5 Signs It’s Time to Renovate Your Existing Pool (and What to Do About It)

Not every pool project starts from scratch. A significant portion of the work we do at BluRock Pools is renovating aged-out pools — those built 15, 20, or even 30 years ago and in need of a refresh.

If you have an older pool on your property in the foothills, here are five signs it’s time for a renovation—and what those renovations actually entail.

1. The Plaster Is Rough, Stained, or Scaling

Pool plaster has a lifespan. After 10 to 15 years, most plaster surfaces start to show real wear — they become rough to the touch, develop persistent staining that no amount of chemical treatment fixes, or start to scale and flake. At that point, no amount of cleaning will bring it back. A full replaster breathes new life into the pool and gives you a fresh surface in whatever finish you choose — from standard white plaster to exposed aggregate or pebble finishes that look stunning.

2. Your Equipment Is Old and Inefficient

Pool pump and filtration technology have come a long way in the last decade. If you’re running an older single-speed pump, you’re likely spending significantly more on electricity than you need to. Variable-speed pumps can reduce energy costs by 50 to 70 percent. An equipment upgrade combined with a replaster is one of the most cost-effective pool renovations out there.

3. The Coping and Deck Are Showing Serious Wear

Cracked coping, lifting deck sections, and outdated concrete surfaces don’t just look bad — they create real safety hazards. A deck resurfacing or coping replacement completely transforms the look of the pool, and modern materials hold up far better than those available 20 years ago.

4. The Pool Shape No Longer Works for You

Older pools were often built with dated shapes — small, cramped, or designed around a different era’s aesthetic. Gunite pools can be modified more easily than people realize. We’ve expanded pool depths, added sun shelves, and completely reconfigured pool shapes during renovation projects. If your current pool just doesn’t feel right, that’s fixable.

5. You Have a 20-Year-Old Pool but No Spa

Adding an attached spa to an existing pool is one of the most popular renovations we do. It connects to your existing equipment (with upgrades), sits integrated with your pool, and completely changes how you use your outdoor space.

What Does Renovation Cost?

It depends heavily on the scope, but a full renovation — replaster, new equipment, new coping and decking — typically runs significantly less than a new build. And the result can look and feel like a brand-new pool.

We serve homeowners throughout Tuolumne and Calaveras County. If your existing pool needs attention, reach out to BluRock Pools at blurockpools.com and let’s take a look.