Thinking About Remodeling Your Swimming Pool? Here’s What You Need to Know Before You Start
In Part 1 of this blog series, we covered some common considerations for a swimming pool remodel and the importance of researching before you begin your renovation. In this second part, we take an in-depth look at some elements of your swimming pool and pool area you may want to consider when planning your renovations.
Here are some basic elements to consider:
- Safety features
- Optimizing efficiency
- Automating functions
- Resurfacing
- Altering dimensions
- Adding ambiance
- Lighting
- Personalizing the space
- Timing of the project
Whatever work is being planned, it should be done professionally and with quality materials that will ensure the swimming pool renovation lasts for years to come.
Swimming Pool Remodel for Safety
Adding safety measures is a good place to start, especially if there’s a toddler in the household. There should be fencing surrounding the pool area with childproof gates to keep children from swimming unsupervised, especially if they’re not proficient swimmers. Additionally, ladders and railings should be sturdy and properly attached so that swimmers already in the pool can easily grasp them.
Optimizing Efficiency
An outdated pool pump can raise a homeowner’s electricity bills, especially if it’s a single-speed version. Upgrading to a variable-speed pool pump can save an owner thousands of dollars over the pump’s lifespan. Doing so optimizes the amount of energy used for circulating water, cleaning and any water features.
This electricity savings can additionally extend to heating systems for a swimming pool. Remodeling may involve changing to heaters that use natural gas, which allows for faster heating. Depending upon usage and the region in which the pool is located, an electric heat pump may bring even more energy savings, especially if it’s powered via solar.
Swapping out older pool pumps and heating systems can cut utility bills significantly too. Certain localities may even offer rebate programs, so it may be a good idea for a homeowner to contact their local utility provider.
Adding Automation: Functional Swimming Pool Renovations
Homeowners may wish to use this renovation as a chance to add certain functionalities to their swimming pool. Remodeling can serve to cut down on pool maintenance through conversion to a less labor-intensive saltwater system, upgrading inbuilt pool equipment, integrating an automated pool cleaner or other upgrades. For more tech savvy homeowners, smart swimming pool renovations can allow a desktop, smartphone, tablet or any connected device to manage functions like filtration, heating, lighting and pumping.
Redoing Swimming Pool Surfaces
This is the easiest way to change the pool’s overall aesthetics without too much effort. Though tiling and other surfaces can last a couple decades, how long it lasts depends on how well homeowners have managed the water chemistry of their swimming pool. Remodeling doesn’t have to involve changing the actual shape or shell of the pool, but making alterations to tiling and other surfaces can help the pool look more fashionable.
Resurfacing also allows homeowners to repair cracks, leaks or irregularities in the pool’s interior. Some older pools have a plastered surface that can be upgraded to aggregate, pavers, tiling or other more stylish finishes. It also offers a chance to change color combinations to amend the whole pool area’s appearance.
Reshaping the Pool
While expensive, this is one of the more impactful changes that can be made to a swimming pool. Remodeling may mean altering the pool’s geometry to add more depth, increase the area or change the dimensions to better suit neighboring structures. It could even involve filling in part of the pool to make an entertainment area.
Creating a Natural Vibe by Adding Features
This can be part of a major renovation or just an addition to the current design of the swimming pool. Remodeling might involve adding fountains, sculpted spouts, streamlets, waterfalls or other water features. Placing indigenous plants and natural rock features around the pool can additionally enhance the whole swimming experience.
Lighting Up the Pool
Another way in which to add ambiance involves adding lighting. While it improves safety, lights around the pool area can also make it more suitable for entertainment. Lighting can also be placed between house and pool entrances, along with underwater pool lights, to aid visibility for nighttime swimming. Pool remodeling of lighting systems tends to be less expensive than many other modifications and can often be done quite quickly.
Adapting Unique Outdoor Spaces
Swimming pool remodeling doesn’t need to be confined to just the swimming pool. It can involve upgrading nearby outdoor areas as well. A renovation might include building a covered outdoor space for shade, an outdoor entertainment center for watching sports or even an outdoor kitchen with an inbuilt barbecue. Another clever alteration might include a swim-up pool bar that gives swimmers direct access from the water. These are the types of changes that make for memorable pool parties.
Scheduling Your Swimming Pool Remodel
Planning is key to a successful swimming pool remodeling project. The best time for renovating a pool is in the autumn, once the temperatures drop and the pool is normally not used for many months. It gives ample time to deal with any delays or issues during construction so that the pool’s ready for the next swimming season. Fall is also the time when swimming pool contractors tend to be less busy, so it will also be easier to schedule the job.
Halogen Supply: All Your Swimming Pool Remodeling Needs
The Halogen Supply Company serves residential, institutional and commercial pool owners and operators throughout the United States. With over eight decades in the pool supply industry, we have built a reputation for quality products and exceptional customer service that includes a large inventory of equipment for swimming pool remodeling. To learn more about our selection of pool equipment and supplies, contact one of our friendly representatives today.