If your swimming pool is looking dated, showing signs of age, or simply doesn’t fit the way your family uses the backyard anymore, a pool remodel can completely transform the space without the expense of building a brand-new pool.

Many homeowners assume remodeling means spending tens of thousands of dollars on a complete rebuild. In reality, there are renovation options available for nearly every budget. Whether you’re refreshing the appearance of your pool, upgrading outdated equipment, or adding modern features that improve comfort and efficiency, strategic improvements can breathe new life into an aging backyard.

At Legacy Pool & Spa, we help Sacramento-area homeowners prioritize renovations that provide the biggest impact for their investment. Here’s a look at some of the most popular pool remodeling projects, organized from the most affordable upgrades to larger renovations.

Understanding Our Remodeling Cost Guide

Every pool is different, so remodeling costs can vary depending on the size of your pool, the materials you choose, site conditions, and the scope of the project. Rather than providing exact prices, we’ve organized the ideas below using a simple cost guide to help you compare renovation options at a glance.

Our remodeling cost scale:

• $ – Under $2,500
• $$ – Approximately $2,500–$10,000
• $$$ – Approximately $10,000–$25,000
• $$$$ – $25,000 and up

These ranges are intended as general budgeting guidelines. The best way to determine the cost of your pool renovation is to schedule a consultation so we can evaluate your existing pool and provide recommendations tailored to your goals and budget.

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1. Replace Old Pool Equipment

Estimated Cost: $-$$

One of the smartest investments isn’t something you necessarily see—it’s what keeps your pool running.

Older pumps, filters, heaters, automation systems, and plumbing components often operate inefficiently and require frequent repairs. Replacing aging equipment can lower monthly energy costs, improve water circulation, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected breakdowns during the hottest months of the year.

Equipment upgrades may include:

• Variable-speed pool pumps
• Cartridge or DE filters
• Energy-efficient heaters or heat pumps
• New plumbing manifolds
• Updated valves
• Modern sanitization systems

Many homeowners recover a portion of their investment through lower utility bills and fewer repair calls.

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2. Convert to a Salt Water Pool

Estimated Cost: $-$$

Salt water pools continue to grow in popularity because they provide a softer, more comfortable swimming experience while reducing day-to-day maintenance.

Rather than manually adding chlorine every week, a salt chlorination system converts dissolved salt into chlorine automatically.

Benefits include:

• Softer-feeling water
• Less chlorine odor
• Reduced eye and skin irritation
• More consistent water chemistry
• Lower long-term chemical costs

For many existing pools, converting to salt water requires only equipment upgrades rather than major construction.

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3. Add Pool Automation

Estimated Cost: $-$$

Pool automation puts complete control of your backyard in the palm of your hand.

Using a smartphone or tablet, homeowners can manage:

• Pool pumps
• Spa functions
• Heaters
• Lighting
• Water features
• Cleaning schedules

Automation also improves efficiency by automatically running equipment during optimal times, helping reduce energy consumption.

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4. Upgrade to LED Pool Lighting

Estimated Cost: $-$$

Replacing older incandescent pool lights with modern LED fixtures is one of the quickest ways to modernize an aging pool.

LED lighting offers:

• Dramatically lower electricity usage
• Longer service life
• Brilliant color-changing displays
• Holiday lighting programs
• Better nighttime visibility

A simple lighting upgrade can completely change the atmosphere of your backyard after sunset.

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5. Replace Old Tile and Coping

Estimated Cost: $$-$$$

Nothing dates a swimming pool faster than cracked waterline tile, faded coping, or outdated finishes.

Replacing these materials instantly refreshes the appearance of the pool without changing its overall layout.

Popular remodeling choices include:

• Glass tile
• Porcelain tile
• Natural stone coping
• Travertine
• Limestone
• Modern poured concrete coping

Because tile and coping frame the pool, replacing them creates one of the biggest visual improvements homeowners can make.

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6. Replaster Your Pool

Estimated Cost: $$-$$$

Pool plaster isn’t designed to last forever.

Over time, homeowners often notice:

• Rough surfaces
• Staining
• Fading
• Surface cracking
• Increased algae attachment

Replastering restores the smooth finish while protecting the structural shell underneath. If your pool surface is more than 10 to 15 years old, resurfacing is often one of the best investments you can make.

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7. Upgrade to a Pebble Interior Finish

Estimated Cost: $$$

If you’re already resurfacing your pool, upgrading from traditional plaster to a premium pebble finish is worth considering.

Pebble interiors have become one of today’s most requested remodeling upgrades because they provide:

• Exceptional durability
• Beautiful natural texture
• Rich water colors
• Longer lifespan than standard plaster
• Better stain resistance

While the initial investment is higher than traditional plaster, many homeowners appreciate the extended life and upscale appearance.

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8. Add a Tanning Ledge

Estimated Cost: $$$

A tanning ledge—also known as a Baja shelf or sun shelf—is one of the most desirable features in modern pool design.

These shallow lounging areas are perfect for:

• Relaxing in lounge chairs
• Small children
• Cooling off
• Sunbathing
• Creating a resort-style backyard

Adding a tanning ledge often requires modifying the existing pool shell, making it a larger remodeling project that significantly changes how the pool is enjoyed.

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9. Add Water Features and Retaining Walls

Estimated Cost: $$$-$$$$

Architectural upgrades can completely transform an ordinary swimming pool into a luxury backyard retreat.

Popular additions include:

• Sheer descents
• Scuppers
• Deck jets
• Bubblers
• Raised bond beams
• Decorative retaining walls
• Natural stone features

Moving water adds both visual beauty and the soothing sound of flowing water while retaining walls can provide elevation changes that make the entire backyard feel more custom and upscale.

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10. Add a Spa to Your Existing Pool

Estimated Cost: $$$$

For homeowners planning a major renovation, adding an attached spa is often the ultimate backyard upgrade.

An integrated spa offers:

• Year-round enjoyment
• Hydrotherapy benefits
• Increased home value
• Expanded entertaining space
• A luxury resort-style appearance

Although adding a spa is one of the larger remodeling investments, it can completely transform both the look and functionality of an older swimming pool.

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Which Pool Remodel Offers the Best Value?

Not every renovation requires a complete backyard overhaul.

Many homeowners achieve the biggest transformation by combining several smaller improvements into one remodeling project. For example, pairing new tile and coping with fresh plaster, LED lighting, pool automation, and updated equipment can make a decades-old pool look and perform like a brand-new installation without the cost of building from scratch.

The best remodeling projects strike a balance between aesthetics, functionality, energy efficiency, and long-term value. An experienced contractor can help prioritize upgrades based on your budget while creating a phased remodeling plan if you’d prefer to tackle improvements over time.

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Trust Your Pool Remodel to Qualified Professionals

Pool remodeling is much more involved than replacing finishes or installing new equipment. Structural modifications, plumbing, electrical work, waterproofing, and finish installation all require specialized knowledge to ensure the project is completed safely and built to last.

Choosing the right contractor protects your investment and helps ensure the finished project complies with California building codes and industry best practices.

Legacy Pool & Spa is fully licensed, bonded, and insured, and proudly holds a California C-53 Swimming Pool Contractor license. Our experienced team specializes in everything from pool resurfacing and equipment upgrades to complete pool renovations, spa additions, water features, and custom backyard transformations throughout the Sacramento region.

Whether you’re looking to refresh an aging pool with a few modern upgrades or completely reinvent your backyard, Legacy Pool & Spa has the experience and craftsmanship to bring your vision to life. Contact us today to schedule a consultation and discover how we can transform your existing pool into the backyard you’ve always wanted.