Pool Remodeling and Renovation

Yes. We remodel pools across Orange County, selected Los Angeles cities and neighborhoods, and La Quinta. Work can include new finishes, tile and coping; reshaping or changing length and depth; adding a spa or tanning shelf; upgrading equipment; and rebuilding the deck and landscape. Structural changes depend on the existing shell, access, engineering and permits. We begin by evaluating the pool so the proposed remodel has a sound construction plan.

Common signs include a rough, stained or chalky interior finish, cracked or missing tile, loose or damaged coping, a cracked deck, leaks, old and inefficient equipment, outdated safety features, and a layout that no longer suits how your family uses the pool. An older pool in any of our service areas may also need a layout and finish update to suit a renovated home. We evaluate the pool and recommend what is worth repairing, upgrading or replacing.

A cosmetic remodel focuses on finishes and appearance, such as new plaster or pebble, tile, coping and decking. A structural remodel changes or repairs the pool's structure or configuration, such as reshaping it, changing depth, adding a spa or raised wall, or repairing structural cracks. Many projects include both, and a worn finish can hide conditions that need further evaluation. The distinction matters because engineering, permits and construction sequencing differ.

Often, yes. We can assess changing a kidney-shaped pool to a more geometric shape, making a pool longer, shorter or smaller, and adding a spa or tanning shelf. Reshaping is a structural alteration, not a finish change. The existing shell, plumbing, site access and the proposed layout determine what is practical. We compare adapting the existing pool with rebuilding, then confirm the approach through site evaluation, engineering and permits before you commit.

Yes, in many cases, with a structural design. Making a pool shallower, such as converting a deep diving end to a more usable depth, is a common remodel. Changing depth affects the pool's profile and may involve the shell, drains, steps and surrounding details. We examine the existing construction and your intended use before selecting a method, and the depth change is shown clearly in the plans and scope. Resurfacing alone does not change a pool's structural depth.

That may be possible. Extending a pool involves new excavation and structural connections to the existing shell; shortening it also requires a properly engineered solution. We review your available space, access, equipment and the condition of the existing shell, then compare the remodeled pool's usefulness with the construction involved. Sometimes a new pool is the better value, and we will tell you honestly.

Yes, in most cases. The site must support the spa's structure, plumbing, heating and circulation. A raised spillover spa, an attached spa at pool level and a separate freestanding spa each create a different relationship with the pool and deck. We evaluate your existing equipment capacity and the surrounding area, and our scope covers the structural work and deck restoration, not just the visible spa finishes.

Often, yes. Adding a tanning ledge (Baja shelf) to an existing pool is a structural modification that typically involves building up part of the pool floor or reshaping the shallow end. We evaluate the pool's existing depth profile, steps and structure to find the best location and size. We coordinate the new shelf with the pool’s circulation, entry and usable swimming area.

Usually it makes sense to evaluate them together. Coping and waterline tile meet at the pool edge, and replacing one while keeping the other can limit your choices or leave an awkward transition. If the deck is also changing, we review all three so elevations and edges are coordinated. When we install waterline tile, we use the LATICRETE system: 3701 Fortified Mortar to build up and true the surface, HYDRO BAN waterproofing membrane, and 254 Platinum thin-set mortar. Our scope states exactly what remains and how the connections will be detailed.

Compare color in real water, texture underfoot, maintenance requirements and compatibility with your water chemistry and equipment. A small dry sample does not fully represent the finished pool, and photos are influenced by lighting, depth and sky. We show you samples and completed pools, explain each finish's preparation and startup requirements, and base durability expectations on the manufacturer's documentation and our written project terms.

Traditional white plaster is smooth and classic with a bright blue water color. Quartz finishes add colored quartz aggregate to the plaster for more color options and improved durability. Pebble finishes use small exposed pebbles for a natural textured look, rich water colors and excellent durability. Glass bead and all-tile interiors are premium options. We help you choose based on look, feel, budget and how long you plan to own the pool.

It depends on the finish, water chemistry, maintenance and sun exposure. Pebble and quartz finishes generally last longer than standard white plaster, and poor water balance can shorten any finish's life considerably. Signs that resurfacing is due include roughness, staining, etching, delamination and chalky water. We evaluate your finish and recommend the right time and material for resurfacing.

We evaluate each component's condition, efficiency and compatibility with the remodeled pool. Keeping a well-functioning component can be reasonable, while adding a spa or water features, or replacing aging equipment, often makes replacement the smarter choice. Heating matters too: under California's 2026 Energy Code, replacing the heater on a pool that already has heating is generally exempt from the new heat pump or solar requirement, but adding heat to a pool that never had it must comply. Our proposal clearly identifies retained and new equipment.

Plan for the pool to be unavailable during most remodel work, and for construction areas to be off-limits. Structural work, resurfacing and equipment changes each have their own shutdown and return-to-use requirements. We explain the sequence and the conditions for reopening the pool. Do not swim simply because the pool has been refilled; the startup process and safety checks must be completed first.

Consider replacement when the existing layout does not suit your needs or when major structural changes and repairs are being combined. The right comparison includes the finished result, surrounding restoration, engineering and disruption, not just one price. Inspection may show that keeping the pool is practical, or that starting fresh gives you a better pool for a similar investment. We give you an honest recommendation, not a sales pitch.

A finish-only remodel, such as new interior surface, tile and coping, takes far less time than a structural remodel that reshapes the pool, adds a spa or rebuilds the deck and landscape. Permit requirements also affect the schedule. After we evaluate your pool and define the scope, we provide a project schedule specific to your remodel.

Leaks can come from plumbing lines, fittings, the shell, the skimmer, lights or equipment. Before any repair, the leak must be located, which often involves pressure testing and leak detection. Where a leak is part of a larger remodel, we address it within the project scope. Ongoing water loss can damage soil, decks and nearby structures, so a suspected leak should be investigated promptly.

Yes. Replacing the deck is one of the most effective upgrades for an older pool. We often replace the coping at the same time so the edge and deck are coordinated, and we correct drainage and slope while the deck is out. Options include pavers, natural stone such as travertine, and decorative concrete. Our scope states how the new deck meets the pool and existing surfaces.

Yes. Common modernization upgrades include new pebble or quartz finishes, contemporary tile, clean-lined coping, a raised wall with sheer descents or scuppers, a tanning ledge, LED lighting, automation and a new deck and landscape. Sometimes reshaping the pool, such as squaring off a freeform pool, is the right step. We design the remodel to match the style of your home.

Many pool remodels do. Structural changes, new or modified plumbing, electrical work, gas lines, new heaters and some equipment changes typically require a permit, while a simple resurfacing may not, depending on the jurisdiction. California’s Swimming Pool Safety Act generally requires a qualifying combination of at least two drowning-prevention features when a building permit is issued to remodel a pool at a single-family home. Not every pair is allowed, and local requirements and statutory exceptions must be checked. We identify permit requirements for your remodel during planning.

References: California pool safety law (SB 552 enacted text) ↗

Yes. Converting to a salt chlorine generator is a common remodel upgrade. We evaluate whether your existing finishes, coping, decking and equipment are compatible with salt, and we install the generator and controls with your other equipment. Remember that a salt pool still produces chlorine and still requires regular water testing and care.