How Much Does Pool Renovation Cost? [2024]

Does your old pool need a new lease on life? Renovating a pool is much cheaper than replacing it, but how much does it cost?

Read this guide to get an idea about the cost to resurface a pool and other renovation jobs that can make an old pool new again.

• What is a pool renovation?
• How often does a pool need to be resurfaced?
• How much does it cost to resurface a pool?
• Other pool renovation costs
• Is a pool renovation cost-effective?
• Hiring a pool renovation specialist

What is a pool renovation?

If your backyard pool is looking worn or damaged, pool renovation specialists can fix it up or give it a complete makeover through resurfacing and other renovations.

But renovating a pool isn't only about improving its appearance. If your pool is getting on in years, you may also need to repair or replace some of its working parts, like the filtration system, pump or pool heater.

This will be a more expensive project, but necessary to keep your pool working. If you skip the major work when it's needed to save money now, your pool won't last as long as it should, and you might have to pay more later.

How often does a pool need to be resurfaced?

Whatever type of pool you have, resurfacing will be necessary after a number of years when the original finish becomes damaged or deteriorates. How often pool resurfacing is needed depends on the pool material and how well it's maintained.

Generally, pool resurfacing is needed after:

• 10 to 15 years for concrete pools
• 15 to 30 years for fibreglass pools
• Vinyl liner pools can't be resurfaced. The liner should be replaced after 5 to 9 years.

Signs that your pool may need resurfacing include:

• Fading or discolouration
• Rust or stains
• Rougher surface
• Bubbling or flaking (oxidation) of fibreglass pool gel layer
• Flaking or peeling plaster
• Cracks in concrete or grout between tiles
• Pebbles or other aggregates coming loose

The longer a pool is left to deteriorate, the greater the likely cost of pool restoration.

How much does it cost to resurface a pool?

The cost to resurface a pool depends on the type of surface your pool has and the level of resurfacing, from cheaper options such as paint and plaster up to more expensive resurfacing using high-quality tiles and aggregate.

Pool resurfacing specialists charge between $60 - $80 per hour, but the total cost of pool resurfacing will also include materials. For full resurfacing, expect to pay anywhere from:

Type of pool:

For 6 x 2.5 metre pool (15m²)

• Fibreglass - $2,100 - $3,200
• Concrete - $2,500 - $3,800
• Pebblecrete - $3,100 - $4,600

For 9 x 4 metre pool (36m²)

• Fibreglass - $5,100 - $7,700
• Concrete - $6,000 - $9,000
• Pebblecrete - $7,400 - $11,000

The average cost to resurface a pool is around $3,300 and can take 5 days. This will vary depending on:

• The size, type and condition of the pool
• The type of resurfacing you want (paint, plaster, tile, etc.)
• Local rates where you live
• The time of year

Other pool renovation costs

How much a pool renovation costs depends on what type of work has to be done and the size of the project. If you're lucky and only cosmetic work is needed, your renovation could cost less than $1,000. If major work is needed, you could be facing a pool renovation bill of $10,000 or more.

As a rough guide:

• Colour restoration costs around $700 for a standard pool
• Repainting and replacing the gel coat on a fibreglass pool can cost $800 - $1,800, depending on pool size
• Replastering costs from $2,000 - $8,500 for different sized pools
• Pebble repair can cost less than $500 for minor repairs, up to $3,500 for major repairs
• Coping repair can cost up to $3,500 for a large pool
• To add new pool pavers, landscaping and other features around a pool, you may be looking at costs of $20,000 or more

Is a pool renovation cost-effective?

The prospect of paying $10,000 or more to renovate a large pool can seem daunting, but the cost to install a new pool can be at least twice that much.

For example, a new inground pool can cost $50,000, but with pool renovation, you could make an old inground pool as good as new or better than new for $20,000. This can be a great investment and will increase the sale value of your home.

If your budget allows, you can take the opportunity to make your pool area even more attractive by replacing old or worn pool pavers or doing some landscaping at the same time. These jobs might add $5,000 - $10,000 to your total costs, but they can transform your backyard and your lifestyle.

Read more: How much does a fibreglass pool cost?

Hiring a pool renovation specialist

When you hire local pool renovation professionals, they will come to your home and inspect your pool to identify anything that needs work. Some of the things they will look at include:

• Equipment such as pumps and heaters
• Plumbing
• Lighting
• Coping
• Skimmers
• Tiling and grouting

To make sure you're getting good advice, reliable prices and the most qualified services, get quotes from 3 local pool renovation specialists. Reputable services won't try to sell you more or less than you need and they should explain everything in detail so you can make an informed decision.

 

*Costs and prices in this article are indicative and should only be used as a guide. They also vary locally and are subject to market forces.