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—Renovation and tiling

Changing a pool’s shape or depth

Families change, and so do the pools they need. Some changes are straightforward; others are structural.

A pool that was built deep for diving may no longer suit a family with young children. Raising part of the floor to create a shallower area, adding a sun ledge, or building new steps are common changes made inside the existing shell. These involve new structure within the pool, reconnecting fittings and refinishing.

Renovation guides cover work on a pool that already exists: its surface, its waterproofing and sometimes its structure.

Changing the outline — extending, shortening or reshaping — means cutting into or adding to the shell, with structural and waterproofing implications. These changes need engineering input and approvals and are closer to new construction than renovation.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Inside changes

    Raising floors, adding steps or ledges.

  • Outline changes

    Structural and more complex.

  • Fittings move

    Drains and lights may need relocating.

02Detail

Possible changes

  • Raising the floor

    New structure is built inside the shell to make part or all of the pool shallower, then waterproofed and finished.

  • Adding a ledge

    A shallow sun ledge or a bench is built against a wall, giving a place to sit or for small children to paddle.

  • New steps

    Easier entry for children or older users.

  • Reshaping

    Cutting or extending the shell, with engineering input.

03Before you start

Before planning

  • Decide what you need

    Shallower, easier entry, more space.

  • Get the original drawings

    If available.

  • Check approvals

    For structural changes.

—In practice

How to use this

Decide what the pool needs to do now — a shallow area for children, a sun ledge, easier steps — and ask whether it can be achieved inside the existing shell. Changes within the shell are simpler; changes to the outline are structural. Check how any change affects the main drain, returns and circulation before the design is agreed.

Mistakes worth avoiding

Covering drains and returns
Raising part of the floor can bury fittings that then need relocating. Plan circulation changes as part of the design.
Assuming every change is minor
Changing the pool’s outline is structural work with approvals, not a refinish. Treat it as a construction project.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Can a deep end be made shallower?
Yes, by raising the floor within the shell.
Do drains need moving?
Often, if the floor level changes.
Is extending a pool possible?
Sometimes, with structural and approval considerations.
Is it cheaper than a new pool?
Interior changes usually are; major reshaping may approach new-build cost.
Do I need approval to change the depth?
Internal changes may not, but structural changes often do; check with the community.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

Filed under pool renovation & tile replacement. Every pool guide is listed on the pool guides page.

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