Planning a swimming pool renovation

In an age of home living that's seeing blurred boundaries between indoor and outdoor areas, it makes sense that many people are choosing to do a swimming pool renovation.

Stains, chipped tiles, flaking paint and outdated shapes are just some of the reasons why you might decide to renovate your pool, and the cooler months are the best time to take the plunge.

A revamp will not only upgrade the finishes and enhance the look of the pool, but add to the overall outdoor area appeal.

Preparing for the pool makeover

In the planning stages, your lifestyle, budget, preferences for colour and finish, pool maintenance, lighting and landscaping are all worth considering carefully.

Director of Elite Pools Laurie Jacobson said tired concrete pools resulting from tile delamination and staining were best suited to renovation.

"Removing and replacing paving and internal tiling, redoing water-line tiles or fully retiling the whole pool are just some of the ways you can renovate," he said. "You may even like to go with a different interior altogether, like quartz."

Pools and spas - together at last

Spas can be built within an existing pool, or an existing pool converted into a more modern shape.

"Usually, interiors are replaced or refurbished, lights changed to newer lower-voltage versions to eliminate the risk of electrical leakage, new filtration equipment and up-to-date sanitisation installed and gas or solar heating added," Jacobson explained.

"Water conservation features like the latest cartridge filters which don't require reverse flushing, the diversion of rainwater into a storage tank which tops up your swimming pool, and pool covers to minimise evaporation are other options."

It's even possible to lengthen, shorten or change the shape of your pool.

Lengthening the pool is usually the most difficult, as it involves knocking out the end walls and building a new pool inside the existing pool.

"In one case (pictured) we shortened a full-length pool into a swim-spa and the rest of the pool was converted into a wine cellar," Jacobson said.

Of course, if your pool is in the wrong position, it's possible to rebuild it from scratch. However, keep in mind you'll need a new building permit and more funds.

Whatever you decide, make sure you go with a licensed pool builder. "Trying to do a renovation on the cheap is a common and costly mistake," Jacobson warned. "Go with a licensed professional and don't cut corners."

Contact a pool builder in your area to find out more about a swimming pool renovation: