A pool remodel can mean anything from a fresh interior finish to a completely new shape. The national average is about $10,166, and most homeowners spend between $5,414 and $14,922. Full projects can run from under $2,000 to nearly $30,000, depending on scope.
This guide walks through the eight most common ways to remodel a pool, what each costs, and how to decide what your pool needs first. At the end, we explain why a licensed professional is the safer and usually cheaper choice. If you are in the Albuquerque area, see our pool remodeling services.
Signs your pool is due for a remodel
Cosmetic wear can usually wait. These signs cannot:
- Rough patches that scratch feet, or flaking and peeling plaster
- Stains that will not scrub away, or blotchy color
- Visible cracks or hollow spots in the surface
- Water level dropping without a clear cause
- Algae that keeps returning in the same rough areas
- Water chemistry that is hard to keep balanced
- Old, noisy or inefficient equipment
Cracks and hollow spots are structural, so get a professional inspection before you spend money on cosmetic upgrades.
8 ways to remodel a pool
1. Resurface the pool interior
Resurfacing is the most common remodel and the one that changes how the pool looks and feels the most. You choose a finish based on budget and how long you want it to last.
| Finish | Typical cost | Typical lifespan |
|---|---|---|
| Paint or epoxy | $1,500 to $5,000 | 5 to 7 years |
| Plaster | $5,000 to $10,000 | 7 to 10 years |
| Quartz aggregate | $7,000 to $15,000 | 10 to 15 years |
| Pebble | $9,000 to $20,000 or more | 15 to 25 years |
A more durable finish costs more now but spreads the cost over more years, which is why many homeowners choose pebble or quartz.
2. Replace the tile and coping
Tile and coping frame the pool and take the most sun and chemical exposure. New coping typically runs $30 to $50 per linear foot. Loose or cracked coping is also a trip hazard, so it is worth fixing during any bigger remodel.
3. Upgrade the equipment
Old equipment drives up your electric bill and breaks at the worst time. Typical costs:
- Pump: $150 to $800 (about $600 on average)
- Heater: about $1,800 to $4,200
- Automatic chlorination or chemical feeder: about $2,000
- Saltwater conversion: roughly $500 to $2,500
Automation lets you control the pump, lights and heater from your phone, which makes the pool easier to run and cheaper to operate.
4. Add or replace the lighting
LED lighting runs about $450 to $1,700 and makes evening swimming more usable, especially during our hot summers. LEDs also use far less power than old incandescent fixtures.
5. Resurface or replace the pool deck
A cracked, hot or slippery deck makes a nice pool feel old. Resurfacing a 750 square foot deck typically costs $2,250 to $3,750, while a new deck runs about $3,000 to $12,000. Stamped concrete is a popular upgrade at roughly $6,000 to $15,000.
6. Add features
Features give the pool new uses without rebuilding it:
- Waterfall or spillway: about $450 to $1,900 (more for complex designs)
- Attached spa: about $17,000 added to an existing pool
- Slide: $1,000 to $15,000
- Diving board: $500 to $1,000
- Fire bowls: $4,000 to $8,000
7. Change the shape, size or depth
Structural changes cost the most because they involve excavation, plumbing and new construction. Reshaping or expanding a pool commonly runs $20,000 to $100,000. Converting a deep pool to a shallower one is far cheaper at $4,000 to $7,000, and a zero-entry beach area runs about $30,000 to $60,000.
8. Upgrade safety features
A remodel is the right time to bring safety up to date. Pool and spa drain covers must meet federal anti-entrapment standards under the Virginia Graeme Baker Pool and Spa Safety Act, as the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission explains. Also review your fence, gates and any alarms or covers, and confirm local barrier rules with your building department.
Can you remodel a pool yourself?
Some cosmetic work is realistic for a handy homeowner, such as swapping accessories, adding a cover or updating landscaping. Most of the work that actually changes the pool is not.
- Draining. Emptying an inground pool the wrong way can damage the shell or even lift it out of the ground.
- Resurfacing. Surface finishes are time-sensitive, and the way the pool is filled and started afterward affects how long the finish lasts.
- Electrical and gas. Pumps, heaters, lights and automation involve wiring and gas lines that need to be installed to code.
- Plumbing and structure. Mistakes here cause leaks that are expensive to find and fix.
- Permits. Electrical, plumbing and structural changes often need permits and inspections.
A DIY job that goes wrong usually costs more than hiring it done correctly the first time.
Why a professional like Aqua Techs is the best choice
Hiring a pool remodeling company costs more upfront than doing it yourself. It saves money and stress when you count the risk of redoing the work. Here is what you get with Aqua Techs:
- Licensed and insured. We hold New Mexico Contractor License #390451 and carry general liability and workers’ compensation insurance.
- A track record you can check. We have been in business since 2009 and hold an A+ rating with the BBB. We have helped over 400 families.
- One team for the whole project. Resurfacing, tile, decks, equipment and features are handled by the same crew, so nobody is pointing fingers when something goes wrong.
- Permits handled. We know the requirements in Albuquerque, Rio Rancho, Bernalillo, Corrales, Placitas, Los Lunas and Santa Fe.
- Built for our climate. Intense sun, dry air and freeze-thaw winters wear on finishes and equipment. We choose materials that hold up here.
- Clear pricing and financing. You get a written estimate with no pressure, and financing is available through Lyon Financial.
Frequently asked questions
How much does it cost to remodel a pool?
The national average is about $10,166. Resurfacing alone often runs $5,000 to $20,000 depending on the finish, while reshaping a pool can reach $100,000.
How often should a pool be remodeled?
It depends on the part. Plaster typically lasts 7 to 10 years and pebble 15 to 25, so many pools are resurfaced once or twice over their lifetime, with equipment and lighting upgraded along the way.
What should I remodel first?
Fix anything structural or safety-related first, such as cracks, leaks and drain covers. Then upgrade the surface, equipment and extras.
Is it better to remodel or build a new pool?
If the shell is sound, remodeling is almost always cheaper. A new pool makes sense when the structure is failing or the shape no longer fits how you live.
Get a free remodel estimate
Not sure what your pool needs? We will inspect it, explain your options in plain English and give you a written estimate. Request your free estimate or call 505-850-3764.