If it’s been five or more years since your last pool remodeling, you likely have some pool remodeling ideas floating around in the back of your mind. Whether it is something practical like a simple filter change, or a more extravagant redoing of your entire backyard, pool technology and trends evolve faster than you’d think.
A dizzying array of pool remodel ideas are available to greater New York-area homeowners. It can be difficult to tell what are simply passing fads, and which are truly worth the investment.
Below is a guide to not only the optimal pool remodeling ideas for the summer 2027 swimming season, but also the optimal moment you should consider an upgrade.
When Should I Remodel My Pool?
In the greater New York area and Northeastern U.S., the fall months are typically the optimal time of year for a pool remodeling. This is for several reasons:
- Time of year: This is typically when pool season comes to a close. Not only will renovations not interfere with your ability to use the pool, but any serious winterization-related issues can be caught before they swell into major problems.
- Pace of work: Most major pool construction projects started in this window will typically be finished by winter. This means you can open your pool on time in spring with no delays.
- Avoids high summer demand: demand for pool-related contracting typically peaks in the summer months. This means a shortage of available contractors, higher pricing, slower permit processing times, and spending summer with a pool you can’t use.
Reasons to Remodel
If your pool systems and appearance have remained unchanged for ten or more years, you should consider modernizing them.
Filtration technology, by far the most expensive aspect of pool ownership, has grown vastly more efficient and cost-effective over the past decade. Opting for LEDs over older forms of lighting can also be surprisingly good for your wallet.
The options available to pool owners have also become much more numerous. When Shoreline Pools first opened its doors in the early 70s, fancy fixtures like integrated pool-spas and sun shelves were curiosities; now, they are practically the standard.
1. New Finishes and Resurfacing
Resurfacing your pool as part of a periodic pool remodel is never a bad idea; in fact, it’s practically a necessity to ensure the surface of the pool shell doesn’t corrode or become splotchy. How often you need resurfacing typically depends on your material:
- Plaster typically lasts 7-15 years before replacement is needed.
- Quartz can go somewhat longer, typically lasting 10-20 years depending on finish and level of maintenance.
- Pebble finishes generally last the longest; they can go up to 25 years before needing a replacement.
Pool finishing trends have also changed somewhat since 2016/2017. Back then, exposed aggregate and pebble finishes were in vogue, typically with very earthy or natural-looking colors. Since then, however, the ideal look has shifted more towards darker-colored finishes like:
- Black
- Charcoal
- Navy
- Royal blue
Though these finishes certainly make use of materials like quartz or pebbles, the earthy, natural look of these materials is also more muted in favor of the darker colors.
If you are looking to renovate your pool as part of selling your house or simply keeping up with the times, consider this style of darker finish.
2. Additional Deck Renovations
Pool remodeling ideas are rarely just about the pool; your deck or patio are more important to the experience than many think. There are several reasons for this:
- When you exit a pool, you need a stable and non-slip surface to dry on.
- Pool water is chlorinated harmful to your lawn in large amounts. A solid patio can absorb that extra moisture.
- Decks are a common spot where people relax and socialize. An aesthetically pleasant one increases your home’s curb appeal and property value.
Your deck is also what anchors your pool shell in place and compliments your finish aesthetically. If you opt for a modern darker-color pool finish, natural stone pavers like bluestone, travertine, or porcelain add a lighter-colored, more natural finish to the deep-colored pool.
3. New Coping and Surface-level finishes
Pools are not filled to the very top; the area of the pool stretching from the standard water surface to the patio edge is known as the “coping area.” One of the easiest, cheapest ways to renovate your pool may lie in the coping area, depending on the age of your pool.
For decades, bullnose bricks dominated pool patio edges. This style of smooth, line-shaped brick with bumps on the end are so ubiquitous in pool design, most Americans have likely seen them without ever realizing they had a name.
While still commonplace, the 2020s have seen a major shift away from bullnose breaks in favor of smoother, more subtle pool edges. The style of waterline tile you use may also be in need of an upgrade.
Though the tiles themselves are an essential indicator of proper pool level, the more dramatic and art deco-esque designs popular in the 1980s and 90s have largely been replaced with simpler, subtler patterns that more closely match the pool surface.
3. Pool Fire Pits
Who says your pool remodeling ideas have to stop at new updated pool and deck designs? One of the snazzier and more extravagant pool upgrades to gain traction over the past decade are built-in fire pits close in close proximity to your pool.
Fire pits have long been a feature of American backyards. They are a source of heat in the winter months or during chillier summer nights, and it’s possible to roast food like marshmallows or hot dogs over the flame.
Water naturally feels colder than air. Relaxing by a fire can help greatly with sub-70 July or August nights.
4. Infinity Edges
If your backyard has both the necessary vertical and horizontal space, infinity edges can be a beautiful and elegant addition to your pool.
Infinity pools operate via a controlled overflow: one side of your pool is lower than the others and pours into a smaller area, giving a waterfall-like illusion. Though the effect is more visual than functional, the lower level of the infinity edge can make it pleasant to lean against and relax on.
5. Fountains & Waterfalls
Built-in fountains are self-explanatory; they connect to your pool systems and spew water like any other fountains. Pool “waterfalls” work in a similar manner but are more like a manmade tribute to nature. Typically carved of natural stone, they use pool water to create the illusion of a mini waterfall at your pool’s surface.
Looking to Modernize Your Pool?
We are now closer to the year 2050 than 2000; if your pool is sporting the latest designs and technology of late 1990s, it’s probably time for an upgrade. Shoreline Pools’ family-run team of contractors and professionals are here on-season and off to help you bring your pool remodeling ideas to life.
Shoreline Pools operates mostly in the Lower Hudson Valley, particularly in Westchester County, New York and Fairfield County, Connecticut.
Looking to meet with a design consultant and get your ideas in order? Give us a call at (203) 967-1203 or send us a message via our contact form.
