What's the Remodel Process like? (Pt. 2)
A pool remodel officially kicks off after the water is completely drained and the pool has been safely secured. This clears the way for the demolition. For most projects, homeowners are upgrading to fresh new tile—perhaps a classic 6x6 porcelain or a stylish mosaic. The crew's first task is straightforward: removing all the existing tile. But the demolition goes deeper than just the waterline. Using hammer drills, the team carefully chips material away under the old tile line, around every wall jet, and around the pool light. The next step is vital for structural integrity: they "dimple" the pool's interior with the hammer drill every six inches. This technique is used to locate any hollow spots beneath the surface that could indicate a compromised section. Finding these is not uncommon, and when they do, they chip off the entire weakened area until they expose solid, existing plaster. This meticulous removal ensures the new finish has a perfectly sound base. Once the pool is structurally prepped, attention turns to aesthetics and function—starting with the new tile. Setting the waterline tile requires incredible precision because it will be the most visible feature when the pool is full. Why is perfect leveling so important? If the tile isn't absolutely level between the shallow and deep ends, you'll see a visually jarring difference in the exposed tile amount. For instance, you might see five inches of tile exposed at one end and only three inches at the other. Beyond looks, a level waterline is critical for proper water flow into the skimmer. If the waterline is slightly off, the pool's hydraulics could be negatively affected, potentially preventing sufficient water from flowing through the bottom of the skimmer, which could in turn damage the pump. With the demolition complete, new features installed, and the tile perfectly set, the crew prepares for plaster day—which is usually the project's final stage. This phase is all about getting the surface spotless. First, all debris is cleaned out, carried away in 5-gallon buckets, and disposed of. Next, the inside of the pool is pressure-washed to clean it thoroughly. All water is then pumped out, and a shop vac is used to ensure the surface is completely dry. The final two steps are critical for long-term adhesion. The pool receives an acid wash to remove any final impurities off of the surfaces that need to be plastered. Then, they apply a bond coat, which is a weatherproofing product that helps the new plaster stick to the concrete shell. Only after this meticulous prep work is finished is the pool ready for its stunning new plaster finish.
Episode 6: The Remodel Process Day 2
What's the Remodel Process like? (Pt. 1)
When it comes to remodeling a pool, most homeowners only see the finished product—the sparkling water, fresh tile, and smooth plaster. But what really happens behind the scenes before your pool is ready for its big reveal? It’s important to note that the exact order may vary depending on project scope, but here is a typical step-by-step look at the demo and prep work that sets the stage for a flawless remodel. Step 1: Securing the Pool and Starting the Demo The process begins once all the water has been drained and the pool has been safely secured. With an empty shell, our team can start the demolition phase. In most projects, the homeowner is upgrading to new tile—often classic 6x6 porcelain or decorative mosaics. Step 2: Removing Old Tile and Prepping Surfaces The first physical step is removing the existing tile. Using hammer drills, we chip beneath the tile line, around wall jets, and even around the pool light. Every six inches, we dimple the surface to check for hollow spots that might indicate weak or compromised areas. It’s not unusual to find sections like this, and when we do, we chip away until we get back to solid, reliable material. Step 3: Installing New Waterline Tile Once the demo is complete, it’s time to lay the new tile. This step is about more than just looks—precision matters. The waterline tile must be perfectly level. If it’s not, you’ll see uneven exposure when the pool is filled, such as three inches of tile visible on one end and five inches on the other. Beyond aesthetics, level tile also ensures proper water flow into the skimmer. An off-balance waterline can disrupt circulation and even cause long-term damage. Step 4: Preparing for Plaster Day With the tile set and new features installed, attention turns to preparing for plaster day, which usually marks the final stage of the project. This involves a thorough cleanup: all debris is hauled out in 5-gallon buckets, the interior is pressure-washed, and any standing water is removed with pumps and shop vacs. Next comes an acid wash to remove impurities from the surfaces. Finally, we apply a bond coat, a weatherproofing layer that helps the new plaster adhere to the concrete shell. Only then is the pool ready for its fresh plaster finish. The Big Picture Every pool remodel is about more than what meets the eye. The behind-the-scenes prep work ensures the new tile looks sharp, the systems function properly, and the plaster adheres for long-lasting results. By the time plaster day arrives, all the groundwork has been laid for a pool that’s as durable as it is beautiful.
Episode 5: The Remodel Process Day 1
Episode 4: How does Financing work?
How much does a Pool Remodel cost?
At Paradise Pool Service, one of the first questions we get from homeowners is, “How much will my pool remodel cost?” While we’d love to give a simple, one-size-fits-all number, the truth is that every pool is unique — and so is the cost to bring it back to life. Our goal is to give you a clear understanding of the factors that go into pricing so you can feel confident when planning your remodel. When we provide an estimate, we consider the size of your pool, the complexity of the design, the materials you choose, and any additional features you want to include. For example, upgrading to high-end pebble finishes, adding a water feature, or installing a new energy-efficient pump will increase the total cost compared to a basic resurfacing project. Another important factor is the condition of your existing pool. While some remodels go exactly as planned, others reveal hidden issues once the old surface is removed. For instance, after demolition we might discover cracks in the pool shell, rusted rebar, outdated plumbing, or compromised electrical components. These unforeseen issues need to be addressed to ensure your remodel lasts for years, and they can affect the final price. We understand that no one likes surprise costs. That’s why Paradise Pool Service is committed to full transparency throughout your project. We walk you through each step, explain any findings, and offer clear solutions so you can make informed decisions before moving forward. Below is a simplified breakdown based on our most common projects, pulled directly from our current pricing: - Standard Remodel – Includes resurfacing with a quality plaster finish, replacing tile, and upgrading the coping. Typical range: $12,000 – $18,000. - Premium Remodel – Adds upgrades like pebble finishes, high-end tile, decking repairs, and new equipment. Typical range: $18,000 – $25,000. - Luxury Remodel – Complete transformation with premium finishes, custom features, automation systems, and decking redesign. Starting at $25,000+. These ranges are meant as a starting point for planning. Exact pricing will depend on your selections, the scope of work, and any additional repairs uncovered during the remodel. Every remodel we complete is custom-tailored to your vision, your pool’s needs, and your budget. Whether you’re simply refreshing worn-out finishes or creating a backyard paradise from scratch, we’ll help you plan a project that’s beautiful, functional, and built to last. If you’re ready to explore your pool remodel options, contact Paradise Pool Service today for a free consultation. We’ll provide a detailed estimate, walk you through your choices, and make sure you understand every part of the process — no hidden surprises, just crystal-clear water and stunning results.
Episode 3: How much will it cost?
Replaster vs. Paint vs. Acid Wash?
If your pool plaster is looking rough, you're not alone — many Florida homeowners face this issue and wonder what the best fix is. The three most common options are acid washing, painting, or resurfacing the pool. Each method has its pros and cons, but if you're aiming for a lasting solution, here's what you need to know. What Is Acid Washing? Acid washing is a surface-level cleaning process where muriatic acid is poured over the plaster to strip away the top layer and remove stains or buildup. It’s essentially burning off a layer of cement, which can give the pool a cleaner, fresher appearance. While this may sound like an easy fix, there’s a serious trade-off: acid washing weakens your plaster. It removes cement, exposes the rough aggregate beneath, and makes it easier for algae to grow. And if the plaster is already thin, it can start falling off during the wash, forcing you to resurface anyway. The Hidden Risks of Acid Washing One major downside is that acid washing doesn't address real problems like: - Cracks - Hollow spots - Delamination - Water loss These underlying structural issues don’t go away — they just get masked temporarily. In fact, we’ve seen cases where a cheap acid wash ended up doing more harm than good, ultimately leading to more costly repairs. Florida-Specific Risk: Pool Popping Here in Florida, there's another serious concern: the water table. When you drain a pool, the surrounding groundwater can push upward. If not managed properly, this pressure can literally lift your pool out of the ground — taking the deck with it. To prevent this, professional resurfacing crews drill pressure relief holes in the pool floor, allowing groundwater to balance and reducing the risk of the pool floating. When Acid Washing Might Make Sense There are a few specific cases where acid washing could be worth considering: - You're flipping a house - You plan to sell soon and want a quick cosmetic fix But keep in mind: it’s a short-term solution. You’re spending money now to delay the inevitable — and potentially making things more expensive down the road. Why Painting Isn’t Much Better Painting the pool is another budget-friendly option. It covers stains and makes the pool look refreshed, similar to new plaster — at first. But here’s why we don’t recommend it: - It doesn’t fix any real structural problems - Paint can cause additional plaster flaking - You’ll pay more later when it's time to resurface, because paint must be completely ground off first Add in the same draining risks mentioned above, and it becomes clear that painting is more of a cosmetic band-aid than a real solution. Our Recommendation: Resurfacing Is the Smart Long-Term Move Resurfacing may cost more upfront, but it solves the problem completely. You get new plaster, a smooth finish, and peace of mind knowing your pool is structurally sound and ready for years of enjoyment. At Paradise Pool Service, we believe in doing it right the first time. We don’t offer painting or acid washing services, because we know they don't provide the value our customers deserve. If your pool needs a refresh, resurfacing is the only option that truly restores it.