If you bought a Utah home with an existing pool — or your pool is 15-25+ years old — you may be looking at a renovation rather than a full replacement. Common signs:
Plaster is rough, stained, or losing color
Tile is falling off or grout failing
Equipment is original (1990s or earlier)
Coping is cracking or pulling away
Pool design is dated (kidney shape, dark plaster, no spa)
You want to add features (tanning ledge, automation, salt system, lighting)
Common Utah Pool Renovations
Resurface (interior)
Strip the old plaster, repair the shell, apply new plaster, pebble (PebbleTec, Wet Edge), or quartz finish. Cost: $8,000–$25,000 depending on size and finish.
Tile + coping replacement
New waterline tile, new coping (cantilever concrete, paver, travertine, natural stone). Cost: $4,000–$15,000.
Equipment package upgrade
Variable-speed pump, modern cartridge filter, gas heater or heat pump, salt system, automation (Pentair IntelliCenter, Hayward OmniLogic). Cost: $5,000–$18,000.
Add features
Tanning ledge, attached spa, vanishing edge (depending on existing structure), waterfall, fire features, automatic cover. Cost: highly variable.
Decking replacement
Tear out old concrete and replace with pavers, travertine, or modern smooth concrete. Cost: $15,000–$50,000+.
Renovation vs. Replacement
If your shell structure is sound, renovation almost always wins economically:
Renovation total: typically $15,000–$60,000
New pool replacement: $80,000–$300,000+
The exception: if your shell is structurally compromised (major cracks, settling, plumbing failures), or if you want to dramatically change the pool footprint, replacement may be the better path.
How We Approach Utah Pool Renovations
Free in-pool assessment — we evaluate the shell, equipment, decking, and surrounding hardscape
Honest scope recommendation — what you actually need vs. what you might want
Detailed quote with phased options
Permits + inspections (still required for most renovations)
Drain and prep
Demo old materials
Repair + new finish + equipment install
Refill, balance, restart
Renovation FAQ
Q: How long does a Utah pool renovation take? Most: 2-6 weeks. Major renovations with structural work: 6-12 weeks.
Q: Will my pool look “new” after renovation? Often better than new — modern finishes and equipment have improved dramatically.
Q: Can you renovate a pool you didn’t build? Absolutely — most of our renovations are pools other builders installed.
Q: When is the best time to renovate in Utah? Fall through early spring — avoids missing your swim season.
