Beyond the Surface: Hidden Pool Remodel Issues You Can't Afford to Ignore

Starting a Love Pool Care pool remodeling project is exciting! You’re picturing a beautiful new surface, a modern look, and a backyard you'll love to spend time in. But before you get to the finished product, it’s important to remember that true long-term value in a pool renovation often lies in what you don't see.
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Focusing on the aesthetics is a lot of fun, but ignoring the deeper, more serious issues can lead to major headaches—and costs—down the road. The best pool contractors are the ones who don't just put a fresh coat of paint on a problem, they tackle it head-on.

1. Pool Shell Integrity

This is the most critical issue because it’s impossible to truly assess until the old interior surface has been completely removed. Once the old plaster or finish is gone, we can see the real condition of the pool's shell. Issues can range from minor hairline cracks to deep structural cracks. Sometimes, we find that step or bench bullnoses crumble to pieces with just a little pressure.

Key Issues To Look For:

• Degraded, old shotcrete/gunite.
• Steel protruding through the shell. Rebar should be a minimum of 3” off earth. We’ve seen a few older pools in which we can step on the shell, see the bottom and rebar is just laying on top of the dirt.
• Previous, multiple interiors over previous interiors.
• Long, linear cracks that sometimes originate from the deck all the way down and across the pool!

Finding these issues is a good thing! It’s an opportunity to correct them properly. A professional assessment will determine the severity and the most effective solution. Depending on what we find, this could mean applying a thin layer of mortar (brown coat), adding a 2-inch shotcrete flash (gray coat) to the floor and/or walls, or even rebuilding steps and benches with new shotcrete. It’s work you won't see in the finished product, but it’s what ensures your pool will last for years to come.

2. Structural and Equipment Leaks

The reality is that a majority of pools leak to some degree. From a minor issue like a failing equipment o-ring, to something more serious like a crack in the structure or a leak in the plumbing. Fixing these leaks is far more important than any aesthetic improvement. A leaking pool will not only cost you money in wasted water and chemicals but can also damage your deck and the surrounding area.

We have serviced hundreds of thousands of pools. We usually know which pools leak to some degree by just observing the chemical balance each week. Left unattended, the leaks cause an extraordinary amount of chemicals needing to be implemented to offset the water loss.

This is why we require a leak detection on a majority of our pool renovations. It's a smart, proactive measure that can save you a huge headache after your remodel is complete. It’s all about finding and fixing the problem now, so you don’t have to drain your brand new pool later.

3. Ignoring Equipment Improvements

Function over aesthetics! This is one of our core beliefs. A gorgeous new pool is useless if the water isn't moving and filtering correctly. Investing in the right pool equipment and making the necessary plumbing improvements is absolutely vital for the longevity and health of your pool. This includes everything from the pump and filter to the entire cleaning system, whether it’s suction, pressure, or in-floor.

Don't let the visual excitement of a remodel distract you from the importance of great equipment. These improvements ensure your pool is running efficiently and effectively. We can’t stress enough how vital great equipment is!

These hidden issues can certainly add to the total cost of your pool remodeling project, but think of it as preventative maintenance. Addressing them now will end up saving you plenty of money and major headaches down the road.
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If you have any questions about these or any other issues you've discovered with your pool, feel free to chat with us at 602-218-5302 or [email protected] anytime! We'd be more than happy to help answer any questions you have. Good luck!