Time to Modernize Your Pool? 7 Tips to help you get started

There are many reasons for modernizing an outdated pool.

Perhaps the pool was there when you purchased the property and now your design tastes have changed.

Or maybe there are some not-so-subtle signs like your waterline pool tile is falling off or your pool plaster is deteriorating.

A common clue that a facelift is due occurs when you keep having to make the same repairs over and over again. Chemical problems, cracks in the pool wall, light or pump issues are all cries from your swimming pool for an update.

Besides making you feel good about your “new look” pool, modernizing an outdated pool also has other benefits, such as:

• Lower utility bills by reducing energy and water consumption
• Saving money by no longer requiring never-ending repairs
• Less time-consuming maintenance

Bringing your pool into the digital age doesn’t have to be difficult or even all that expensive. Here are seven ideas that can make a big difference:

1) Refinish the Pool Shell

With the exception of quality glass and porcelain mosaic pool tiles, plaster and aggregates certainly do not last forever. At the time needed for replacement, your swimming pool remodel presents perhaps the greatest opportunity to breathe new life into the aesthetic of your backyard oasis. 

If you didn't know... your pool finish is the material that puts the "finishing touch" on your gunite pool shell. This is the material that you walk on when enjoying your swimming pool. It covers over 80% of the swimming pool's surface, and therefore this finish has the absolute greatest impact on the overall aesthetic. Available in many colors, your choice in pool finish will set the overall tone of your backyards landscape, as well as dictate the color of the water that you would like to achieve. Want to feel like you are in the Bahamas? Then a white base with a sprinkle of blue is the way to go. Or, how about creating a tucked-away grotto? Here a dark blue, grey, or black will do the trick!

Choice of materials for this finish ranges from economic plaster, mid-level aggregates to glass and porcelain mosaic tile for those seeking the ultimate in luxury and durability. Here at AquaBlu Mosaics, we specialize in both glass and porcelain tiles as well as the recommended setting and grouting materials for a turnkey solution!

 

2) Replacing Waterline Tile

Sometimes waterline tile can’t be fixed. A problem with cracked, stained or, fallen tile can often best be resolved with the replacement of swimming pool tiles. Not only does the new tile look great, but replacement also gives you design opportunities such as incorporating hexagon tile patterns, pebble tile or, even glow-in-the-dark tile.

You can also upgrade to glass mosaic tiles. While a bit more expensive than porcelain tile or ceramic tile, glass pool tile is a difference maker – not only will it increase your property value, the aesthetic properties of glass tile are dazzling the way glass reflects light when the sun hits it just right.

Glass subway tile has become a particularly popular modernization replacement waterline tile.

3) Converting to Salt Water

Here’s one you may have never thought of. Over the past few years, more and more pool owners are trending toward saltwater pool systems. Saltwater pools are generally considered a healthier alternative to chlorine-based pools.

You will likely spend between $1,000 to $5,000 on the conversion to a saltwater swimming pool from a traditional one – the larger your current pool, the larger the conversion price.

The most expensive cost of a saltwater pool is the salt chlorine generator – the main piece of equipment. A saltwater generator breaks down dissolved salt into hypochlorous acid and sodium hypochlorite. These are the traditional chlorine system compounds needed to clean the pool.

4) Energy Efficient Pool Pump

Certified energy-efficient pool pumps use much less energy – 65% less energy – than older, standard pool pumps. By modernizing your pool with an energy-efficient pool pump, expect to save around $500 per year on energy costs.

Along with a new pump, it’s also a good idea to optimize your pool’s plumbing so your pool pump can work more efficiently. With older pools, it’s not unusual to have pipes that are too narrow or a pool design where the pipes are cramped into far too many tight turns.

Also, keep in mind that new technologies now exist that provide high-efficiency heater systems, including solar hot water panels and deep heating systems.

 

5) Add a Water Feature

Well placed water features, like glass tile, increase the value of your pool and adds to its overall beauty. Numerous studies also show that the trickling sound of water has a healthful calming effect on us.

The assortment of pool water features are considerable: There’s everything from fountains and deck jets to rain curtains and spillover spas.

 

6) Upgrade Pool Decking

A pool deck is one of the first things people notice about your pool. Pool decking is an integral element of pool ownership and is a major factor in the enjoyment of the pool area.

There are quite a few options here regarding resurfacing your pool deck. Natural materials such as sandstone pavers are available in natural colors that can either complement or blend right in with your landscape. Families with children especially like sandstone pavers because of their anti-slip properties despite being wet.

Other popular, attractive types of pool decking include flagstone, stamped concrete, exposed aggregate, brick and even wood.

 

7) Dazzle With an Outdoor Kitchen

If you really want to upgrade your pool area, consider building an outdoor kitchen – especially if you’re fortunate enough to be a homeowner with an open canvas in your yard.

There are many benefits of an outdoor kitchen to complement your pool. Besides the obvious joy of cooking outside and filling the air with marvelous aromas, an outdoor kitchen extends the living space and is the ideal place to entertain after swimming and relaxing in your pool.

There’s also the energy saving factor of grilling outside, and, like glass mosaic tile and water features, an outdoor kitchen increases home values with its stainless steel appliances that are easy to clean and are functional in just about any temperature of the year.

Things to include in your outdoor kitchen:

• Barbecue grill
• Plants
• Chairs/table
• Fire pit
• Pizza oven
• Bar
• Refrigerator
• Ceiling fan
• Smoker
• Preparation surface

We hope that you enjoyed this article and it hopefully opened your eyes to a thing or two. When it's time to build a new pool or remodel an existing one... our team of customer success representatives are here to serve.

Thanks for stopping by.

-AquaBlu Mosaics