Major Renovation Process And Things To Consider

Things To Consider:

When undergoing a pool renovation, there are some things that are inherent in any renovation process. The following list is a few things to consider as well as things one may not realize we do!

Unforeseen Changes

• If we cannot see an issue, we may not know that it needs to be fixed.
• There are often issues that we cannot discover until we are in the renovation process.
• Most renovation specialist will advise that you leave room within your budget for unseen expenses.

Common Delays

• In addition to weather, both unforeseen changes and customer requests for changes will cause delays.
• We’ve noticed a higher percentage of change orders on renovation projects, when compared to new construction.
• Please allow room within your schedule for delays.

Access & Product Staging

• Much like new construction projects, we will need access and an area for staging products.
• Please consider where this will occur as landscape may be damaged and will need to be replaced.

Some Of The Many Renovation Services We Offer:

Dual Main Drains

• In an effort to eliminate suction entrapment, Florida Codes began requiring multiple points of suction with approved covers, or an unblockable drain with an approved cover in the early 2000’s.
• During a renovation, if you currently have a single main drain, we will need to do one of the following:
  1. Add a second main drain with an approved cover
  2. Install an unblockable drain with an approved cover
  3. Install a Safety Vacuum Release System (SVRS)
• If your drains currently meet code, we will simply update your covers.

Leak Detection

We recommend that we conduct a leak detection service on your pool before the remodel work begins. This would include a leak detection of the pool itself, as well as pressure testing the plumbing.

Cracks in Pool Interior

Cracks in the pool may be able to be repaired during the re-plaster process. Based on the severity of the crack, they may require torque-locks, pressure grout, or other options in order to be repaired. Either way, crack repairs cannot be guaranteed without replacing the shell of the pool.

Pool Equipment

• It is important to remember that during the remodel process, the pool equipment will be shut down for weeks, sometimes months depending on the scope. This may present a problem when this equipment is started back up; much the same as when dealing with an older car that has been sitting for a while.
  1. Filter – We recommend replacing the internal components after the new plaster finish is applied and cured. Whether it is a cartridge, sand or D.E. style filter.
  2. Filter Pump – We recommend replacing the filter pump or leaving room within your budget to replace the pump if needed after the renovation process.
• Energy efficient upgrades and re-piping of the equipment pad can save money and make your pool easier to maintain.

Chlorination System

• Many older pools do not feature a chlorination system and still require the traditional manual application of chlorine in liquid, granular or solid form.
• Here are two of the most common systems we offer and easiest to install during the renovation:
  1. Salt-Chlorine Generating System – This will convert salt into chlorine which will make the water softer and easier on the eyes. By generating chlorine at a consistent rate, the pool will be easier to maintain.
  2. UV Ozone System – This is a great disinfectant and is introduced at the pump, it will appear as bubbles. These systems still require some chlorine.

In-Floor Cleaning System

If your pool has existing in-floor cleaning system, here are some things to consider.

• Replacing Collars – If you do not replace the collars, the heads will be in a divot and not work as well as before.
• Color – If the color of your interior is changing, the old collars will not match the new fittings.
• Replacing Heads – If you do not replace the heads, they may not function as well as before.
• Color – If the color of your interior is changing, it may not match the collars and fittings. For Example, if you are going from white to dark blue interior, white heads will drastically stand out verses changing collars and heads to a dark gray.
• Water Valve – If your system is currently not working, often times the module is in need of replacing. We strongly recommend that you budget for or plan on replacing the module during the renovation process.

Interior Finishes

• Standard Quartz – an alternative to marcite, combines enriched white Portland cement and colorful, ceramic-coated quartz aggregates. Generally, this product has a 5 year warranty.
• Hydrazzo – a higher quality and smoother quartz finish available in very light, white based colors. Glass aggregate can be added as an option. Generally, this product has a 10 year warranty.
• Pebble Finish – is a finish with natural pebble aggregate mixed in to increase durability and enhance light and dark colors. This product is considered the most durable product available. This product features a limited lifetime manufacturer’s warranty.

Waterline Tile

While it is not 100% necessary to install new waterline pool tile during a re-surfacing, it is strongly recommended for two reasons.

• First, it is highly likely they will be damaged in the process and if there are no extras, many times the tile is discontinued and impossible to find a match.
• Second, it is more expensive and does not finish as well when done separately.

Pool Deck

• Many pools in need of remodel feature a concrete/acrylic deck. The main issue with a concrete-based deck is that over time it will develop cracks. For that reason, we recommend re-surfacing an existing acrylic deck with a new acrylic surface, possibly in a flagstone pattern, at minimum.
• Another option is to install a 1” remodel concrete paver deck over top of the concrete. In this case, we will cut the concrete cantilever edge around the pool perimeter and install a remodel paver coping. This will then be flush with the new 1” pavers.
• A third option is to completely remove the existing deck and install new coping and pavers. This is especially ideal in major renovations involving an addition of a sunshelf or spa, or re-plumbing of the pool.
• Drainage – Over time, existing drains can be clogged or damaged. In the renovation process, we can replace, add, or expand drainage systems.

Spa Additions

An in-ground concrete spa can be added in just about any situation, but it does require the same phased construction process for building a new swimming pool; i.e. excavation, steel, plumbing, shotcrete, hardscape, tile, and plaster. In addition, new equipment will be required to operate the jets and heat the spa.

Sunshelf Additions

Like a spa, a sunshelf can be added in just about any situation, but it also requires a similarly phased construction process to building a new, small swimming pool; i.e. excavation, steel, plumbing, shotcrete, hardscape, tile and plaster.

Water Feature Additions

If you are planning to renovate the deck, your options are endless on what you can add.