There’s no better way to enjoy the summer weather than a dip in your swimming pool or a tanning session on the pool deck. But if your pool is looking run down and dull, you probably wouldn’t want to go anywhere near it.
At this point, you’ve realized that you need a pool remodel and restoration, but their costing can be confusing to navigate because of all the little works involved. If you’re not careful with your budget planning, you could lose more money than you bargained for.
Our guide will help you break down all the elements involved in a pool remodeling project to figure out the cost to redo a pool efficiently.
Average Cost to Redo a Pool
Around the US, the average cost to redo a pool is around $8,343, with labor costs alone averaging $65 an hour. The lower end of the spectrum can have costs as low as $4,000 for replastering a concrete pool and adding a new cover. A High-end complete pool renovation can have a monstrous budget totaling to over $100,000.
The cost can vary depending on the homeowner’s preferences regarding the extent of remodeling required, along with the quality of materials used and labor costs. Pool size and type are also important in determining your budget. Fancy pools like infinity pools will cost higher due to their delicate nature.
Average Cost for Pool Repairs
Minor repairs are not considered a remodel of the pool, but some repairs are big enough to be discussed in this article. Repairs may also be a part of your overall remodeling project. It’s essential to know how much you’ll have to pay for them, so here are all the repair costs for a pool:
Re-grouting
If your grout between existing tiles is damaged or worn out, you will have to dig out and replace it. Basically, grout is the fluid form of cement that is used to seal the joints between tiles. Its function is to make the surface stronger and more durable by bonding the tiles tightly together.
Cost Concerns: Smaller tiles have more lines and gaps. Thus, they will require more grout for the same surface area as bigger tiles. It will also take more time to apply the grout meaning higher costs for both labor and materials. Grout will cost around $2.5 to $4.5 per square foot. Total cost for pools usually clocks in between $500 and $1,000.
Breaks/Cracks in The Pool Wall
If you have breaks or cracks in your pool wall, you will leak water and risk damaging the pool’s structure as the water seeps deeper into the cracks. It can be potentially dangerous and must be fixed immediately.
The cost of fixing these cracks will range from $300 to $5,000 depending on the seriousness of the damage.
Broken/Faulty Lights
If you have just a few standard pool lights, replacing/repairing them will be relatively cheap. However, modern and high-end pools will have multiple special/custom lights that may be expensive to replace.
Costs are expected to be in the region of $500 to $3,000.
Re-tiling
You may want to replace tiling that is damaged, past its use or just looking dull overall. You may even want to replace them because you want something that looks better.
Replacing existing tiles with new ones will cost around $600 to $3,000 for basic ceramic tiles and upwards of $60,000 for premium glass tiles, without labor.
A decent tile installer will ask for around $18 per hour for re-tiling work on average.
Repairs can make up a large proportion of your total cost to redo a pool, so it’s essential to plan for them accordingly.
Replacing Pool Liner
A liner is usually a vinyl covering for the walls and floor of a swimming pool. Its main function is to keep the pool water in and protect the surface from wear and tear
Costing: Pools with vinyl liner can actually cost around $10,000 less to install than concrete or fiberglass pools. Vinyl pool liners can cost as low as $100 for a 12’, above-ground pool. However, costs can go as high as $1,600 for a 20’ by 40’, in-ground rectangular pool.
However, the liner has to be replaced every 5 to 9 years at an average cost of $4,000; thus, it may not necessarily cheaper long term.
You also have the option of adding a fiberglass surface to your pool. The upfront cost for a fiberglass pool will be much higher than that of vinyl or concrete options, ranging from $3,500 to $8,500. However, they will not need replacing as often as other options and will improve your home’s resale value a lot more too.
Cost to Redo a Pool Step
Pool steps go through a lot of wear and tear. They are prone to damage and must be repaired immediately for safety reasons. A pool step repair will cost around $1,000 to $3,000 depending on the size of the steps and materials used. Basic metal ladders will cost $150 each, and you can add them wherever you want.
There’s one very interesting choice for our more adventurous readers. You can build a beach or zero-entry area. This feature involves adding a gentle slope that seamlessly connects the deck or patio to the pool with a shallow area that gets gradually deeper. This feature will give you a beach like feeling as you enter your pool. Adding this feature involves a major overhaul to your swimming pool’s structure and will cost about $30,000 to $60,000. It’s expensive, but definitely worth it if you can afford it.
Replacement Costs for Pool Features
Some parts and areas are beyond repair, and they will have to be replaced in your pool restoration. This will be a major part of your cost to redo a pool.
Leaf Net, Vacuum and Skimmer
Leaf nets are a useful tool to keep unwanted debris out of your pool. They’re available for under $20 in most large stores.
A skimmer is an integral part of any pool that works to keep the pool water clean from debris such as insects, leaves, pollen, bugs, etc. They should be replaced once they stop working properly to maintain the health of your pool. Cost ranges from $40 to $60.
A new automatic pool vacuum will cost anywhere between $250 and $500.
Pool Coping
Pool coping, also called bondbeam, refers to the 12” wide material above the pool tile line that separates the top of your pool from the pool decking. Depending on the material you’ve used, it can cost $500-$3,000 to replace a pool coping.
Leaky Pipes
Leaking pipes are a significant safety hazard and would also waste a lot of precious water. Get them replaced at a cost ranging from $500 to $3,000
Cost to Redo a Pool Surface
There are 3 main types of pool surfaces, and the average cost to resurface a pool can range from $1000 to $100,000! Labor charges will be between $45 and $65 per hour. The reason behind this large variation in costs is that some resurface jobs can involve replacing the entire pool surface and base!
Concrete (Gunite) Resurfacing Costs
On average, a concrete pool will cost $6,500 to resurface. There a few different types of finishes that you can apply to a concrete resurfacing, these are:
- Tile: the most popular and durable choice that gives a wide range of options and prices.
- Plaster: lowest cost option
- Paint: lots of options available, affordable and DIY-friendly.
- Pebble: the best-looking option, in our opinion.
Vinyl-Lined Pool Resurfacing Costs
As mentioned earlier, vinyl liners are the cheapest on this list. They will cost between $1,000 and $3,500 to replace, including labor. The price of the vinyl liner will depend on its durability and thickness. Vinyl finishes give a smooth finish to the pool surface.
Fiberglass Pool Resurfacing Costs
Fiberglass is the longest lasting surface, and the best looking. Their installation costs are the highest, as mentioned earlier. However, their resurfacing cost is equal to concrete at $6,500.
Cost for Adding Extra Perks
While redoing a pool, most homeowners will add some new features and perks to upgrade what they have.
Diving Board or Slide
A typical diving board will cost $1,000 if its of high quality. Slides have more room for customization, so they can cost anywhere between $1,000 and $15,000.
Water Fountain
Maybe a bit over-the-top, but there’s no doubt that a water fountain emits a certain class and luxury. Jet fountains will cost $500-$1000, Bubblers will be priced at $450 to $700, and Rock Cascades will have prices ranging from $300 to $1,000.
In-Ground Hot Tub
Another extravagant feature for our list that we’re sure everyone would love. Adding a hot tub to your pool will cost you around $17,000, including labor. It’s worth it in our eyes.
Conclusion
Congratulations! We hope you finally know the cost to redo a pool now and are ready to plan your remodeling project.
Before you go, we recommend visiting our website if you are looking for more tips on all types of building, remodeling, restoring, and DIY projects.
Happy diving!
