Is It Time to Renovate Your Pool?
Every pool has a lifespan. The structure itself can last decades, but surfaces, equipment, tile, and coping wear out over time. If your pool is 10 to 15 years old, you are probably starting to notice signs that it needs attention. The question is whether you need a simple repair or a full renovation.
At Prestige Pool & Patio, we handle everything from minor resurfacing to complete pool transformations. Here is how to evaluate what your pool actually needs.
Signs Your Pool Needs Renovation
Stained or Rough Plaster
Pool plaster typically lasts 7 to 12 years depending on water chemistry and maintenance. When it starts to fail, you will notice rough spots that scratch your feet, stubborn stains that brushing cannot remove, and white chalky residue in the water. If your plaster is rough, discolored, or flaking, resurfacing is the most common first renovation.
Cracked or Loose Coping
Coping is the cap that sits on top of the pool wall where the deck meets the water. Over time, Texas heat causes expansion and contraction that can crack or loosen coping stones. Loose coping is not just an aesthetic issue — water can seep behind the pool wall and cause structural problems.
Outdated or Failing Equipment
If your pool still runs on an older inefficient pump, uses an old cartridge or DE filter, or has a heater that takes forever to warm up, upgrading your equipment can cut energy costs by 50 to 70 percent. Modern variable-speed pumps, salt chlorine generators, and automation systems are dramatically more efficient.
Rising Chemical Costs and Difficulty Balancing Water
When plaster deteriorates, it becomes porous and absorbs chemicals faster. You end up using more chlorine, more acid, and spending more time fighting water chemistry. Resurfacing solves this by giving you a fresh, smooth interior that holds chemicals properly.
Cracked Tile or Missing Pieces
Waterline tile takes a beating from sun, chemicals, and freeze-thaw cycles. Cracked, faded, or missing tiles are one of the most visible signs that a pool is aging. Replacing waterline tile during a renovation is a relatively small cost that makes a huge visual impact.
Plumbing Leaks
If your pool is losing water beyond normal evaporation (more than a quarter inch per day), you may have a plumbing leak. Our leak detection service can pinpoint the exact location. Some leaks can be repaired, but if your plumbing is old and deteriorating, re-plumbing during a renovation prevents future problems.
Renovation Options: What Can You Change?
Resurfacing Only
The most affordable renovation option. The old plaster is chipped out and replaced with a new interior finish — standard plaster, quartz, or pebble. This fixes rough surfaces, stains, and chemical absorption issues. Most resurfacing projects take 5 to 7 days.
Tile and Coping Replacement
New waterline tile and coping can completely change the look of your pool without touching the structure. This is often combined with resurfacing for a complete refresh.
Equipment Upgrade
Replacing outdated equipment with modern variable speed pumps, LED lighting, salt systems, and automation. This can be done independently or as part of a larger renovation.
Full Remodel
A complete transformation that may include changing the pool shape, adding features like tanning ledges or spas, new decking, resurfacing, new tile and coping, and full equipment replacement. Full remodels are essentially building a new pool inside the existing shell.
Renovation vs. Repair: How to Decide
The general rule: if you are spending more than $1,500 to $2,000 per year on repairs, a renovation usually makes more financial sense. Individual repairs add up quickly, and they do not address the underlying aging of the pool.
Choose repair when:
- The issue is isolated (one cracked tile, one leaking fitting)
- The pool is under 8 years old
- The rest of the pool is in good condition
Choose renovation when:
- Multiple systems are failing or aging simultaneously
- The plaster is rough, stained, or more than 10 years old
- Equipment is outdated and inefficient
- You want to update the look and add new features
- Annual repair costs keep climbing
What Does a Pool Renovation Cost?
Costs vary significantly based on scope:
- Resurfacing only: $5,000 to $15,000 depending on finish type and pool size
- Tile and coping replacement: $3,000 to $8,000
- Equipment upgrade: $3,000 to $12,000 depending on what is replaced
- Full remodel: $20,000 to $80,000+ depending on scope
We provide detailed estimates after an on-site evaluation so there are no surprises.
The Prestige Renovation Process
Our renovation process is straightforward:
1. On-site evaluation and consultation 2. Detailed scope and written estimate 3. Design selections (finish, tile, coping, features) 4. Permitting if required 5. Construction (typically 2 to 6 weeks depending on scope) 6. Final walkthrough and startup
Ready to Evaluate Your Pool?
If your pool is showing its age, contact us for a free renovation consultation. We will assess your pool's condition, discuss your goals, and provide honest recommendations on what makes sense. Call (469) 644-7665 or visit our Frisco showroom to see finish samples, tile options, and equipment displays.
