for Florida pools. The stone aggregates are virtually indestructible and look natural, mimicking a riverbed. These can last 20+ years with proper water chemistry.
Decking: Travertine vs. Pavers
If you are tired of burning your feet on hot concrete, we highly recommend travertine. It's a natural stone that stays 20-30% cooler than concrete pavers, making it perfect for our scorching July and August afternoons. It also offers a non-slip surface, which is a huge safety plus. Brick pavers are another durable option that adds a classic look, fitting in perfectly with the brick architecture common in Riverside and Avondale.
What Equipment Upgrades Save the Most Money?
Installing a variable speed pump is the single most effective upgrade for reducing your pool's operating costs, often saving homeowners $300 to $500 annually on electricity. Unlike old single-speed pumps, these intelligent units run at lower speeds for basic filtration and ramp up only when necessary, using a fraction of the energy.
Salt Chlorination Systems
Many of our customers ask about switching to salt. A salt chlorine generator converts dissolved salt into chlorine, providing a steady supply of sanitizer without the harsh chemical spike you get from liquid or tablet chlorine. The result is water that feels softer on your skin and doesn't sting your eyes. While the initial setup costs around $1,500 to $2,500, you save money and hassle on buying buckets of chlorine tabs.
Automation
Imagine turning on your spa heater from your phone while you're driving home from work on I-95. Modern automation systems connect your pump, lights, and heater to an app. This ensures you never accidentally leave the pump running too long or forget to turn off the heat, further optimizing your energy usage.
Can You Add Water Features to an Existing Pool?
Yes, adding water features like deck jets, sheer descents (waterfalls), or bubblers is a popular way to add sound and movement to a static 90s pool. These features can usually be plumbed into the existing system during a resurfacing project, provided your pump has enough horsepower to drive them.
Popular Add-Ons
- Sun Shelves: We often retrofit pools by adding a "Baja shelf" or sun shelf in the shallow end. This provides a perfect spot for lounge chairs or for small children to splash around safely.
- LED Lighting: Swap out that single, dim incandescent bulb for color-changing LEDs. They use less energy and allow you to change the mood of your backyard instantly for parties or evening swims.
How Long Does a Pool Remodel Take?
A standard resurfacing and tile job typically takes 5 to 10 working days, weather permitting. If you are undertaking a major renovation that involves new pavers, plumbing, and structural additions, the timeline usually extends to 4 to 6 weeks.
Jacksonville weather plays a big role here. We can't plaster a pool in the rain, so summer afternoon storms can cause minor delays. We typically recommend scheduling major renovations during the drier spring or fall months if possible.
Why Work with a Local Expert?
Hiring a local contractor means you get a team that understands the specific soil conditions, water table issues, and permitting requirements of Duval and St. Johns counties. We know that the sandy soil in the Beaches area behaves differently than the clay-heavy soil in other parts of town, which affects how we engineer decks and structural repairs.
Local experts also have established relationships with local suppliers. This can be crucial for getting materials on site faster and matching tiles or pavers that are popular in the region. We also know the specific HOA guidelines for communities like Julington Creek or Nocatee, ensuring your remodel doesn't result in a compliance headache later.
Recent Project: Modernizing a Mandarin Oasis
We recently completed a comprehensive renovation for a family in Mandarin whose pool was built in 1996.
The Problem: The white marcite was stained and rough, the waterline tile was dated cobalt blue, and the acrylic deck was cracked and peeling. The homeowner wanted a "resort feel" and a safer area for their grandchildren.
The Solution:
- Surface: We chipped out the old marcite and installed a Caribbean Blue pebble finish for longevity and a vibrant water color.
- Deck: We installed French pattern ivory travertine pavers over the existing deck. This instantly brightened the space and provided a cool surface for bare feet.
- Tech: We replaced the noisy pump with a whisper-quiet variable speed unit and added a salt system.
- Feature: We built a new sun shelf in the shallow end with a bubbler jet.
The Result: The homeowners were thrilled. They told us the new sun shelf is their favorite spot to have coffee in the morning, and their energy bill dropped noticeably within the first month.
When to Call a Pro for Your Pool Remodel
If your pool surface is rough enough to snag a swimsuit, or if you're spending more time fixing your pump than swimming, it's time to call a professional. Pool remodeling in Jacksonville, FL is a smart investment that enhances your home's value and your family's quality of life. Don't let another summer go by with a pool you don't love.
Ready to transform your outdated pool into a modern paradise? Contact All Phase Pool Remodeling today for a consultation and let's bring your vision to life.
Sources:
[1] Florida Residential Safety Pool Act