Renovators and remodelers of pools have to face a huge challenge if they want to be successful. If not addressed, the new pool will produce the same disappointing results. Before you begin a pool remodel or renovation, the two most important questions to answer are “how and why”.
The how refers to the technical aspects of the project, such as the condition of the shell, the causes of the problems, and if it is possible for new features, like a vanishing edge, or a spa. It also determines whether the vessel will be able to withstand the repairs.
The design and the true purpose of the renovation are the why. Clients who ask for a remodel of their pool know exactly what they don’t like about it. As a pool contractor, it is your responsibility to make sure that the remodel is an improvement on the original. Each pool deserves thoughtful design. However, the remodel design must be well thought out.
The pool service company is often the first to be asked to complete a renovation. Because the pool owner is familiar and trusts his or her maintenance technician, he or she will ask them to repair any problems. It is usually a small request such as replacing a piece or equipment. This could lead to the updating and repair of design elements and ultimately remodeling the whole vessel.
RENOVATION TYPES
A materials-only flip is the simplest type of renovation. The owner of the pool wants to make changes to the tile, coping, and interior finish. This type of renovation is usually simple and can be done by sub-contractors. One common misconception is that one of these items can be changed without affecting the others. While you may be able to change the interior finish of some materials-only flips without having to alter the tile or coping in the end, it is not possible for all three. Before you begin a materials-only turn, it is important to inform the client that this is a lengthy process and may require more work than they initially anticipated.
Correcting physical defects such as leaks is the second and most difficult type of renovation.
DUE DILIGIENCE
Before they undertake any kind of renovation, pool professionals need to know everything about the subject pool. Before you touch the pool, there are many questions to be answered. It is a common industry saying that “You touch it, it’s yours.” This applies to anyone who is just beginning in renovations or remodels.
Is it prone to leaking? Is it constantly leaking? Which are the main sources of leaks? What type of foundation is it? How well was the shell designed? What are the problems that have prompted the remodel? Cracking? Are cracks still present? Is the pool still moving? If the pool is moving, it cannot be remodeled successfully without determining and stopping the cause.
FIND THE WATER
High water table and buoyancy in the pool shell are two common mistakes that are easy to avoid. Although the pool contractor might only be changing the plaster, waterline tile and coping, it is possible that the pool will float. If the pool water is removed, a water table 3 feet below the pool surface can float a concrete pool. The pilot hole would be able to tell the story. It would be possible to open the main drain’s hydrostatic relief valves. If the pool is being remodeled, you could simply core the floor or cut it through. A common misconception is that floating pools can be filled and then refilled. This is false! The pool can never be repositioned once it is floated.
GET TO KNOW THE PLUMBING
Tracing the pipe is a common problem when renovating. This is a difficult task, especially for pools with multiple pumps, multiple features and diverter valves.
You must consider the space needed to install the surge tank and the additional space that will be required to access it in future. Is the yard or structure capable of handling this new feature?
FALLING IN LOVE WITH PROJECT
Recent restorations have done some amazing things to pools dating back to the 1920s. It is worth restoring the pool because of its old hexagonal tiles and copper expansion joints. The cost of remediation may exceed the increase in value if the shell is structurally deficient. Historic preservation is not without its limitations. It is possible that there was a good reason the old pool was removed and refilled before the new owner took over. One option when evaluating options is to either demolish the pool and remove it or locate a new spot on the property to build your award winner.
FOLLOW THE PRINCIPLES FOR DESIGN
There are three main design considerations that you should keep in mind when remodeling a pool. These design principles must be understood by pool contractors so they can communicate them with pool owners and maintain a consistent design.
First, the material selection. The second is material selection. This is why pool contractors use suppliers who are specifically for the industry. This can limit your options and make the pool look similar to other pools. You can design a unique pool by understanding the limitations and which materials will meet them.
The second is to reduce the number of materials. Many pool contractors don’t have any design experience and send their clients to choose their materials. They also provide a list of all the items they need: coping, raised bond beam, waterline tiles, interior finish, paver, and coping. Clients then believe they must choose a different material for each item. As a pool contractor, you can help the owner to see that more materials will make the pool look better. Your client can explain to you that they can use the same material as the coping or wall cap, and also the same material as the bond beam veneer and waterline tile. Although it’s possible to find eight materials that work well together, it is much easier to find three. The final swimming pool will look great if you reduce the number of materials.
The third aspect is the selection of waterline tiles. Many pool owners feel that they must choose a waterline tile with a lot of flash. Pool contractors who are skilled in design know that waterline tiles should not be flashy. People shouldn’t be looking at the pool’s edge, but at the water. It is possible to match the waterline tile with the interior finish or coping and make it very subtle. This eliminates the transition between inside and outside of the pool. This design principle can be explained to clients by showing them pictures of pools that have been built using this method. They will quickly understand the concept and be open to your suggestions.
EDUCATE and ELEVATE
Education is the key to a successful career as a pool professional. It is essential to understand the basic principles of pool renovations before you attempt to do them, no matter if they are small-scale materials-only flips, or full engineering overhauls.
GENESIS, a company belonging to the Pool & Hot Tub Alliance is launching a new school for pool remodeling this year. The course will cover not only physical defects and how they can be fixed, but also design and materials-only flips. This course will discuss what is possible and not — such as making the pool larger or smaller, adding spas, or creating water-in-transit details — and how to make these updates.
There are more pool remodels than new pools. The most popular remodel is the materials-only flip. GENESIS’ new school for remodeling will teach you how to do it and what you need know to make it a successful project. The physical limitations of materials and cost differences will be explained to students.
The new GENESIS school of remodeling will provide information for all levels of the pool industry, regardless of whether you work with high-end clients or basic backyard pools.
The satisfaction that the client receives from their pool remodel goes beyond the fact that it stopped leaking or that they added a spa. The pool’s design is what they will remember and be able to appreciate each day. If you can offer a little design direction as a contractor for a pool project, it will make a huge difference in the final look and the client’s happiness.
This article was first published in AQUA Magazine’s March 2023 issue. It is the best resource for builders, retailers, and service professionals in the spa and pool industry. All industry professionals can subscribe to the magazine for free. Subscribe by clicking here
