Your Fall Swimming Pool Remodeling Project: A 10 Step Action Plan To Create Your Ultimate Backyard Experience Before The New Year Hits

With the Labor Day turn and fall on our doorsteps here in the North Dallas metroplex, it’s the time of year when many area homeowners plan out their home improvement projects ahead of the holiday season.

Among those projects homeowners often choose to perform this time of year are full swimming pool remodeling projects.

With the summertime backyard fun coming to a close, it’s easy to see why this can be one of the preferred times of year to get a project like this in – as they evaluate the condition of their pool after the summer.

Planning out a pool remodeling project can take some time when properly done right, so it’s a great time for them to map out the project before the end of the year – and get it wrapped up before the next swimming pool season hits next summer.

I reviewed the difference between a remodeling project and renovation project in an earlier post, but in case you missed it, a pool remodeling project can be a bit larger project, due to the changes to the pool area. 

Pool remodels typically will undergo a size, shape or other large architectural change – giving it a completely new look after the work is done.

During a pool renovation project, the goal is to restore the pool back to a previous, better state – often with enhancements – but not undergoing a completely different change, necessarily. 

As you can imagine, then, with the larger scope of a remodeling project a rock-solid plan is necessary to not only keep your long-term pool dreams in place, but also make sure things don’t get missed in the transformation.

To help you out, below is a brief 10 step plan you can follow to help ensure your pool remodel goes smoothly this year in this beautiful area of Texas we call home this fall.

1. Ideas & Vision

Every remodel starts with an idea or vision

What size (and depth) do you want it?

What shape is ideal?

What other features would you like to add in the remodeling process?

What will the pool deck area look like, if that’s being remodeled as well?

There’s an endless list here, but the idea is simple: what does your dream swimming pool look like? 

2. Details Matter

Once you have an idea of what your dream swimming pool looks like, then you can drill down to some finer details.

Details such as pool materials (tile and finishes), pool equipment needed for feature improvements and other important aesthetic materials are vital to determine here.

3. Budget Estimation

Like any home improvement project you’re likely going to attach a budget.

While you might start with a budget in mind, you’ll likely want to stay flexible at this point as you gather more information from your pool remodeling contractor (see next step).

4. Recruit A Swimming Pool Remodeling Contractor To Guide The Process

With your vision, details and budget in mind, you can move to recruiting your pool remodeling contractor.

These are not DIY projects — you’re going to want a professional pool contractor to handle all of the logistics for you (including recruiting the necessary contractors to complete the project).

Not all pool contractors are the same, however, so make sure to look at their most recent reviews and projects.

Experience matters here – you want a pool contractor that has seen their fair share of backyards.  Each backyard can offer its own hurdles and challenges, so going with a more experienced contractor means they’ll be able to spot things that other inexperienced contractors may not see on the surface.

5. Book The Contractor You Feel Most Comfortable With

Once you’ve whittled your list down to a few select contractors, go with the one you feel most comfortable with.

Comparing two different contractors on price can often be misleading (not all pool contractors estimate their projects the same), so if you feel more comfortable with one or the other, odds are you’ll be more satisfied with the remodeling experience.

6. Ask For A Clear Timeline On Project Start, Milestones & Estimated Completion Date

With your contractor in place, be sure to get a clear estimation on the project timeline before any work starts.

If they can’t produce a rock-solid timeline, they may not be as equipped as you think – an experienced contractor will know exactly how the project will go and confidently map out your pool project schedule.

7. Consider Before & After Pictures To Document Your Journey

Before your project begins it can be nice to document your pool transformation with a “before” picture.

This is a great way to show off your transformation and preserve any past memories of the pool before the remodeling work begins.

8. Your Input Matters, But Let Your Contractor Do Their Thing

Along the way during your remodeling project, you may want to add your input on the project – whether about the details or other aspects of your project.

Ultimately, though, you’re going to want your pool contractor to do their thing as the project progresses.  It may not look nice during the process, so allow them to do their work as your pool experience develops.

9. Be Patient As Your Pool Finishes Up/Settles

As your pool remodel starts coming together you’re going to start feeling the itch to start exploring your new pool space.

However your pool is still in a fragile state as things settle, so be patient until your pool contractor tells you it’s safe to get a closer look. 

10. Leave Your Contractor A Good Review

With your pool remodel all wrapped up, be sure to jump on your favorite online platform (Google, Facebook, etc.) and offer your local pool contractor a review.

Any proper pool contractor will be proud of their work, and your feedback can help others in the area learn about your experience working with them.

Kick Back, Relax & Enjoy The Swimming Pool Experience Of Your Dreams

Your pool project is now complete – it’s time to treat yourself; it’s been an adventure revamping your backyard.

When your pool is all the way ready, bring out the best pool accessories – kick back, relax and soak up the well-earned sunshine next to the swimming pool of your dreams.