Like other areas of our homes, eventually, there comes a day when we’d like to spruce up our outdoor living areas. Swimming pool renovations, especially, are extremely expensive so often get pushed to the bottom of the upgrade list.
If your pool enclosure is constructed of aging privacy screens, do you have some tears? A few simple screen repairs mean that you aren’t going to be fighting off the bugs and mosquitoes this year.
If you’re hoping to change the view though, you don’t have to spend a fortune.
We’re sharing some budget-friendly pool renovations today that can give your pool the perfect facelift.
It will beckon people to draw near.
Saltwater systems
Saltwater systems are a major trend spreading throughout the swimming pool industry.
Chlorine is essential to maintaining your water quality. Chlorine tablets have been the norm for decades, but saltwater pools continue to grow in popularity. Salt cell systems are becoming stiff competition.
When pool water passes through a salt cell, electrolysis releases chlorine into the water. It keeps your pool sanitary without the continuous maintenance that chlorine tabs require.
These systems are easier on our eyes, skin, and hair too. That means we aren’t going to suffer ill effects from chlorine exposure when we live in the pool as much as possible. Well, other than wrinkly skin, of course, but that’s short-lived, so…
Automation systems
Technology continues to evolve but keeps older pool owners in mind at the same time. A lot of new gadgets and equipment can be retrofitted so you aren’t left out.
Robotic cleaners, automatic pool covers, and all-in-one automation systems that test the water and dispense chemicals are at your disposal. You might even decide to get rid of the pool guy.
If you can handle it all with your smart phone, why not?
Energy-efficient pool pump
The phrase, “if it’s not broken, don’t fix it,” is one that a lot of us apply subconsciously.
A pool pump could undoubtedly fall into that category. However, if your pumps been humming along for years… and years… you should consider getting a new one. Variable-speed pumps will decrease your energy use and that adds up over time. As a matter of fact, experts say that a variable-speed pump that costs around $1,000 installed should pay for itself in energy savings over a one to three-year period.
Do your research before making a purchase because you may be living in an area that qualifies you for an energy rebate when you install your new pump.
Waterline Tile
If the area above the pool’s waterline is either pebble or stone finish, changing to tile will make a dramatic difference. Changing out the tile above the waterline is a remarkable change as well.
The cost of replacing the tile above the waterline for an average size pool starts between $600 and $800 depending on where you live.
If you’re able to go ahead and resurface and deck your pool at the same time, people might think that you have an entirely new pool.
However, since we’re talking budget-friendly, we’ll move on—
LED lighting
One of the quickest and most affordable ways to give your pool an entirely new look is with LED lighting.
LED lighting is more energy-efficient than traditional pool lighting. That fact makes it easier to absorb the higher cost of installation. It’s the least expensive way to transform your pool into an oasis that you will look forward to escaping to on those sultry summer nights. It typically costs between $700 and $800 to install one LED light.
Once you’ve made the decision to add LED lighting, the vast array of possibilities can be exciting to consider. Will your LED lighting include changing colors from basic white to red, blue, green, and magenta?
LED lighting certainly creates an amazing nighttime atmosphere—are you already envisioning the display at your 4th of July celebration?
Water features
Water features and lighting create the most dramatic pool effects. You may be surprised to discover that, like LED lighting, when you weigh-in with the final outcome in mind, installing a more subtle water feature is an option worth adding to your budget.
Bubbling fountains, a pond niche, or a stairway fountain all add ambiance but aren’t nearly as expensive as the cost of installing a rock waterfall or a few stone pillars which can easily range between $2,500 and $5,000.
Outdoor living room
No, we’re not suggesting that you float your furniture. Still, though, creating an outdoor living area complete with a fire pit near your pool will spark some interest.
The elements of fire and water together make for an inviting space to gather… whether or not s’mores and swimming are going to be involved!
Boosting your budget
It’s been a pretty tough year for a lot of us.
When you’re considering the pros and cons of upgrading or adding elements to your swimming pool, it can be easy to come up with more cons because we think of our pools as luxury items.
Before you push any pool renovations or upgrades out another year—or two—we have one last point for you to think about.
Your swimming pool is a summertime hub for family and friends. Lifetime memories are made for someone practically every time you’re together—making the space more inviting can only work to that advantage.
If all-out pool renovations just aren’t going to happen this year, pick up a couple of snazzy floats, they suffice for memory-making just fine.
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