Pool Perfection
Pretty plants and grasses can be mixed into the pool deck area to soften the hardscape and manage drainage quite attractively. Photo courtesy of Moss Landscaping.
REINVENTING AN EXISTING POOL REQUIRES PROPER PLANNING AND A CAPABLE CONTRACTOR Age, wear and tear, weather extremes and other factors can take their toll on a backyard pool. How has your pool endured? From a minor touch up to an extreme makeover, the possibilities for fixing up an existing pool are almost endless, but seeing those possibilities become a happy realities requires experienced professionals who will get it done right.
We asked several local pool construction and renovation experts for their advice on making over a lackluster pool. Here’s what those experienced pros had to say. OPTIONS FOR UPGRADES
A beach entry area located near a well-equipped pergola is great for social gatherings. Photo courtesy of Creative Pool Designs. 38
An existing pool can benefit from sprucing up the surfaces, as well as many functional and visual upgrades. “The improvements can be as simple as resurfacing the pool interior and/or changing the tile and coping,” says Jo Anne Cronin, owner of Creative Pool Designs. She suggests owners may also consider adding decking or changing the material, from, say basic concrete to flagstone. Note that flagstone coping is not recommended with saltwater pool systems, because of the porous nature of flagstone. While most existing pool interior surfaces are plaster—the industry standard for years—pebble-based surfacing, such as Pebble-Tec is gaining
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A splash pad allows children to remain in the safety of shallow water with proper supervision. Photo courtesy of Moss Landscaping.
Recent Pool Safety Regulation The Virginia Graeme Baker Pool & Spa Safety Act is a federal law (put into effect in Dec. 2008) that requires anti-entrapment drain covers and other devices be placed over pool drains to prevent serious injuries and accidental deaths. To learn more, search for “pool safety” at www.houstontx.gov.
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ground. “Pebble-Tec is more durable because of its rock content,” says Jeremy Jackson of Adams Tile & Plaster. “The finish is about 85-90 percent pebble, so it’s harder and more resilient than plaster and has a higher PSI rating than plaster.” Jackson reports that plaster surfaces usually last about 8 years, while a pebble surface can last up 25 years. His company has been using Pebble-Tec in the Houston area for more than 10 years. Beyond the basics, the options are only limited by your imagination and budget. “More dramatic and extensive changes can include water features, raised elements, replacing old lights with eco-friendly, cost effective color-changing lights, eco-friendly, more cost-effective pool equipment, mood-lighting in the yard, fog and/or fire features,” says Cronin. In addition to those extras, Don Peak of Reflection Pools & Spas adds even more possibilities to the list, such as underwater speakers, entry lifts for the handicapped, and even new slides (where allowed). “Pool automation is now more affordable with wireless remote controls for lights, heater, blower, lighting, etc.,” says Peak.
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Lighting is an essential part of any pool build or remodel. Photo courtesy of Robert Huff.
Thinking big, Peak explains that, if your budget allows, pool walls can be reshaped, or expanded for a bigger pool, which allows for adding a spa. Another fun add-on Peak suggests is an in-pool table.
if they change or add an item and that goes for all ages. From children who may want to dive in the wrong depths or the older generation who may need safety rails to get into the pool or spa or have continuous railings along each side of the pool.”
DECISIONS , DECISIONS
Cronin recommends homeowners think about the larger picture carefully and not rush into such a large project. “The timing of the homeowner’s research should be done so that the actual work can be done in the Fall or Winter months, when new construction is down,” says Cronin. This way, the pool company can spend quality time planning and designing your pool project. Cronin encourages homeowners to “think about how are they going to use the pool. “Pool owners need to think about what they really like about having a pool,” says Peak. “Do they enjoy swimming laps or do they prefer sitting on benches or reclining on tan benches? The most important item is pool safety 42
THAT DARN DROUGHT
Many pool owners witnessed the drought’s effects on the decking around the pool, but not the physical structure of the pool. “Last summer's drought was a 100-year record and created a lot of problems for existing decks and home foundations,” says Peak. “Despite all that, well-built gunite pools were not affected in most cases. Decks can be raised and re-worked with solid decks that have rebar for underlayment of travertine, flagstone or just built for toppings like Spray Deck or similar products. Drainage meeting code requirements can also help in most yards and should be installed by a company that uses code-certified PVC pipe.”
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Water featres add the calming effect of trickling water. Photo courtesy of Viking Pools. COST
A submerged ledge allows seated relaxation and doubles as a staircase. Photo courtesy of Creative Pool Designs. 44
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According to Cronin, the price tag for a standard retile, recope and replaster is usually less than $10,000. “Obviously adding any of the features listed above would increase the cost of the remodel. If contemplating the more aggressive changes, the homeowner should request a pricing breakdown so that serious thought can be given to each item and the benefit the homeowner will gain from it—whether the gain is the enjoyment they will derive or monetary gain upon resale.” “Depending on the scope of the work from minor to major, the range would be $8,000 to $80,000-plus,” says Peak. Remodeling a pool can take about one week to six weeks, depending on the project. “The average project will take anywhere from 1 to 3 weeks, weather permitting,” says Cronin. “The larger projects can take longer. Projects do move faster in the fall and winter.” With years of experience, Peak is proud of the standards of the local pool industry. Houston has some of the best pool builders and sub contractors in the U.S. We cannot build pools here with the minimum thickness of the walls and minimal amount of steel that is allowed in other areas of the U.S.,” says Peak.
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“Make sure the company is qualified to do the work and obtains the proper permits for plumbing and electrical work,” says Peak. “Each city in our area has its own codes. Ask for work references and check with the BBB.” “Look for a company that gives free estimates and doesn’t require payment upfront,” says Jackson. “At Adams, we ask for payment upon completion, not in advance.” Ask for proof of insurance. “Many companies say they have insurance,” says Jackson. “Ask to see their certificate. Otherwise, if there’s an accident on the job site and the company is not really insured, an injured worker can hold the homeowner responsible. A variety of natural rock and plant materials can beautify sloping terrain and will handle runoff from heavy rains nicely. Photo courtesy of Viking Pools.
Resources CREATIVE POOL DESIGNS Joanne Cronin 281.491.7665, creativepooldesigns.com REFLECTION POOLS & SPAS Don Peak 713.559.1100, reflectionpoolsandspas.com ADAMS TILE & PLASTER Jeremy Jackson 281.440.7634, adamstileandplaster.com BLUE HAVEN POOLS 281.497.5711, bluehaven.com AESTHETIC POOL & PATIO RENOVATIONS Keith Smart 713.875.3838, aetheticpools.com Fountain sprays and lush plantings can add grown up ambiance when the kids aren't splashing. Photo courtesy of Moss Landscaping. 46
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