Swimming Pool Renovation / Facelift
Renovation of an existing pool is a great way to bring new ideas, new technology and added enjoyment to your backyard. It can also make your pool user-friendly which adds great value to your future sale of your home.
First of all, do your homework. The first lesson is to research the companies willing to do the work involved.
• Check references
• Ask your friends that have pools
• Check the Better Business Bureau and check to see if your contractor belongs to his/her industry’s organization.
• The contractor should have insurance. If you have to sign off on the permit for insurance purposes, you may be responsible if anyone gets hurt on the job.
• It is desirable to have a contractor that can manage all aspects of the project from start till swim.
• Get a detailed quote on all work to be performed and ask what is not included.
In your first discussion with your pool company/renovation contractor you need to address the following:
• Use of the pool for casual enjoyment, exercise and entertaining
• Hardscapes and landscaping ideas
• Energy savings on upgraded pool equipment and lighting
• Lighting ideas, ambience and safety
• Budget / timelines / expectations
Plan your dream pool idea and then you can work with a budget and existing items that can be incorporated into a workable plan.
When discussing future costs of the pool: At this time, you may find by upgrading to energy-efficient equipment you can pay for the new equipment in energy cost savings, as opposed to what the existing equipment uses. You can update the look by using natural coping stones and pavers and adding a fire pit or barbeque to match the new deck and get rid of the old tired looking plain concrete. Pavers give a long life of little maintenance and are easy to add more entertainment area to at a later date, if desired.
After discussing your wants and needs, a permit or drawing s may be needed. Meeting with a landscaper, electrician, fence and cabana tradesman etc may also be important to the overall plans. If you have a larger pool and want to downsize, it is common to place a pool within a pool. Although not a cheap and easy way to do this anything can be achieved. Using a smaller pool enables the existing excavation to be used and built upon. Also, the maintenance costs will be less for less water to be maintained. However, it is easy to incorporate walls with fountains, tanning ledges and shapes to benefit the landscaping and make a new look. This all depends on the site and existing elevations, as well as storm water drainage.
Electrical, water and gas lines are marked, as well as irrigation capped off for future installation into the new plan. Existing electrical and automation need to be discussed at this time to determine what upgrades need to be incorporated into the budget. Building permits may also be required for this work, so be sure to check with your local bylaws.
Preliminary plans are drawn up when necessary to show areas where pool structure, new equippment or new depths are marked as well as other additions, such as a fountains, tanning ledge, steps, sheer decent walls, lighting etc. This plan is then used to survey elevations and in turn calculate the amount of materials and labor needed to perform the renovation. This is done for the surrounding deck areas and landscaping as well. Most important is to plan on the electrical and irrigation at this time. This can save major headaches and money later.
Renovation work can take longer than the initial build of the pool. Weather, inspections and waiting for the next trade person of specific work can delay a construction job. Stay in communication with your contractor and call with any questions you may have.
Mirage Pools takes pride in coordinating these types of jobs and seeing the renovation through from start to finish. Sit back and enjoy the new backyard you have.
