From cracks in the surface and leaky pipes to simple visual appeal, older swimming pools can present a host of difficulties. Successful aquatic operations require steady attendance, and to attract swimmers to your pool and keep them coming back, you need to ensure you’re meeting visitor expectations. If your older pool has seen better days, it might be time to consider finding a partner to help transform your unsightly and outdated facility into a modern, like-new pool that will provide fitness and fun for years to come.
Q. Our aging pool needs an upgrade. How should we get started?
A. Begin by looking for a consultant for your project but keep your mind open to problem-solving options. You can partner with a consultant who mostly designs new pools, but their ideas about possible renovation options could be limited. Consultants who have experience working on older pool renovations will have a wider range of problem-solving suggestions, as they’ll be more aware of the full range of ways to renovate an aquatic facility.
Ask your partner to find ways to reuse as much of your existing infrastructure as possible. This approach will save you dollars, and it’s also a more environmentally friendly option, which can be a real selling point for your community.
Many consultants also have design-build experience, which can not only lower the cost of your project, but can also help reduce the time needed to finish construction, meaning your pool will be open and ready for swimmers sooner.
When you can find a lower-cost way to make your pool look like new, you’ll free up funding for other ways to modernize your swimming experience, like adding poolside climbing walls, water-slides and more.
Q. Budgets are tight, and construction costs have increased. We’d like the most cost-effective renovation solution we can find for our old swimming pool. What should we consider?
A. Older pools often suffer from deteriorating surfaces. This can lead to cracks and leaks, as well as settling and possible structural damage. If your pool is constructed with concrete, fiberglass, steel or aluminum and the pool’s shell is damaged, cracked or leaking, consider a commercial pool membrane. This affordable and effective solution will permanently address your pool’s surface degradation issues and leaking.
PVC pool membranes are highly durable and reliable. Consider the fact that modern aquatic facilities use PVC piping throughout. Pool membranes made from reinforced PVC take the durability of that PVC piping and apply it to your pool’s interior, protecting the pool’s concrete from the damaging effects of chlorinated water by eliminating contact and preventing water intrusion. This eliminates leaks and minimizes any freeze-thaw cycle damage that can occur when water meets concrete.
A PVC pool membrane will not only help address the damage to your pool’s surface, but also can provide a colorful, aesthetically pleasing look. In addition, the surface is more comfortable and provides more secure footing for guests.
If your pool’s deck surface is also showing its age, a PVC deck coating can help. Not only will it improve the
appearance of your pool deck, but PVC deck surfaces are more comfortable under foot than concrete, making your facility more appealing.
If your perimeter supply piping is leaking, consider transitioning to a new stainless-steel gutter—a very cost-effective solution.
Q. We want to save as much as we can on our pool renovation, but we’re concerned about being back in this same position. Is there a long-lasting pool renovation solution?
A. Be sure to ask your consultant about the expected lifespan of your project. PVC pool membranes feature lengthy warranties and are virtually indestructible. Not only will a PVC pool membrane solve the existing problems with your pool’s surface, it also will eliminate the need for ongoing maintenance, such as the patching, painting and sandblasting needed for other, short-lived pool coatings.
For More Information
RenoSys
800-783-7005
www.renosys.com