A new shape. A smarter way to rebuild.

Resolve the new shape before the first cut

A successful shape change begins with a measured plan: the desired length, width, depth, steps and spa, checked against the existing shell, site access and surrounding elevations. The tile size belongs in that conversation early. A full-piece perimeter is much easier to achieve when the finished pool dimensions are planned around it.

For a renovation of this kind, the scope must also establish what can be reused, what needs engineering, how circulation and equipment will serve the revised pool, and which permits and HOA approvals apply. Required inspections belong in the sequence before work is covered. These decisions turn a desired outline into a buildable project.

Open only what the new design needs

We removed the affected decking and the portions of the pool that conflicted with the new rectangle. Grading established working levels for the pool, deck and transitions to the house. Substantial areas of the existing shell remained.

The important part of these photographs is what stayed. Suitable concrete and infrastructure gave the renovation a starting point, reducing the amount of demolition, hauling and replacement work compared with rebuilding every component.

Form the geometry and connect the reinforcing steel

Formwork established the straight edges. We drilled into the retained concrete and used structural epoxy to anchor reinforcing dowels, connecting the new rebar to the existing shell at the reconstruction areas. The shape was becoming visible, but the connection between old and new mattered just as much.

A reliable bond also depends on preparing sound existing concrete: removing weak material, roughening and cleaning the surface, and achieving the specified moisture condition. Where a bonding agent is specified for a compatible repair detail, its purpose is adhesion at that interface; it does not replace reinforcing steel or surface preparation. It is not a routine requirement for shotcrete, whose placement and substrate preparation must follow the engineered detail and applicable shotcrete guidance.

Reinforcing, anchorage, cover and embedded systems need their required checks before shotcrete conceals them.

Test what stays. Upgrade what needs to change.

We pumped up the existing plumbing for pressure testing to check for leaks while the work was open. Retaining a pipe is valuable only when its condition and the revised pool design justify it. Changes to pool size or depth also call for a review of circulation, suction outlets and equipment capacity—not just a leak test.

The renovation included replacing the old 110-volt pool lighting with modern low-voltage LEDs. The supporting electrical work must address pool-rated equipment, the correct power supply, bonding, grounding and circuit protection. Coordinating these systems before closing the shell avoids disturbing the finished work later.

Replace the curves with straight walls and linear steps

Shotcrete gave the new geometry substance. Straight walls and broad, linear entry steps took shape around the reinforcing steel, while the spa gained a squared exterior around its retained circular bathing interior. This is the turning point: the owner’s requested rectangle becomes a physical space.

Placement is followed by curing, not an immediate rush into finishes. Maintaining the specified moisture and protection helps the new concrete develop strength and a durable surface. The curing period and readiness for coatings must follow the project specifications and the finish system.

Waterproof the details and float the surfaces true

The preparation included LATICRETE HYDRO BAN waterproofing, LATICRETE reinforcing mesh at the specified details and a LATICRETE 3701 mortar float. Each has a job: manage water migration, reinforce designated transitions, and establish true surfaces for the tile. Corners and penetrations deserve the same care as the broad faces.

We use LATICRETE 254 Platinum thin-set mortar for its strong adhesion and suitability for exterior and submerged tile applications. Its workability supports careful bedding and alignment. Waterproofing, mortar and tile need a compatible assembly, with the specified preparation and curing between stages; tiled areas and the plastered pool interior do not automatically use the same system.

Build the deck from the ground up

We prepared and compacted the roadbase before constructing the concrete subbase. These hidden layers support the clean tile surface above and help limit settlement.

Deck elevations, drainage slopes and movement joints must be coordinated with the pool, spa and house. That is why the surrounding yard is part of the pool renovation, rather than an afterthought.

Protect the tile before setting the first piece

RedGard antifracture membrane was applied over the prepared concrete decking substrate. The photographs show this layer across the deck and along the pool edge, ready for tile.

It helps isolate the finish from limited, nonstructural cracking below. It works alongside a stable base, drainage and properly detailed movement joints; it does not replace them.

Let the tile layout tell the story

The perimeter was planned around full tile pieces and square pool corners. That required the tile module, pool dimensions, wall positions and mortar float to agree before setting began. Necessary cuts were resolved at transitions and special details.

The same planning carries into the spa and raised seating pedestals. Deck joints continue up vertical faces and across top surfaces. Those lines make separate elements feel like one design—and reveal how accurately the work beneath the tile was built.

Prepare for the pebble plaster finish

The interior finishing scope included Bond Kote surface preparation followed by pebble plaster. Bond Kote provides a bonding surface for the pool finish on the appropriate prepared substrate; pebble plaster supplies the interior's final color and texture.

This finishing work follows the heavy construction and surrounding finish operations that could damage the interior. The prepared shell is ready for its final surface, with the straight steps and rectangular edges already established.

Bring the pool to life, then hand it over

A shape-changing renovation is not complete when the plaster crew leaves. Filling and startup must follow the selected finish manufacturer’s instructions, including the required water testing, balancing and brushing. The new finish needs that care as it settles into service.

A complete handover includes checking circulation, filtration, spa operation and lighting, addressing the final punch list, completing required final inspections, and explaining controls and ongoing care to the homeowner. The goal is a pool that works as thoughtfully as it looks.