If you’re planning pool renovations or updates,  now is the perfect time to get started. Enhancing your pool’s functionality, aesthetics, and efficiency can make a big difference in your swimming experience. From modern upgrades to energy-saving solutions, early planning ensures your pool is ready to shine when the warmer weather arrives. Give us a call today to get on the schedule for enhancements that can transform your pool into a more functional, beautiful, and efficient space. 

Pool Renovation Inspiration: Possible Features and Upgrades

Whether aiming to modernize your pool’s aesthetics, improve energy efficiency, or add smart features for conveniencswimming pool renovationse and safety, early planning ensures your pool will be ready to impress when warmer weather returns.

There are endless ways to elevate your backyard retreat, from adding luxurious features to improving energy efficiency. Here are some top pool renovation ideas to consider for next season:

  • Add a relaxing tanning ledge for lounging and family fun.
  • Upgrade to LED lighting for ambiance and safety.
  • Modernize with pool automation systems for convenience.
  • Refresh your pool’s look with new tile, surface, or liner upgrades.
  • Incorporate energy-efficient equipment to lower costs and reduce your carbon footprint.
  • Boost aesthetics with water features like waterfalls or fountains.
  • Improve safety with pool alarms, fencing, or covers.

Let’s dive deeper into these ideas to inspire your next pool transformation. 

Add a Tanning Ledge for Ultimate Relaxation

A tanning ledge, also known as a Baja shelf, is a shallow, submerged platform typically located at the pool’s entry. It’s the perfect spot for lounging, sunbathing, or enjoying a cool dip without fully immersing yourself in the water. This is one pool renovation that pool users of all ages will enjoy.

Benefits of Adding a Tanning Ledge

  • Enhanced Relaxation Space: Provides a comfortable area to relax, read a book, or enjoy a refreshing beverage while partially submerged.
  • Family-Friendly Feature: Creates a safe, shallow zone for children to play under supervision.
  • Luxurious Aesthetic: Adds a resort-like feel to your pool, increasing its visual appeal and potential property value.

By planning this upgrade ahead of the swimming season, you can ensure your tanning ledge is perfectly installed and ready for enjoyment as soon as the warmer weather arrives. This stylish and functional addition transforms your pool into a versatile space, offering a relaxing retreat for adults and a safe, shallow area for children to play. It’s a feature that enhances the overall experience for every family member.

Install Modern LED Pool Lighting

Transform your pool’s ambiance and enhance nighttime safety with modern LED pool lighting. These innovative systems offer vibrant, customizable colors and are a significant upgrade over traditional incandescent lights. Whether you’re hosting an evening pool party or enjoying a quiet swim, LED lighting adds a touch of elegance and practicality to your pool area.

Benefits of LED Pool Lighting

  • Energy-Efficient and Eco-Friendly: LED lights consume far less energy than traditional options, saving money and reducing environmental impact.
  • Customizable Colors: Choose from various hues to create the perfect atmosphere, whether it’s a relaxing evening or a festive gathering.
  • Enhanced Safety and Visibility: Improved illumination ensures better visibility at night, reducing the risk of accidents in and around the pool.

Upgrade to Energy-Efficient Pool Equipment

Reducing your pool’s energy consumption is easier than ever with energy-efficient pool equipment. These pool renovations lower operating costs and create a more sustainable, eco-friendly pool. Upgrading to energy-efficient pool equipment is one of the smartest investments for your pool.

Here are three critical equipment upgrades to consider for your energy-efficient pool:

Variable-Speed Pool Pumps

Pool pumps are essential for water circulation and filtration, but traditional single-speed pumps consume significant energy. Variable-speed pool pumps are a revolutionary solution designed to operate at lower speeds, drastically cutting energy usage without sacrificing performance.

  • How They Work: Unlike single-speed pumps that run at full power all the time, variable-speed pumps allow you to adjust the motor speed based on your pool’s specific needs, such as filtration, heating, or cleaning.
  • Benefits:
    • Energy Efficiency: Reduce energy consumption by up to 90% compared to traditional pumps.
    • Extended Lifespan: Lower operating speeds put less strain on the pump, increasing its longevity.
    • Quieter Operation: Variable-speed pumps run much more quietly than their single-speed counterparts.

Learn more about swimming pool pumps, including top brands, choosing an energy-efficient pump, installation, maintenance, and more. 

Energy-Efficient Heaters

Maintaining a comfortable water temperature doesn’t have to result in high energy bills. Energy-efficient pool heaters, such as heat pumps and solar heaters, provide reliable and cost-effective heating options.

  • Heat Pumps: Heat pumps draw warmth from the air and transfer it to your pool water, making them highly energy-efficient in moderate climates.
    • Benefits: Lower operational costs compared to traditional gas heaters.
    • Eco-Friendly: Generate heat with minimal environmental impact.
  • Solar Heaters: Powered by renewable energy, solar heaters use your pool’s filtration system to circulate water through solar panels, where it is heated and returned to the pool.
    • Benefits:
      • Zero energy costs after installation.
      • Environmentally friendly and long-lasting.

Learn more about pool heating technologies and how to choose the best pool heater for you from the top brands.

Salt Water Chlorine Generators

Salt Water GeneratorSwitching to a salt water pool system is a game-changing upgrade for pool owners looking for a low-maintenance, eco-friendly alternative to traditional chlorine pools. Salt water systems use electrolysis to convert dissolved salt into chlorine, providing consistent sanitization without the need for manually adding chemicals. This popular pool renovation saves time and money while producing the right chorine level for reliable pool water sanitation.

How It Works:

A salt water generator uses a salt cell and low-voltage electricity to produce chlorine from the salt in the water. This chlorine effectively sanitizes the pool and reverts back to salt, creating a continuous cycle. Because the salt isn’t consumed, the system requires only occasional salt replenishment, making it cost-effective and sustainable.

Salt Water Generator Benefits:

  • Consistent Chlorine Levels: Eliminates fluctuations in chlorine levels, reducing the risk of algae growth or cloudy water.
  • Reduced Maintenance: No need to store or manually handle large quantities of chlorine.
  • Improved Swimming Experience: Salt water pools are gentler on the skin, eyes, and swimsuits, offering a more enjoyable swimming experience.
  • Environmentally Friendly: Reduces chemical usage and minimizes waste.

Learn more about the advantages of salt water pools with our Free Guide: Salt Water Pool Generator.

By upgrading to these energy-efficient options, you can enjoy long-term savings, improved system performance, and a more sustainable pool. These enhancements benefit your wallet and contribute to a cleaner, greener future.

Add Stunning Water Features

With stunning water features, you can elevate your pool’s aesthetic and create a serene, resort-like atmosphere. These additions enhance the visual appeal of your pool and provide soothing sounds and movement that make your backyard oasis even more inviting.

Water Feature Options

  • Waterfalls: Add a natural and calming aesthetic with the gentle sound of flowing water, perfect for relaxation.
  • Fountains: Elegant and playful, fountains are ideal for making a visual statement while enhancing the ambiance.
  • Deck Jets or Laminar Streams: These lighted arcs of water create a sophisticated look, adding a touch of luxury to your pool area.

Water features elevate your pool’s design, improve ambiance, and offer a relaxing retreat that feels like a getaway in your own backyard.

Update Pool Tile, Surface, and Liner

A pool renovation isn’t complete without addressing the tiles, surface, or liner. Over time, these elements can wear out or become outdated, diminishing the pool’s overall appeal and functionality. Updating them ensures both a refreshed look and long-lasting durability.

Modern Tile Upgrades

  • Glass Tile: Sleek and reflective, offering a modern and luxurious finish.
  • Natural Stone Tile: Timeless and elegant, providing a natural aesthetic that blends seamlessly with outdoor environments.

Pool Surface Upgrades

  • Pebble Finishes: Durable, slip-resistant, and visually appealing for a natural look.
  • Colored Plaster: Add vibrant or subtle hues to complement your backyard style.

Replace Your Pool Liner

A new pool liner can completely transform the look and feel of your pool, offering both aesthetic and functional benefits. Modern liners come in various patterns, textures, and colors, allowing you to customize your pool to complement your outdoor space. From classic blue designs to bold, contemporary patterns, there’s an option to suit every style.

In addition to enhancing the pool’s appearance, a well-fitted liner provides crucial functional benefits:

  • Leak Prevention: A durable liner ensures that your pool retains water efficiently, preventing costly leaks.
  • Improved Longevity: Modern liners are made with advanced materials designed to withstand wear and tear, protecting your pool’s structure for years.

Refreshing your pool’s tile, surface, or liner transforms its appearance and enhances durability. It protects your investment while ensuring a polished, modern look. For more information on selecting and replacing your liner, visit our detailed guide: Pool Liner Replacement.

In addition to renovating in-ground vinyl liner pools, The Swimming Pool Store also renovates in-ground gunite/concrete pools. Our qualified personnel will help you plan the renovation while working to stay within your budget. We often schedule pool liner replacements early in the spring, so give us a call to get on the schedule.

Improve Safety Features

Upgrading your pool’s safety features provides peace of mind and ensures compliance with local regulations. Here are some key additions to consider:

  • Pool Alarms: Detect and alert you to unexpected movement in or near the pool, helping prevent accidents. The Swimming Pool Store can help you choose a pool alarm that fits your pool and safety needs. 
  • Safety Fencing: Create a secure barrier around your pool to protect children and pets from unauthorized access.
  • Automatic Pool Covers: Cover your pool during the off-season to prevent debris buildup and add an extra layer of safety.

Investing in safety features protects your loved ones, enhances peace of mind, and helps you meet legal safety standards for pool ownership.

Add Pool Automation

Elevate your pool ownership experience with smart swimming pool automation systems that simplify maintenance and enhance convenience. Pool automation allows you to precisely manage essential equipment such as pumps, heaters, and lighting from a smartphone app or connected device. With just a few taps, you can customize settings, monitor your pool’s performance, and ensure everything runs smoothly—at home or away.

By automating routine tasks, you can save time and effort while maintaining optimal water quality and energy efficiency. Pool automation improves functionality and seamlessly integrates with modern smart home technologies, allowing you to enjoy a pool that’s always ready for use. It’s the ultimate upgrade for a stress-free, efficient, and enjoyable pool experience.

Benefits of Pool Automation:

  • Effortless Management: Adjust water temperature, lighting, and filtration with ease.
  • Energy Savings: Schedule equipment operations to optimize energy efficiency.
  • Convenience: Monitor and maintain pool health anytime, from anywhere.

Discover more about automating your pool with our guide: Swimming Pool Automation.

Refresh the Surrounding Pool Decking

Your pool deck is just as important as the pool itself. Upgrading the decking can enhance the aesthetic, improve safety, and make the entire area more comfortable and inviting.

Decking Options:

  • Stamped or Stained Concrete: Offers the look of natural stone or wood at a lower cost.
  • Pavers or Travertine: Durable, slip-resistant, and stylish for timeless appeal.
  • Composite Decking: Eco-friendly, weather-resistant, and easy to maintain.

An upgraded pool deck creates a polished, cohesive space that enhances your pool’s usability and style while ensuring safety and durability.

Why Plan Your Pool Renovation Early?

It’s best to have your pool renovation plans ready come spring, to enjoy your upgraded pool throughout as much of the season as possible.  Scheduling early provides some advantages:

  • Better Contractor Availability: Pool professionals are less busy, making it easier to book services.
  • Faster Completion Times: Avoid the spring rush and ensure your upgrades are finished before the swimming season starts.
  • Budget-Friendly Choices: Research, compare, and plan upgrades without the pressure of peak season pricing.

Ready to Transform Your Pool?

Now is the perfect time to plan thoughtful upgrades that can extend your pool’s lifespan, enhance its functionality, and elevate its style. Early planning ensures a stress-free renovation process, whether adding energy-efficient equipment, modernizing with LED lighting, or exploring saltwater systems and pool automation.

For expert advice and professional renovation services, contact The Swimming Pool Store.  Please send an email during the off-season; appointments are available upon request.

*If we cannot complete the renovation you desire, we can point you in the right direction to get what you need and want for a stunning swimming pool renovation. Some of the pool renovations listed here require a different expertise in masonry, carpentry, or electrical work.

View a sample of our Pool Renovation Projects.

To get you started in the renovation or building planning process, here are some considerations to think about:

  • Establish a budget to work from. Pool renovation costs can quickly add up with the many different options available. If you have a specific dollar amount you don’t want to exceed, you’ll prevent the cost from becoming more than you can handle.
  • Research, Research and more Research. When it comes to pool renovations, don’t go into the process completely unaware of the many different options available for your pool. It’s much easier for us to work with homeowners who know what they want and why they want it. Don’t leave your pool renovation planning in someone else’s hands because you may not be happy with what you end up with.
  • Be sure to factor in ALL the costs of renovating an in-ground pool. The money you will have to spend on a pool renovation does not begin and end with what you pay your pool renovator. Several other items to plan for include a new fence, new decking to go around the pool, hiring an electrician, paying for water to be delivered to fill the pool if a new liner is required, landscaping costs after the pool is renovated, etc.
  • Consider adding a heater to extend your swimming season. Of the many options one can add when renovating a pool, the heater is probably the most important in our neck of the woods. Whether you install an energy-efficient heat pump, solar panels, or a traditional gas heater, the length of your swimming season can easily be extended by a full month (open two weeks earlier in the spring and stay open two weeks later in the fall). As with any type of heater, using a solar blanket is extremely important, preventing heat loss from the pool when it gets cooler at night.
  • Talk to friends/neighbors who have gone through the process. Sometimes, the most honest feedback you will receive about renovating a pool will come from someone you know who already has one. Use them as a resource of information to help you avoid some of the pitfalls they had to go through.

For over 50 years, The Swimming Pool Store has been transforming pools with expert renovations and high-quality products and services. Let us help you plan the perfect pool for next season. Contact us today to get started on your swimming pool renovations.