What a Pool Renovation Includes (and How Long It Takes)

A pool renovation can be as focused as a new interior surface or as comprehensive as a full backyard rebuild. Most projects combine several of these: resurfacing, new waterline tile, new coping, updated equipment, a new or expanded deck, and added features. A simple resurface takes about 1 to 2 weeks. A full renovation with new decking, equipment, and features typically runs about 3 to 6 weeks, far faster than building new.

What Are the Building Blocks of a Pool Renovation?

• Resurfacing. A fresh interior finish in plaster, pebble, or quartz. This is the core of most renovations. See resurfacing costs and how the finishes compare in plaster vs. pebble vs. quartz.
• Waterline tile. New tile resets the look at the waterline and is far easier to clean than a stained plaster line.
• Coping. The cap where the pool meets the deck. Cracked or dated coping is replaced with stone, pavers, or poured concrete.
• Deck and hardscape. New travertine, porcelain, or pavers, often the biggest visual change. See pool deck options.
• Equipment. Upgrading to a variable-speed pump, a modern filter, a heater, salt chlorination, or smart automation cuts running costs and adds convenience.
• Features. A tanning ledge, spa, water features, or LED lighting can often be added to an existing pool during a renovation.

What Does Each Level of Renovation Cost?

The size of the pool, the finish you pick, and what we find once the pool is drained all move the number. The pool renovation cost page goes through each level.

How Long Does a Pool Renovation Take?

• Resurface only: about 1 to 2 weeks.
• Surface, tile, and coping: about 2 to 4 weeks.
• Full renovation with new decking, equipment, and features: about 3 to 6 weeks.

Weather, the condition of the existing pool, and the scope all move the schedule, and we lay out the full timeline before we start.

What Happens, Step by Step?

Every pool is different, but the order of work is usually close to this:

1. Assessment. We look at the shell, tile, coping, deck, and equipment, and ask what bothers you most. Photos are enough to start.
2. Plan and price. You get a scope that groups the work so nothing gets done twice.
3. Drain and prep. The pool is drained and the old surface is prepared for the new finish. Draining is not a do it yourself step. An empty pool can be damaged by groundwater pressure, so it is done on a plan.
4. Repairs. Cracks, hollow spots, and any plumbing or leak issues are fixed while everything is exposed. If you suspect a leak now, read how to tell if your pool is leaking.
5. Tile and coping. New waterline tile and coping go on before the finish.
6. Equipment and features. Pumps, filters, heaters, lights, and any new features are installed.
7. Interior finish. The new plaster, quartz, or pebble surface is applied.
8. Fill and startup. The pool is filled right away and the water chemistry is balanced carefully over the first weeks. That startup protects the new finish.
9. Deck. New decking is sequenced around the pool work so heavy equipment is not crossing a finished surface.

What Can Change Once the Pool Is Drained?

An honest renovation plan leaves room for what nobody can see until the water is out. Old plaster can hide hollow or delaminated areas. Tile or coping can be loose because the bond beam under it has moved. Plumbing and fittings on an older pool may be worn. We tell you what we find, show you, and price it before doing the work.

What Does a Renovation Not Fix?

A renovation makes a sound pool look and run like new. It does not change the basic shape, size, or location of the shell, and it does not turn a structurally failing shell into a good one. If the pool is in the wrong spot or the structure is failing, read renovation vs. a new pool first.

How Should You Plan It?

The most cost-effective approach is to do related work together while the pool is already drained and the site is mobilized, rather than coming back year after year. Coping and tile are far easier to replace before a new finish than after. A deck is easier to replace when the coping is already coming off.

Not sure your pool is ready? Our list of signs your pool needs renovation helps you judge.

What Is Covered After the Work Is Done?

Our warranty on a renovation covers the new work we perform, and a new interior finish carries its own bond coverage. It does not extend to parts of the existing pool we did not replace. The plain-English terms are on our warranty page.

Common Questions

How long does a pool renovation take? About 1 to 2 weeks for a resurface only, up to 3 to 6 weeks for a full renovation with new decking, equipment, and features.

Can features like a spa be added during a renovation? Yes, a tanning ledge, spa, water features, or LED lighting can often be added to an existing pool during a renovation.

Can I swim during the renovation? No. The pool is drained for most of the work. Plan the project for a time of year you will not miss it.

Start With Photos

Send us photos of your pool for a free renovation plan and estimate, try the instant estimate, or browse real projects.