Signs It’s Time to Restore or Renovate Your Pool
Pools are a major investment in your home’s value, function, and lifestyle. But like any structure, pools age. And when they do, patching won’t cut it forever.
At Green Side Up Contracting, we often hear the same question: “How do I know when it’s time for pool restoration?” The answer depends on the condition, age, and safety of your pool, not to mention how it looks and feels to use.
Here’s a no-fluff guide to spotting the signs that your pool needs more than a surface fix and what restoration or renovation can really do.
Related Article: Top 5 Mistakes When Installing a Pool in Ontario
Visible Cracks or Surface Damage
If you see cracks in the pool shell, along the steps, or on the decking, it’s not just cosmetic. Cracks can signal:
- Structural movement
- Water leakage
- Material breakdown over time
Surface cracks in plaster or concrete may start small but can grow quickly, leading to bigger repair bills down the line. Resurfacing or retiling can restore both appearance and function.
What to look for:
- Hairline cracks along the walls or floor
- Peeling or flaking plaster
- Hollow or “bubbled” areas under tile or coping
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Outdated Tile, Coping, or Finish
Styles change. So do materials. If your pool was built 10–20 years ago, chances are the finish looks dated and may be breaking down. Faded tile, worn stonework, or rough pool surfaces don’t just look bad, they feel bad underfoot.
Common upgrades during a renovation:
- Modern glass or mosaic tile
- Sleek coping in natural stone or porcelain
- New pool plaster in fresh, modern colours
- Durable, low-maintenance pebble finishes
A fresh surface updates your backyard and extends your pool’s life and makes it more enjoyable to use.
Frequent Repairs or Leaks
If you’re constantly topping up water, patching surfaces, or calling a technician, you may be spending more on short-term fixes than a full renovation would cost.
Signs of deeper issues:
- The water level drops more than ½” per day
- Pipes or equipment show signs of rust or leakage
- You notice wet spots in your yard near the pool
- You’re replacing pool tiles every year
A pool that constantly needs repair is a clear signal that it’s time to restore before the costs snowball.
Inefficient or Outdated Equipment
Old pool equipment costs more to run and may not meet today’s safety standards. If your filter, pump, or heater is noisy, slow, or always acting up, it might be time for an upgrade.
What a renovation can include:
- Energy-efficient variable speed pumps
- Saltwater conversion systems
- Smart automation and timers
- LED lighting upgrades
Better systems don’t just improve performance. They reduce power bills, save time, and lower maintenance needs.
Stains That Don’t Go Away
Chemical stains, algae blooms, or rust spots that won’t budge are more than cosmetic. They can signal surface damage, mineral buildup, or improper chemical balance over time.
Common causes:
- Metal corrosion in pipes or fixtures
- Calcium scale on tile and plaster
- Organic stains from algae or leaves
A full restoration often includes acid washing, resurfacing, or re-plastering, all of which remove stains permanently and prevent them from returning.
Uncomfortable or Unsafe Steps and Edges
A good pool should feel safe to use. Slippery steps, jagged edges, or loose coping can pose a hazard to you, your family, or your guests.
What to watch for:
- Cracked or unstable step tiles
- Sharp coping stones
- Worn or slippery surfaces
- Loose handrails or ladders
As part of a pool renovation, these areas can be rebuilt or refinished to make your pool both safer and easier to access.
You Want to Modernize the Look
Let’s be honest: some pools just look tired. The shape, finishes, and layout may have worked 15 years ago but your backyard vision has changed.
Whether it’s a full shape change or just a finish refresh, modern pool renovations can include:
- Infinity edges or waterfall features
- New shapes or seating ledges
- Integrated lighting or fire features
- Matching hardscape like patios and planters
If your pool no longer fits the style of your home, a renovation can bring it into the current decade while boosting resale value.
Related Article: Top 5 Swimming Pool Water Features You Need
The Pool No Longer Fits Your Lifestyle
Your needs change. Maybe the kids are older. Maybe you’re entertaining more. Or maybe you want a spa or tanning ledge instead of a deep end.
A pool renovation can:
- Add shallow lounging areas
- Combine a spa and pool into one
- Improve accessibility with wider steps or ramps
- Add a Baja shelf or in-pool seating
Renovating isn’t only about fixing, it’s about making the pool work better for how you use it now.
The Surrounding Area Is Worn Out
Sometimes, the whole space needs sprucing up too. Cracked decking, sinking pavers, or outdated landscaping can make the entire area feel neglected.
At Green Side Up, we often combine pool restoration with:
- New interlock or stone decking
- Upgraded fencing and lighting
- Modern landscaping
- Outdoor kitchens or covered areas
A complete outdoor refresh brings everything together and ensures that your pool becomes a true extension of your home.
You’re Planning to Sell
A tired or damaged pool can actually drag down your home’s value or turn off buyers completely. A restored or modernized pool, on the other hand, becomes a major selling point, especially in competitive GTA real estate markets.
If you’re thinking of listing, even small upgrades can help:
- New tile or coping
- LED lighting
- Updated safety features
- Fresh landscaping
It’s an investment that pays off both in market value and buyer appeal.
Why Choose Green Side Up for Your Pool Restoration?
At Green Side Up Contracting, we specialize in creating outdoor spaces that last. Our team understands what it takes to bring a pool and the space around it back to life. From surface repair to full redesign, we handle every stage with:
- High-quality materials
- Experienced craftsmanship
- Clean, professional project management
- A focus on safety, function, and style
Whether you need structural repair or a full backyard makeover, we’ll guide you through it with transparent pricing, smart options, and beautiful results.
Don’t Wait Until It’s Too Late
If your pool shows signs of wear, damage, or just doesn’t fit your lifestyle anymore, restoration is often more cost-effective than constant repairs. The right renovation makes your pool safer, easier to maintain, and a better fit for how you live today.
Green Side Up Contracting brings award-winning service and proven results to every pool and landscape project. If you’re not sure whether your pool needs repair or a full update, we’re happy to take a look and offer honest recommendations.
Book a consultation today and transform your outdoor space into something beautiful, safe, and built to last.