Skip to content
VillaPool

—Renovation and tiling

The pool renovation process

A renovation follows a sequence. Knowing it helps you plan, compare quotations and understand where surprises can arise.

Renovations begin with a survey of the pool’s condition: tiles, grout, plaster, coping, waterproofing, structure, pipework and equipment. The scope is then agreed — perhaps grout only, perhaps a full strip and refinish with new equipment. Because some conditions only become clear once finishes are removed, a good scope explains how unexpected findings will be handled.

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

Work proceeds from draining and stripping, through repairs to the shell and waterproofing, to new finishes, coping and deck. Equipment upgrades are often done at the same time. The pool is then refilled, equipment started and water balanced. Each stage depends on the previous one being complete and checked.

01Summary

What matters most here

  • Survey defines scope

    What is cosmetic and what is structural.

  • Expect discoveries

    Some defects appear once stripped.

  • Each stage builds on the last

    Checks before covering.

02Detail

Stages

  • Survey

    Condition of finishes, structure and equipment.

  • Draining and stripping

    Exposing what lies beneath.

  • Repairs and waterproofing

    Fixing the shell and sealing it.

  • Finishes

    Tiles, plaster, coping and deck.

  • Equipment and start-up

    New plant, filling and balancing.

03Before you start

When planning

  • Agree how discoveries are handled

    Before work starts.

  • Choose finishes early

    To avoid delays.

  • Plan equipment upgrades

    At the same time.

—In practice

How to use this

Begin with a condition survey and agree a scope that names what is included, what will be checked once finishes are removed, and how any surprises will be priced. Plan draining, garden protection and the order of work. Agree inspection points — after stripping, after waterproofing, before refilling — and a handover with photographs and records of what was done.

Mistakes worth avoiding

No allowance for discovery
Some defects only appear once finishes are stripped. Agree how they will be assessed and priced before work begins.
Skipping inspection before refilling
Once the pool is full again, problems are far harder and more expensive to reach. Inspect before any water goes back in.

04FAQ

Common questions about this

Why can’t the full scope be known in advance?
Some defects are hidden under finishes until they are removed.
Should equipment be replaced during renovation?
It is a convenient time if equipment is ageing.
Can we use the garden during works?
Usually, with the pool area fenced off.
What happens at the end?
Refilling, equipment start-up, water balancing and handover.

05Read next

More pool guides on this

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

—NEXT

Planning a renovation?

Send photos of the pool. We will suggest the scope and sequence.

Describe your pool+971 56 181 0106WhatsAppPool Renovation & Tile Replacement