Projects

Pool Remodeling:

We receive phone calls and emails from many folks who have lots of questions about whether to remodel or not. Did you know that there are many options when it comes to refurbishing the look that you already have. Below are the most frequently asked questions received from some of our friends and valuable clients.

What if I don't want to spend a lot on a remodel? Can you give me some viable choices in varying price ranges?

Sure we can! Here are the low to high options:

Re-plaster only ~ Replace only the internal surface of the pool and the tile, piping, equipment and decking remain "as is". Service starts at ONLY $2,500.00, a great way to clean up the look. Remodel including new tile, new internal surface, deck resurface with acrylics, new equipment. This service can run anywhere from $8K-$20K, an excellent way to give what you already have, an aesthetic make-over.

Major remodel including adding water features, spas, new deck materials such as flagstone, re-piping, automation, built-in BBQ's, fire pits, etc. X-Pools will customize a bid proposal to meet your needs.

What are some warning signs that my plaster needs refinishing? Chipping, peeling, "pock marks" hollow spots, multiple rebar (rust) stains that grow. Pebble Tec® vs. plaster, which one is better?

Pebble Tec® is a much harder surface and lasts longer, but is rough on the feet. New surfaces such as 3M ColorQuartzT and Pebble Fina® exhibit Pebble TecT hardness with the smoothness of plaster.

My filter is 12 years old, seems to be running fine, but there's a lot of maintenance involved. Are there any alternatives? There are three major types of filters that are most commonly utilized on swimming pools in the Southwest. They are:

Pool Remodeling Process:

Before Swimming Pool Remodeling         During Swimming Pool Remodeling

After Swimming Pool Remodeling

Filter Type Comparison:

1. Sand filters were commonly used in most pools built in the 70's & 80's. They have the lowest maintenance requirements, needing only a backwash (reverse flow) bi-monthly or weekly and new sand every 3-5 years. Unfortunately they only remove particles (dirt) approximately 40 microns or bigger, about the same size as the cross-section of a human hair. These filters are virtually "bullet-proof "are recommended for applications such as rental properties where tenants may not maintain the equipment optimally. We find this technology is no longer a preferred option with our increasing airborne pollutants, higher ambient and water temperatures and more chemical-resistant algae restrains.

2. Diatomaceous Earth (DE) filters filter out the finest particles of any pool filter currently utilized. DE filters remove particles as small as 4-10 microns, which are invisible to the eye and give the water that "sparkling X-Pools" clean look. This filtration method requires a monthly backwash in addition to a bi-annual manual cleaning; making the maintenance required the most extensive of the three. DE, the media that actually removes the particles, is a potential carcinogen and non-biodegradable. X-Pools utilizes a cellulose base filter media that is both safe for the handler and biodegradable, but more costly than DE.

3. Cartridge filters are gaining in acceptance and usage in the SW. This filter type utilizes a pleated cellulose (paper) element similar to drinking water filters, only much larger. These units filter out particles near 10 microns and typically do not backwash (reverse flow.) The filter must be manually disassembled every 3-4 months and the cartridges hosed off to clean. Occasionally, a chemical soak is required to remove oils from the elements.

(We recommend hiring a professional for your filter selection and maintenance requirements whichever type of filtration meets your needs.)

My pool was built in 1990! I'm looking for a more modern look. What are some inexpensive ways to update an outdated design? Tile! The tile is what really sets off a pool and it can influence water color, add zip to a bland landscape, convey the pool owner's personality and be replaced without resurfacing. Another idea is to paint your deck. A fresh coat of modern tone paint brightens and cleans up all surfaces and most KooldeckT surfaces can be painted. Power washing is also an alternative clean for KooldeckT or other surfaces but only if the deck is structurally sound.

Have you considered color lights? New LED color lights can retrofit into your existing light and give multiple colors or a changing color show to your pool.

Hire a professional! A "sparkling X-Pools" old pool looks much better than a dull old pool!