## When Your Encino Pool Needs More Than Repairs
You’ve probably noticed the signs for years. Plaster rough enough to scrape skin. Tile cracked or popping off at the waterline. Coping that looks like it belongs in a different decade. Equipment that runs constantly but barely keeps the water clear.
At some point, patching and repairing stops making sense. You start wondering if your pool needs something more substantial.
Most Encino pools built in the 1980s through early 2000s have reached this point. The original plaster has a lifespan of 15-20 years before it becomes porous and stained beyond any surface treatment. Tile and coping materials from that era weren’t just different aesthetically—they were installed with methods that don’t hold up to decades of thermal cycling and water chemistry. Equipment technology from even 10 years ago is dramatically less efficient than what’s available now.
When you’re facing multiple repair needs simultaneously, when the aesthetic feels permanently dated no matter how clean you keep the water, when your backyard pool feels more like a maintenance burden than the retreat it should be—that’s when pool remodeling becomes the smarter path. Not because repairs aren’t possible, but because full remodeling solves all these issues at once and gives you a pool that functions and looks like it was built this year.
## What Pool Remodeling Actually Includes
Pool remodeling is often misunderstood as simple resurfacing. It’s actually a full reconstruction of everything above the structural shell. Think of it as the difference between painting a room and completely renovating it with new finishes, fixtures, and systems.
The surface itself is the most visible component. This means complete removal of old plaster or previous finish down to the gunite shell, repair of any underlying surface issues, and application of new finish—whether that’s updated plaster, quartz aggregate, or pebble finish. Each of these materials has different aesthetic qualities, texture, and longevity. The choice fundamentally changes how the pool looks and feels.
Tile replacement addresses the waterline band and any decorative elements. Modern pool tile is typically glass or porcelain in contemporary profiles, dramatically different from the small ceramic squares or brick-pattern tile common in older pools. This single change often has the biggest visual impact in making a pool look current rather than dated.
Coping is the cap around the pool edge where the deck meets the water. Original pools often used brick, thick precast concrete, or basic stone. Contemporary coping tends toward cantilevered concrete—where the deck appears to float over the water edge—natural stone with clean lines, or poured-in-place solutions that create smooth transitions. Updating coping changes the entire profile and sight lines of the pool.
Equipment replacement or upgrading brings the functional systems into current technology. Variable-speed pumps use 70% less energy than old single-speed models. LED lighting systems create ambiance impossible with old incandescent fixtures. Salt water chlorination systems. Automation that lets you control everything from your phone. If your equipment is more than a decade old, remodeling is the logical time to modernize everything at once.
The scope can also include adding features that didn’t exist in the original pool—upgraded returns and jets for better circulation, sun shelf additions in shallow areas, spa integration, water features, or upgraded drains that meet current safety codes. Remodeling opens possibilities that maintenance and repair never address.
## The Remodeling vs. Replacement Decision
Not every aging pool should be remodeled. Some need complete replacement. Understanding which situation you’re in matters enormously—both financially and for long-term satisfaction.
Remodeling makes sense when the structural shell is sound. Gunite pools built properly can last 50+ years, so a pool from the 1990s likely has decades of structural life remaining if the shell doesn’t have significant cracking, movement, or failure. Minor surface cracks are normal and addressed during remodeling. Major structural cracks, separation at the beam, or evidence of movement suggests deeper problems that remodeling won’t fix.
The existing design should also be fundamentally acceptable. Remodeling can change finishes, coping, tile, and equipment, but it can’t dramatically change the pool’s shape, depth, or footprint without becoming cost-prohibitive. If your pool’s basic design doesn’t work—it’s too small, the shape is awkward, the depth is wrong for how you want to use it—you’re probably looking at replacement rather than remodeling.
Lot conditions matter too. Pools on hillside properties with access limitations or complex drainage situations sometimes need engineering work that approaches replacement cost. Pools with problematic tree root intrusion, settling issues, or deck failures around the perimeter might require such extensive supporting work that new construction becomes the better value.
Your long-term plans factor in as well. If you’re planning to stay in your Encino home for many years and want a pool that reflects current outdoor living standards, remodeling is usually the smart investment—you get modern function and aesthetics at roughly half the cost of replacement. If you’re preparing to sell and just need the pool to look presentable, sometimes targeted repairs and cosmetic updates are sufficient.
We assess all these factors when we evaluate a pool. Sometimes we tell homeowners that remodeling is the perfect solution. Sometimes we recommend replacement. The goal is making sure you invest in the right solution for your specific situation and property.
If you’re not sure which direction makes sense for your pool, we can walk through your situation together. Schedule an assessment and we’ll give you an honest recommendation based on what we find.
## How We Transform Dated Pools Into Contemporary Designs
The difference between a pool that looks remodeled versus a pool that looks modern comes down to material choices and design details. This is where architectural understanding separates investment-grade remodeling from basic refinishing.
Surface finish creates the water color and texture experience. Old plaster creates that bright blue pool look that immediately dates the design. Pebble finishes in gray, blue, or earth tones create the natural water colors you see in resort and contemporary pools—they also last 15-20 years compared to plaster’s 10-12. Quartz aggregates offer middle-ground options with slightly smoother texture than pebble but more visual depth than plaster. The finish choice is one of the most important aesthetic decisions in remodeling.
Tile selection has evolved dramatically. Contemporary pools use glass tile in linear patterns, large-format porcelain that reads as continuous bands rather than individual squares, or natural stone that coordinates with coping and decking materials. Waterline tile in older pools was purely functional—a 6-inch band of ceramic squares. Modern tile is an architectural element that defines the pool’s character. Choosing tile that complements your home’s style rather than generic pool supply options makes the difference between integrated design and obvious remodel.
Coping treatment changes the entire edge reading. Cantilevered coping where the deck extends slightly over the water creates that clean modern line where water meets edge without visible joint. Natural stone coping in bluestone, travertine, or sandstone brings material richness. Even when using concrete coping, contemporary profiles are thinner and cleaner-lined than the thick rounded edges of older pools. This detail alone transforms how the pool relates to the surrounding deck and yard.
Lighting technology has completely changed. LED systems can create any color, can be controlled remotely, use minimal energy, and last years without bulb replacement. Proper lighting placement—not just the standard mid-wall locations but strategic positioning for ambiance and safety—turns the pool into an architectural feature at night rather than just illuminated water.
We also address return fittings, drains, and waterline details that most people don’t consciously notice but which contribute to dated versus contemporary appearance. Using low-profile returns, coordinating all visible fittings in consistent finishes, ensuring clean alignment and spacing—these details signal quality and intentional design.
The goal isn’t making your remodeled pool look new. It’s making it look like it was originally designed and built to current standards, integrated with your home’s architecture and your outdoor living vision.
## The Pool Remodeling Process in Encino
Understanding what actually happens during pool remodeling helps you plan around the timeline and know what to expect through each phase.
Everything starts with assessment and design. We evaluate your pool’s current condition, discuss what’s working and what isn’t, understand your vision for the finished result, and develop a remodeling plan that addresses structural needs and achieves your aesthetic goals. This includes material selections, equipment specifications, and any feature additions or modifications. For most Encino remodeling projects, this planning phase takes 1-2 weeks.
Permit acquisition comes next. Los Angeles building department requires permits for pool remodeling that includes structural work, equipment changes, or modifications to safety features. We handle the entire permitting process—plan submission, responding to any department questions, and obtaining approved permits before work begins. Depending on plan check workload, permits typically take 2-4 weeks. This is also when we coordinate any HOA approvals if your property requires them.
Demolition and preparation is the messy phase. We drain the pool, remove old tile and coping, sandblast or chip out the existing plaster down to the shell, make any necessary structural repairs to the gunite, update plumbing and electrical as specified, and prepare surfaces for new finishes. This phase typically takes 3-5 days depending on pool size and scope.
Tile and coping installation comes next. New coping is set around the entire perimeter with proper drainage consideration and expansion joints. Waterline and decorative tile is installed with current waterproofing methods and materials that prevent the debonding issues common in older installations. This phase usually takes 3-5 days with proper cure time between steps.
Surface application is the final interior finish. Whether plaster, quartz, or pebble, the new surface is applied in a single continuous process, troweled to proper finish, and then requires careful startup procedures. The application itself takes one day, but the curing and initial water chemistry balancing extends 3-4 weeks with specific procedures for proper finish longevity.
Equipment installation and startup happens concurrently with surface curing. New pumps, filters, heaters, sanitization systems, lighting, and automation are installed and programmed. Once the surface has properly cured and water chemistry is balanced, we train you on all new systems and controls.
Total timeline from permit to completion typically runs 6-10 weeks depending on scope and material choices. The actual construction disruption period—when your backyard is an active work site—is usually 2-3 weeks. Planning this timeline relative to seasons matters in Encino. If you want the pool ready for summer, starting in March or early April gives you the best chance of completion by Memorial Day. Projects started in fall can often take advantage of milder working conditions and less pressure around holiday schedules.
## Investment Tiers and What to Expect
Pool remodeling cost in Encino varies significantly based on scope, materials, and existing conditions. Understanding the investment tiers helps you match budget to desired outcome.
A cosmetic refresh runs $25,000-$45,000 for a typical residential pool. This addresses the surface, waterline tile, and coping with standard materials—new plaster finish, ceramic or basic glass tile, concrete or stone coping. Equipment stays in place unless it’s failing. This level works when the pool’s underlying systems are functional and you primarily need updated appearance and a fresh surface. You’ll get a clean, attractive pool, but it may not have the dramatic transformation or modern features of more extensive remodeling.
Full remodeling runs $50,000-$85,000 and includes premium surface finishes like pebble or quartz, contemporary tile selections, updated coping treatment, complete equipment replacement with modern efficient systems, and LED lighting upgrades. This level addresses both aesthetics and function comprehensively. The pool looks and operates like current construction. This is the most common scope for Encino homes where owners plan to stay long-term and want the pool to match the quality of their home and neighborhood standards.
Complete transformation with architectural features runs $90,000-$150,000+. This includes everything in full remodeling plus spa additions or integration, water features, fire features, expanded shallow areas like sun shelves or beach entries, complete automation systems, and sometimes deck or hardscape work coordinated with the pool remodel. This level makes sense when you’re essentially redesigning your entire backyard experience and want resort-quality outdoor living.
These ranges reflect typical Encino projects with standard access and site conditions. Hillside properties, limited access requiring special equipment, or pools with significant structural repairs needed can increase costs. Complex permit situations or extensive HOA approval processes sometimes extend timelines but don’t usually affect cost dramatically.
The investment perspective matters here. In Encino’s real estate market, quality pool remodeling typically returns 60-80% of cost in immediate property value, and often more than 100% in properties where the pool was significantly detracting from overall presentation. Beyond resale value, there’s the practical return of actually using and enjoying your backyard rather than avoiding an outdated or problematic pool.
We provide detailed scope and cost breakdowns during the assessment phase so you can make an informed decision about the investment level that makes sense for your situation and goals.
## Why Encino Homeowners Choose Lax Home for Pool Remodeling
We’ve been remodeling pools in the San Fernando Valley since 1999. That’s 25 years of working with Encino’s specific housing stock, lot conditions, permit requirements, and homeowner expectations.
Our approach treats pool remodeling as architectural work, not just construction. We look at how the pool relates to your home’s style, your deck and hardscape materials, your outdoor living patterns. Material selections are made with design integration in mind, not just catalog options. This matters in Encino where homes range from traditional ranch to contemporary, and the pool should feel like it belongs with the architecture rather than generic backyard feature.
We handle permits completely. You don’t deal with the building department, plan check comments, or inspection scheduling. We submit plans, address any questions or revisions, obtain all necessary permits, and coordinate inspections through final approval. In 25 years we’ve developed working relationships with LA building department staff that helps move projects through without unnecessary delays.
Material quality is non-negotiable. We work with pool finish manufacturers whose products we’ve seen perform well for 15+ years. Tile suppliers whose products don’t debond or craze. Equipment brands that actually last and can be serviced locally. We’ve seen what holds up and what fails, and we only install what we’d put in our own pools.
Communication stays consistent throughout the project. You work with the same project manager from assessment through completion. When you have questions about timeline, material choices, or how something will look, you talk to someone who knows your specific project and can give you real answers. No phone trees or different person every time you call.
If something isn’t right after completion, we address it. Plaster finish not curing properly? We’ll fix it. Tile installation that doesn’t meet our standard? We redo it. Equipment that’s not functioning as specified? We make it right. We’ve been in Encino long enough that our reputation depends on how pools look and function five years later, not just at final walkthrough.
Pool remodeling is a significant investment and a substantial disruption to your home. The contractor you choose determines whether you get the modern, functional pool you’re envisioning or just a refinished version of the same problems you had before. Most of our Encino pool remodeling work comes from referrals—homeowners who’ve seen what we did for their neighbors and want the same quality and reliability for their own project.