Pools
How To Keep Your Pool Renovation From Turning Into a Disaster
A pool renovation can be an exciting project but can quickly turn into a disaster without the right planning and preparation.

Renovating a pool can be an exciting project. A well-executed pool renovation can breathe new life into your backyard, create a more enjoyable swimming experience, and add value to your property. However, if not planned and executed properly, a pool remodel can quickly become a complete disaster. From skyrocketing costs to shoddy workmanship, there are a number of things that can go wrong.
Thoroughly planning your pool renovation project before you begin is crucial to its success. Without proper planning, the project can quickly become overwhelming and lead to unexpected issues, delays, and budget overruns. A well-planned renovation project, on the other hand, ensures that all aspects of the project are considered, allowing you to make informed decisions and avoid costly mistakes. In this article, we’ll discuss some tips on how to prevent your pool renovation from becoming a complete disaster.
10 Pool Renovation Tips To Know Before You Start a Remodeling Project
- Plan, Plan, Plan
The first step to a successful pool renovation is to plan everything out in advance. Start by making a list of everything you want to accomplish with your renovation. Do you want to add new features like waterfalls or hot tubs? Do you want to replace old pool equipment or resurface the pool? Write down all of your goals and prioritize them.
Once you have a list of goals, it’s time to start planning the details. This includes creating a budget, hiring a pool contractor, and determining a timeline. Be sure to get multiple quotes from different contractors, and make sure that they are all licensed and insured. Don’t rush the planning process – taking the time to do it right will save you headaches and money in the long run.
- Consider the Overall Design
When renovating your pool, it’s important to consider the overall design of your backyard. Your pool should complement the existing landscaping and outdoor living space. This will help create a cohesive look and add value to your home.
If you’re not sure what design will work best for your backyard, consider consulting with a landscape architect or pool designer. They can help you create a custom design that meets your needs and complements your home’s style.
- Address Any Underlying Issues
Before starting any renovation work, it’s important to address any underlying issues with your pool. This includes fixing any leaks, repairing cracks in the pool’s structure, and addressing any plumbing or electrical issues.
If you don’t address these issues before starting your renovation, they can quickly turn into bigger problems, leading to additional costs and delays in your renovation timeline.
- Set a Realistic Budget
Before starting any pool renovation project, it’s important to set a realistic budget. That’s one of the most important do’s and don’ts of pool remodeling. This will help you avoid overspending and ensure you’re able to complete the project without running out of money. When setting your budget, be sure to factor in the cost of materials, labor, and any unexpected expenses that may arise.
It’s also important to prioritize your renovation needs. If your budget is limited, focus on fixing any safety issues or structural damage first. Cosmetic upgrades can be done later when you have more funds available.
- Get the Necessary Permits
Before starting any pool renovation work, you need to make sure you have all the necessary permits. Building codes vary by state and county, so it’s important to check with your local government to find out what permits you need.
If you fail to obtain the necessary permits, you may be subject to fines and could be forced to stop work on your renovation until you have obtained them. Additionally, not having the proper permits can affect your homeowner’s insurance coverage, leaving you liable in case of accidents or damages.
- Don’t Cut Corners
One of the biggest mistakes that homeowners make during a pool renovation is trying to cut corners to save money. While it’s important to stay within your budget, trying to save money by using inferior materials or hiring unlicensed contractors can be a recipe for disaster. In the end, you may end up spending more money to fix the mistakes made by these shortcuts.
If you want your pool renovation to be a success, be willing to invest in quality materials and hire experienced professionals. This may mean spending more money up front, but it will save you money and headaches down the line.
- Research Materials and Equipment
When planning your pool renovation, it’s important to research the materials and equipment that you plan to use. Don’t just rely on the recommendations of your contractor – do your own research and make informed decisions. This includes researching the pros and cons of different types of pool finishes, pool heaters, pumps, and filters.
Following the latest trends is smart, but don’t be swayed by gimmicks. Stick to tried and true materials and equipment that are known to work well. This will help ensure that your pool renovation is a success and that you don’t end up with equipment that needs constant repairs or replacement.
- Communicate Clearly With Your Contractor
Communication is key when it comes to a successful pool renovation. Make sure that you communicate clearly with your contractor from the start. Discuss your goals and expectations, and make sure that they understand what you want to accomplish with your renovation.
Throughout the renovation process, continue to communicate with your contractor. Ask questions and provide feedback, and make sure that they are keeping you informed of progress and any issues that arise. If you notice something that doesn’t look right, speak up and address it immediately.
- Prepare for the Unexpected
No matter how well you plan, there will always be unexpected issues that arise during a pool renovation. This could be anything from weather or equipment delays to unforeseen plumbing issues. Be prepared for these unexpected issues by building in extra time and money into your budget.
Additionally, be willing to be flexible with your renovation plans. If something unexpected comes up that requires a change in plans, be willing to adjust your plans accordingly. This will help ensure that your pool renovation stays on track and doesn’t become a complete disaster.
- Don’t Rush the Process
The key to a successful pool renovation is taking your time and doing things right. Rushing the renovation process can lead to mistakes, oversights, and even accidents that can compromise the quality of the work and result in additional costs and delays.
Before starting your renovation, take the time to plan out all the details, including the scope of the work, your budget, and your timeline. Rushing into a renovation without a clear plan can lead to unexpected issues that can quickly spiral out of control.
Common Pool Renovation Projects & How Much They Cost
Marcus Weekes from Premier Pools & Gardens in Brisbane explains that pool renovation projects are a common undertaking for homeowners. He mentions several common projects that homeowners usually choose, including installing new tile and coping, waterline tile, custom interiors, pool lighting, filtration improvement, and equipment relocation.
Renovating Tile & Coping
Renovating tile and coping involves replacing old, worn-out tiles and coping with new ones to give the pool a fresh look. Another popular option is replacing the waterline tile that runs around the perimeter inside of the pool. Homeowners typically will choose between glass and ceramic mosaic tiles to enhance the pool’s appearance.
Custom Interiors
Many pool owners will opt for custom surface interiors. In Australia where Weekes is located, they use Pebblecrete. Here in the U.S. you’re more likely to use Pebbletec. Whichever you opt for, that type of glass beading is used to give the pool a unique and sparkling look.
Adding or Upgrading Lighting
Weekes suggests that adding pool lighting or upgrading to LED lighting can also provide a more vibrant and welcoming atmosphere, especially during nighttime swimming.
Upgrading or Relocating Equipment
He also notes that a pool renovation is an opportune time to improve your pool’s filtration. This can involve replacing old filters or adding new pool equipment to improve the pool’s water quality. Equipment relocation may be necessary if the pool equipment is causing noise or visual distractions.
Pool Renovation Costs
Overall, homeowners can choose from a variety of different renovation projects to upgrade their pool’s appearance and functionality. From small changes like adding lighting to larger projects like custom interiors, these renovations can make a significant difference in the overall enjoyment of the pool. How much your pool remodeling project will cost ultimately boils down to the materials and contractor you choose.
Renovating a Swimming Pool
Renovating your pool is a significant investment in your home and your family’s enjoyment, and it’s essential to take the process seriously. Rushing into a renovation without careful planning and execution can lead to a variety of issues, including unexpected costs, delays, and even safety hazards. On the other hand, a well-executed renovation can transform your backyard into a beautiful and functional space that adds value to your home.
Work With an Expert
Perhaps the most critical takeaway in this entire article to preventing your pool renovation from becoming a disaster is to work with a reputable and experienced contractor. Finding the right contractor can be a daunting task, but it’s crucial to take the time to research and interview potential candidates. Look for contractors who have a track record of success in pool renovation and who are licensed, insured, and bonded. Additionally, it’s essential to check references, read online reviews, and ask for a detailed proposal that outlines the scope of work, materials, and costs. By working with a trustworthy contractor, you can ensure that your pool renovation is completed on time, within budget, and to your satisfaction.
Good Communication is Key
The final important takeaway to achieving a successful pool renovation is to plan thoroughly and communicate clearly. This includes identifying your goals and priorities, setting a realistic budget, and creating a detailed timeline for the project. It’s also important to be flexible and open to changes as the project progresses, as unexpected issues can arise that require adjustments to the plan. By working closely with your contractor and communicating regularly, you can stay informed about the progress of the renovation and address any concerns or issues promptly. In the end, a well-planned and executed pool renovation can enhance your home’s value and your family’s enjoyment of your outdoor space for years to come.
Pools
Revolver-Shaped Swimming Pool Creating Controversy Online
A revolver shaped swimming pool has suddenly become the cause of controvery on social media.

A Florida couple’s unique swimming pool has been causing a stir all over the internet. The Minardi’s, Louis and Raye Ellen, built a swimming pool in their backyard that was designed to look like a six-shooter revolver. This eye-catching and unconventional pool has gone viral on social media, with people either loving or hating the design.
Florida Homeowners Gun Shaped Pool Turning Heads on Social Media
Louis Minardi, who grew up hunting with friends, remembers receiving his first firearm, a double-barrel shotgun, when he was only in middle school. He went on to open a gunsmith business with his brother after attending classes in 1976. In the 1980s, when he and his wife decided they wanted a lap pool, they called up their friend Albert Jones III, who owned A.H. Jones Pool Company. It was during this conversation that the idea for a gun-shaped pool was born.
Homeowner Wanted A Six-Shooter Shaped Pool For Swimming Laps
Jones, who was bored of building more traditionally shaped pools, showed up with plans modeled after a Ruger Blackhawk, a 1950s-era, Western-style revolver characterized by its long barrel and known for its durability and accuracy. The final result was a 55-foot long pool shaped like a six-shooter revolver, complete with a concrete replica of a bullet.

“You swim your lap down the barrel,” Minardi said Jones told him. “It gets deeper on that end. You can flip over from it, and then you can swim back.”
Jones begged him, Louis Minardi said, to let him construct the gun pool. He complained that he was sick of making the standard kidney-shaped pools found in so many Florida backyards. Minardi consented, on the condition that he adhere to the financial constraints of his project.
Minardi, who lives in the Tampa area, has owned the revolver-shaped pool for roughly 40 years. “Neighbors that have bought houses around here have all come by,”they’re all, ‘Is this guy a whack job?’,” said Minardi.
Jones, who died in 2010, color-coordinated the perimeter pool tiles to accurately reflect the revolver’s brown handle and silver body. He detailed tiles on the bottom of the pool to distinguish the gun’s individual components, like the trigger and ammunition chamber. And he installed a jacuzzi in the hammer.
Revolver Pool Continues To Stir Controversy 40 Years Later
When Minardi built the pool four decades ago, he created the ultimate conversation starter in his backyard. While the pool has been resurfaced over the years, the shape remains the same. Louis Minardi said the pool is popular among family and friends, who have used it to teach their children to swim.
The revolver-shaped pool, is stirring controversy all over the web due to the ongoing debates surrounding gun culture, gun ownership, and gun violence in the United States. The pool’s unique design, combined with the state’s reputation for guns, has garnered attention and sparked discussion among those who view the pool as a reflection of the state’s gun culture. Some may see the pool as a celebration of gun ownership, while others may view it as insensitive or inappropriate, given the prevalence of gun violence in the country. Additionally, the current political climate in the United States has seen an increase in calls for gun control and regulation, making the pool’s design a polarizing topic of conversation.
The Minardi’s, however, defend their decision, stating that the pool is simply an expression of their love for firearms and gun culture. They believe that the pool is a harmless and fun addition to their backyard, and they have no intention of changing it anytime soon.
Read more:
Interested in more swimming pools with interesting shapes? Pool Magazine has you covered. Check out this Texas-Shaped Pool at the Marriott in Houston, TX.
Featured Photo Credit: YouTube
Pools
Movable Floors are Taking the Pool Industry by Storm

If you think you need a large backyard or living space to build a pool think again. In 2023 swimming pools will be seen in new shapes, sizes and feature high-tech automation to fit any indoor or outdoor space. One high tech pool feature that is becoming increasingly popular is the movable pool floor.
When most people think of a swimming pool, typically they imagine space devoted exclusively to the pool. The thought that this same space could be used multifunctionally wouldn’t occur to them. Imagine having a party in the backyard with your friends or your family, BBQ fired up and all that is missing is a swimming pool. What if you could magically change your patio into a full-size swimming pool? With the push of a button the water gently starts flowing across the movable floor. The color of the tiles fades away into a tropical blue color and the pool magically appears.
All that’s left to do is tell your astonished guests that the pool party can begin!
@poolmagazine Check out this amazing transformation with @tielemanpooltechnology #Repost – @tielemanpooltechnology 𝗠𝘂𝗹𝘁𝗶𝗳𝘂𝗻𝗰𝘁𝗶𝗼𝗻𝗮𝗹 𝗶𝗻𝗱𝗼𝗼𝗿 𝘀𝗽𝗮𝗰𝗲 🔄 WAIT FOR IT🔥 We have equipped this client’s swimming pool with a custom-made movable floor (28.87 x 18.54 ft), including integrated stairs. This way, no valuable space is wasted, and the client can use his pool for several activities. The floor can be operated in a flash by means of its touch screen. Looking for a custom-made movable floor yourself? Check our website or contact us at [email protected] #movablefloor #vireel #reelsinstagram #reels #pooldesigns #pools #trending #movablepoolfloors #custompool #poolsofinstagram #pooldesign #dreampool #architecturephotography #poolconstruction #design #tielemanpool #poolscape #custompool #architecture #homedesign #homeideas #poolbuilder #landscapedesign #like4like #likeforlike #movablefloor #tielemanpooltechnology #designbuild #luxuryhomes #dreamhouse #luxury #luxurylifestyle ♬ Paradise by Coldplay – PoolMagazine
The technology behind a movable pool floor
For more than 50 years, Tieleman Pool Technology is the mastermind behind these floating movable pool floors. The unique Tieleman movable floor system consists of a stainless steel 316L floating platform which features a series of cables and a pulley system with a water-based hydraulic cylinder.
The strong base of the movable floor provides a bearing capacity of over 100kg per m² (220lbs per ft²). Integrated in the structure are solid buoyancy devices that allow the pool floor to float to the surface. This implies that all technology is concealed within the frame of the movable floor and thus no cables along the pool wall, which ensures a high level of safety and clean finish.
The floor can be adjusted to every desired depth. When the floor is moved, the water will gently flow through the small gap between the floor and the pool wall. Within about four to five minutes your patio or living space is transformed into a full-size swimming pool. If you would like to see various movable floors you should definitely request the free brochure here .
Benefits for pool owners
A movable pool floor is not just high-end engineering and design. Besides the fact that a movable floor allows you to use your pool multifunctionally, it has numerous benefits in store for pool owners.
- Ultimate safety
A movable floor enables you to adjust the water depth of you swimming pool according to your personal preferences. This increases safety for users, especially children. In a raised position the pool is inaccessible for incorrect or unsupervised use.
- Saves energy
The historic drought , particularly in the western and southwestern United States, has led to an increasing demand for sustainable solutions that significantly reduce pool water evaporation. In a raised position, the movable pool floor prevents water evaporation, heat loss and ensures lower heating costs through insulation integrated in the floor.
- User-friendly
The movable floor system is very convenient and therefore user-friendly. The operation is controlled via a simple push button, a touch panel or a mobile device, which can be equipped with passwords for different users.
Eye-catching details and architectural integrity
It is no longer a secret that flexibility and functionality of space, architectural integrity and, last but not least endless customization, can no longer be dismissed from luxury residences and swimming pools in the year 2023. As Steve Jobs (co-founder of Apple, Inc) once said: “Design is not just what it looks like and feels like. Design is how it works.“
As a swimming pool and its movable floor form an essential part of the architectural stronghold, Tieleman exclusively engineers each movable floor to incorporate the ideas and options desired by the client.
And that is why Tieleman is definitely setting the bar with their movable floors and associated options. The shape is only limited by the available free space and additional features (integrated stairs, integrated sun deck/lounge area, swim-out benches e.a.) are engineered and designed to match the pool and its surroundings. So whatever idea you have, with a Tieleman movable floor the possibilities are endless.
A great opportunity for pool builders to expand their business
It can be challenging for pool builders to compete due to the constant trends in the industry. Therefore, pool builders and designers must find ways to stay innovative. In turn, movable floors give pool builders access to a new niche market, allowing them to increase sales, revenue and profits. In fact, industry experts predict that movable floors will not only take the pool industry by storm but even grow to become a household name within the industry. So definitely something to keep an eye on.
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Newsletter
Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge Winner – Rance Schindler
Pool Magazine takes a deep dive into the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge winning entry by Rance Schindler.

Pool Magazine is proud to have been one of the sponsors of this 2022’s Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge at the PSP Deck Expo in Las Vegas. The winning design was done by up-and-coming designer Rance Schindler who blew away the judges with his $10,000 winning entry, courtesy of Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems.
The annual competition is the brainchild of renowned designers Mike Farley and Reid Schindler, and it seeks to promote cutting-edge ideas for backyards by doing away with financial restraints. Designers are invited to enter the competition and create the ultimate outdoor oasis for hypothetical clients on a million-dollar budget.
Entrants in the 2022 competition were tasked with creating an outdoor living oasis for a husband-and-wife pair of lawyers in Chicago, Illinois. Designing the ultimate backyard for these dream clients meant planning a seasonal space that would prioritize health, wellness, and self-care.
Some prerequisites for submissions were that the design should incorporate a few wish list items:
The Wishlist

The Site
- Home has a lower terrace area, front approach, and rooftop terrace.
- Seasonal usage of space, designer should consider wind, sun direction, shade, and the Chicago climate.
- Clients goal for the space is a space to unwind.
Aesthetics & View
- Keep the view open if possible, but they also want privacy.
- Preferred to have natual elements, but they love structured design.
Pool & Spa
- The pool is for health, wellness, and self care.
- They are looking for a complete setting, not just a swimming pool.
- A hot tub and cold plunge are needed, possibly a sauna.
Elements to Include
- A fire element to gather around.
- Cool lighting.
- The use of a Riverflow Pumps by Current Systems product (lazy river or swim jet system).
- A real or synthetic lawn space.
- The use of Ledge Lounger furniture.
- An outdoor kitchen.
Other Considerations
- The couple will entertain/host six to 12 guests maximum.
- The wife teaches yoga and barre as a hobby, and wants a space to exercise and cool off.
A large number of entrants tried out for the Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge, but only a select few were invited to Las Vegas to show off their skills. PoolHaus’s Brent Dutton, Old State Landscape’s Whitney Morris and Stephanie Carnahan, Complete Exterior Solutions’ Rance Schindler, Randy Angell Designs’ Brad Holley, and AquaTerra Outdoors’ Minsung Kim, Karishma Karki, Paola Hidalgo, and Sameepa Modi were also finalists.
Entries were evaluated by an expert panel of judges based on the following factors:
1. Aesthetic Quality – Is the concept’s form pleasant to look at?
2. Differentiation – Is the concept “fresh” & unique?
3. Functionality -Does the concept meet the criteria of the families needs? Does it consider all elements site analysis?
4. Realization Possibility – Is the concept buildable if the client decided to move forward with construction? ie. topographically, features, function
Let’s take a look at this year’s winning design by Rance Schindler of Complete Exterior Solutions. One of the prerequisites of the client was shade.
This design answers that request with a large tree that shades the outdoor living space and becomes a central focal point of the backyard.
The design plan also features a lovely rooftop dining and conversation area as well as an outdoor kitchen.
A gorgeous glass deck overhangs the entire outdoor living space and looks down on a smartly appointed pool, fire pit, and lounging area below.
Think you’ve got what it takes to enter next year’s Million Dollar Pool Design Challenge? Learn more about this contest and how to enter.
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