At some point, almost every pool in North Texas reaches the stage where repairs on individual issues start to feel like a game of whack-a-mole. When that happens, a full pool remodel is often the smarter investment. Here's what a pool remodel involves, when it makes sense, and what to expect from the process.
Signs It's Time to Remodel
Plaster is rough, stained, or flaking
Pool plaster has a typical lifespan of 10-15 years in North Texas. When it starts to feel rough underfoot, develops staining that won't clear with chemicals, or begins to delaminate and flake, it's past its service life. At that point, a full replaster is the right call. Patching worn plaster is usually just buying time.
Multiple plumbing or structural repairs in recent years
If you've had two or three separate plumbing repairs in the past few years, and the pool is showing additional signs of age, you may be approaching the point where a full remodel that addresses plumbing, structure, and finish all at once is more economical than continued individual repairs.
Coping and tile are deteriorating
The coping (the cap around the pool's edge) and the waterline tile both take a beating: constant water contact,, UV exposure, and freeze-thaw cycles in North Texas winters. When these start to crack, shift, or separate, they often signal that the bond beam beneath them has also been compromised.
What a Pool Remodel Includes
Drain and inspection
The process starts by draining the pool completely and doing a full inspection of the shell, all plumbing penetrations, the main drain assembly, and the bond beam. This is the only time you can see the full condition of the pool, and it often reveals issues that weren't visible with water in place.
Structural repairs
Any cracks, failing fittings, or compromised plumbing penetrations are addressed before new surfaces go on. There's no point in applying new plaster over an unaddressed structural issue.
Surface preparation
The old plaster surface is chipped or sandblasted to create a clean, porous substrate for the new material to bond to.
New plaster, tile, and coping
New plaster goes on in one continuous process. It can't stop and start, so the whole crew works together to complete the surface in a single session. Tile and coping are installed separately, and there's a wide range of options from standard white plaster to exposed aggregate finishes and premium tile selections.
How Long Does It Take?
Most pool remodels in the DFW area take 2-3 weeks from draining to refilling, depending on the scope of structural work, the size of the pool, and scheduling. The pool needs to cure for several weeks after refilling before it's back to normal use.
Return on Investment
A well-done pool remodel extends the pool's life by 15-20 years. In North Texas, where outdoor living is a major part of home value, a remodeled pool is also a significant selling point if you ever choose to sell. Most homeowners recoup a meaningful portion of the remodel cost in home value, in addition to enjoying a pool that actually works properly.
Thinking about a pool remodel?
Excelsior Pool Services handles full remodels throughout DFW. Call for a free consultation.
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