How Much Does It Cost to Remodel a Pool?

Common Pool Renovation Costs

Pool renovation costs vary significantly depending on the project. For instance, a simple patch job might only cost $65 per linear foot, while extensive restorations can cost $100,000 or more. 

Pool Restoration Costs 

Minor restoration projects, like replacing a vinyl liner, average about $2,000, while major restorations can cost as much as $100,000 or more. Major restorations often involve multiple projects at once, such as replacing the entire tile surface and adding a glass fence. 

These restorations require considerable labor. Typically, an entire team of swimming pool professionals will work on these projects, which significantly drives up costs.  

Re-Tiling 

Re-tiling a pool costs anywhere from $3,000 to $60,000 for materials, depending on the type of tile you choose. Basic ceramic tiles will cost closer to the lower end of that range, while glass tiles cost closer to the higher end. You should also expect to pay at least $18 per hour for labor. 

Re-Grouting 

Re-grouting tile can help prevent leaks while restoring your pool's appearance. Re-grouting tile costs around $3 per square foot, so the bigger your pool, the more you can expect to pay for this service. 

Replacing Coping

Coping is a protective lip around a pool that helps prevent water from seeping behind the pool wall. Replacing coping usually costs $30 to $50 per linear foot, depending on the type. 

Pool Step Replacement

Creating an access point for your pool will cost around $150 for a basic metal ladder, while a full wall step installation can cost $4,500 or more. Pool step repairs average around $65 per linear foot and consist of fixing cracks and breaks in the steps. Making structural changes to existing steps requires additional labor and material charges.

An alternative to replacing old steps is creating a beach or zero-entry area. Zero-entry pools have a gentle slope from the deck or patio, creating an extended shallow area for beach-like access. The cost to add this feature is similar to changing the shape or size of your pool, usually ranging from $30,000 to $60,000. 

Redo a Pool Deck

Pool decks cost $3,000 to $12,000 to build, depending on the deck's size and features. If you currently have a pool deck but would like to update it, resurfacing the pool deck is an option. A basic resurfacing job of a 750-square-foot pool deck ranges from $2,250 to $3,750. 

Meanwhile, adding a decorative overlay costs about $5,250 to $9,000, while stamped concrete ranges from $6,000 to $15,000.

Cost Factors for Remodeling a Pool

Your pool's size and type play a major role in how much it will cost to remodel it. 

Size

Many pool remodeling projects are priced by square foot or linear foot, so the larger your pool, the more you can expect to pay for a remodeling project. 

Pool and Liner Type

In-ground pools are usually more expensive to remodel than above-ground pools, in part because many pool remodeling projects can only be completed on in-ground pools. For instance, you can't typically add fire bowls and water features to above-ground pools. Above-ground pool remodeling projects usually range from $500 to $3,000, while in-ground projects often range from $6,000 to $30,000.

Your liner type also affects remodeling costs. For example, fiberglass liners usually cost more to remodel than vinyl liners. 

Additional Pool Remodeling Costs

Additional pool remodeling costs can include things like pool lights, skimmer or leaf net replacements, and chlorination systems. It's a good idea to budget for these expenses if you expect to include them in your remodeling project.  

Pool Lights

The total cost to install pool lights ranges from $450 to $1,700. Ideally, you should install lights when other major pool renovations are happening because this is an invasive project. 

Typical light costs include:

• Large LED: $450–$650

• Small LED: $50–$350

• Fiber optics: $20–$60

• Incandescent: $30–$70

Replacing a Skimmer or Leaf Net

Skimmers help keep the surface of your pool clean. You can expect to pay between $1,500 and $3,000 to replace an in-ground pool skimmer. However, you can typically replace an above-ground pool skimmer for around $150. 

To catch debris that skimmers cannot filter out, you can buy a handheld leaf cleaning net for under $50.

Adding a Pool Pump or Chlorination System

Pumps average around $600 installed, but they can range from $150 to $800. Automatic chlorination systems, aka chemical feeders, usually cost around $2,000.

Converting Chlorine to a Saltwater Pool

The cost to convert a chlorinated pool to a saltwater pool averages around $1,500, but it can range from $500 to $2,500. 

Changing the Shape or Size

Changing the shape of a pool starts at around $30,000 for a vinyl pool and $60,000 for a concrete (gunite) pool. This is an invasive project that requires replacing the entire pool lining. The total price includes installation and materials for a new pool, plus the labor required to move earth.

Pool Remodel Add-Ons 

You can opt for fun add-ons to enhance your pool even further, like a water feature or a slide. However, each of these features comes at a cost. 

Cost to Add a Water Feature to a Pool

Installing a water feature on your pool usually ranges from $450 to $1,900, depending on the feature's type and size, as well as labor rates in your area. 

Adding a Slide 

Pool slides range from $1,000 to $15,000 installed, depending on the complexity of the component. 

Diving Board

You can typically install a diving board for around $1,000, but make sure your pool is deep enough for safe diving. 

Adding Pool Fencing

Fencing costs anywhere from $1,500 to $20,000 for a 160-foot enclosure, or about $9 to $125 per foot. Individual states have different regulations on fencing around residential pools to protect neighbors and wildlife. Safety-wise, a protective barrier is essential for families with children or pets. 

Popular fencing materials include:

• Glass: $10,000–$20,000

• Mesh screen: $1,500–$2,500

• Wood: $5,000–$10,000

• Aluminum: $5,000

Adding a Spillover Spa or In-Ground Hot Tub

Similar to the cost of installing a hot tub alone, adding a hot tub to an existing pool runs about $17,000, including labor. The labor charges are a big part of this total because pros need to dig a large hole to make room for the new lining.

DIY vs. Pro Pool Renovation Services

Whether you should remodel a pool yourself depends on the extent of the project and your comfort level with the task. For instance, replacing several loose tiles is a simple DIY project that most pool owners can complete themselves. For larger repairs or complete replacements, it's best to call a licensed pool remodeler near you.

If you do decide to complete a pool renovation yourself, make sure to check local building codes and permitting requirements to ensure a successful project.

FAQs

How can a pool be modernized?

There are several ways to modernize a pool, depending on your preferences. Common features in a modern pool include gas-powered firepits, rockface waterfalls, underwater LED lights, and mosaic tiles. You can also add a beach entry to your pool in lieu of a traditional ladder for a more modern look. 

Can you add on to an existing in-ground pool?

You can add on to an existing in-ground pool by draining the pool, removing the existing liner, removing the earth in the space the new pool will fill, installing new siding in the space and then replacing the entire liner. This project will run between $30,000 for vinyl and $60,000 for gunite.

What are the most energy-efficient pool updates I can make?

• Resurface with a different color to reduce heating needs and evaporation

• Install a variable-speed pump

• Switch lights to low-energy LEDs

• Update old plumbing pipes