Affordable Pool Renovations

Swimming pools tend to be the focal point and center of activity at any recreational facility health club. If your pool isn't up to snuff, there is a good chance that you are tarnishing the reputation of your facility and are at risk of losing business.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RENOSYS

We all know that fitness and health clubs are often on a tight budget, so renovating the swimming pool may appear to be a monumental challenge. Thankfully, there are now renovation techniques and products available that are less expensive than conventional renovation—so a pool renovation won't break the bank.

Typically, older swimming pools have cracks or deteriorating surfaces and may even be leaking. Whether the pool is constructed of concrete, fiberglass, steel or aluminum, the installation of a textured PVC shell within the pool will effectively contain water, seal structural cracks and will even solve problems such as leaks. The PVC also has an aesthetically pleasing look and offers the added benefit of providing a softer surface and more secure footing for users, especially those doing water aerobic classes.

Using a PVC pool shell in renovation is always less expensive than conventional renovation, so you'll be able to reallocate your available budget toward other options like waterslides and fun water-play elements that will entice new, family-oriented members.

In addition to fixing your pool's surface, you can improve your pool deck and locker rooms by using PVC recreational flooring to enhance the look and feel of the facility. Installing a new PVC pool gutter system also provides an immediate facelift to the pool, while simultaneously eliminating pressure pipe leaks.

The Longue Vue Country Club in Vernona, Pa., is an example of a pool that opted for an affordable, long-term renovation solution. This club had an older, competition-sized pool that had leaking pipes, needed a new gutter and had a deteriorating pool shell, which was rough on the feet of patrons.

The Longue Vue Country Club learned about commercial PVC membranes as an option for renovation and was pleased to find the cost to be less than that of conventional surface refinishing. The renovation was cost-effective, in part, because the liner and gutter work was performed by the renovation company in partnership with a local pool professional who handled the deck, filtration and plumbing work.

PHOTO COURTESY OF RENOSYS

"The pool had become extremely hard to maintain," said Tod Pierce, general manager for the club. "Installing a PVC pool membrane system was turned out to the best solution for our pool."

To obtain the most cost-effective renovation design, look for a turnkey, or design-build solution. Certain companies specialize in multiple levels of pool renovation assistance, from design to manufacturing and installation. When you work with such a design or build partner, you'll often see dramatic savings over the conventional construction process.

Be sure the company you work with has experience in your type of facility, as well as the ability to bond your project. The right partner will know how to make the most of the pool you have now, using a combination of technology and products to convert your old, tired pool into an aquatic centerpiece.

"The renovation was cost-effective, in part, because the liner and gutter work was performed by RenoSys in partnership with our local pool professional who handled the deck, filtration and plumbing work," noted Pierce.

The Longue Vue Country Club opted for a custom logo to be placed on the floor of the pool that is lit at night. In addition to fixing the pool's surface, the Longue Vue Country Club also installed a new PVC pool gutter system that provided an immediate facelift to the pool while simultaneously eliminating pressure pipe leaks.

Attractive, comfortable and low-maintenance swimming pools are central to the success of any fitness club. Now is the time to spruce up your old pool with renovation solutions that give you a modern, trouble-free pool that will last for decades. Having a showcase aquatic center is key to bringing in new business and retaining customers.

 

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Jason Mart is the founder and CEO of RenoSys Corp. a 28-year-old leading national pool renovation and construction company. For more information, visit www.renosys.com.