Pool Renovation Ideas

If you can't add a statue, you can still make some cool renovations.

Everybody gets excited when the family gets a swimming pool, but even this instantly cool source of recreation can get a little stale over time. Beefing up the aesthetic appeal, beauty and usability of a pool with some renovations can be a simple and relatively inexpensive undertaking. Of course, if you really want to create a wow factor, be prepared to spend heavily, turn up mountains of dirt and end up with a truly spectacular attraction in your backyard.

Add a Gazebo

Adding a small gazebo gives you a place to change your clothes, quickly get out of the rain and provide a greater measure of privacy if the placement is right. Gazebos are also quite useful as storage for all your pool equipment in the off-season. Add a patio in front of the gazebo and you've got a place for picnics and barbecues.

Lighting

The "Better Homes and Gardens Pool and Spa Planner" advises the addition of lighting schemes to make renovations to the pool that create a striking impact. Underwater lighting with tubes provides an opportunity to make your swimming pool seem to possess an otherworldly glow. Landscape lighting highlights features like trees, shrubs or statues to provide dramatic shadows, as well as illumination.

Add a Spa, Sauna or Hot Tub

The equipment used to pump the water into your pool and heat the water could potentially be utilized for doing double duty with a hot tub or spa. Installation and operating costs will be significantly reduced if you use all or even just part of the existing pool system, according to the book "Sunset Ideas for Hot Tubs, Spas and Home Saunas."

Cascading Waterfall

If you have the money to make a truly inspiring renovation to your pool, consider adding a cascading waterfall. Waterfalls can be big or small and utilize rocks or boulders. Pre-formed waterfalls are available for the DIY who enjoys something of a challenge. A professional can be brought in to make a much larger and more impressive waterfall with a reservoir of water that can supply each of the individual cascades.

Liners, Plaster and Tiles

You can also renovate a pool without adding anything on the exterior. Adding a brand new liner to the pool can change the entire look. According to the book "Sunset Western Landscaping," replastering your pool with darkly-colored material can transform its appearance into something like a lagoon. Installing new tile to the pool can make a dramatic or even startling change, depending on the colors or design you choose.

Poolside Kitchen

For the ultimate in party pool renovation, build some columns inside the pool to serve as bar stools. Alongside that area, you should build an outdoor grill and counter space on which you can serve food and drink that can be eaten without getting out of the pool.

References

• "Better Homes and Gardens Pool and Spa Planner;" Brian Kramer, Ed.; 2004
• "Sunset Ideas for Hot Tubs, Spas and Home Saunas;" Jack McDowell, Ed.; 1979
• "Sunset Western Landscaping;" Kathleen Norris Brenzel, Ed.; 1997
• Homeimprovementpages.com: Swimming Pool Renovations